From Lancaster 3rd edition book. Itis mention that H3 bursting charges are used for small shell, while KP is use in medium size shell and for big shell, it is safer to use BP bursting charge.
The above statement was adopted and since than all my 3 inches shell, used KP with a ratio 7: 1. I also found that in Lancaster book, He mention to keep the ratio 80:20 which is 4:1. Before I change my bursting charge from KP to BP, I might have to adopt a smaller ratio. Thxs
Nice work, But the Ratio's vary for many reasons which have been discussed, but of course I will throw in my 2 pence,
7:1 KP Burst, I assume rice hulls, That Makes for some Big Hulls from a Mesh Size Point of View. So while you have more of the Composition effectively as the burst, You can't fit as much of it in the shell. The 4:1 Ratio makes a much smaller Mesh Size and Therefore Hidee HO smaller = More in the interstitial spaces between the stars and more of the Comp actually in the middle of the Shell, measure/weigh it for yourself and see...... 4:1 Ratio IE; Smaller Particals are better at filling in all the spaces and making for a rattle (READ Friction Free) rattle free shell. It took Tim and I a LOOOONG time to Figure this out as He has the mentality that H3 Burst 6:1 or 7:1 is Better Than Hot Peanuts at a ball game, Only after much convincing and lab scale weighing could I prove my Point. 4:1 H3 is his Favorite Burst for 6's to 12's. He then Pastes them to the Nth Degree until they are sometimes a little hard to drop in the Mortar, I carry a Cane Just for that reason to our shoots, for a push stick haha. Some might say too strong but when you've seen Tims Willow Shells Break 1/4 Mile Wide (12" shells) and Just Keep on Trucking, it's a sight to behold.
The other thing I personally don't like about large Ratio Burst is the Remnant Dim Red Glow in the Middle of where the shell went off, it can and does ruin the symetry of some otherwise beautiful shells because it just falls out of the sky from the middle of the flower. This could Be an effect that could be usefull I suppose, for a falling leaf effect in Larger Shells.
I Like using a dark Burst, but thats my preference, I am not at home at the moment but I will Try to Find a couple of Dark Flash/Burst Comps to post for you to try using Dime (or what ever small coin would be applicable to where you are) Wrapper Flash Bags. Your Mileage May Vary, However it works for me.
You can of Course Mask that red Remmnant glow with Ti Flashbags and such, But the effect on the eye is a big white spot that for the few seconds the stars burn, all you see is a white dot, not very pleasing in my opinion either, so just some random thoughts to ponder for you guys in search of Burst/Symetry/Boom Nirvana
OH, One Last thing, in one of the Best of AFN's there is a little side line snippet about shimmering Burst, and a Ti Trailer Burst, when the shell maker was asked how he did it, he said simply, 1/2 oz Coarse Titaninium and 1/2oz Sawdust (By Volume as scoops) were used, this is put in a smallish plastic Bag, sealed and just thrown in the shell upon assembly, The Vacuum Created behind the stars as they are expelled from the shell pull the burning Ti behind the stars resulting in an interesting effect. I have tried it a time or 2 and while it was cool, it still gave that white dot syndrom though to a much lesser degree, interesting effect, relatively safe thing for you guys to try.
BY the Way, The Crackerjacks My
Club is revamping some of the website, The Guy in the Middle is Yours Truly, Wiring up 50 (simultaneous Launch) 4" Salutes to Announce the Beggining of Open Shooting on Saturday. Fair Credit due, The Guy on My Left is a great Pyro friend Bill Quitman and to the right, Jimmy....uh, well, Jimmy! So take a peak and see! Shameless, Simply Shameless, but it did get everyone (Late Sleepers) out of thier tents......hahahahahaha
Stay Green, Best Regards,
Bear
