It might cause the pigeon to cramp up and die, but it will not make it explode. It's likely that a pigeon could pass the gas though, so one might not die from it after all. In general, all stories of birds exploding from something they've eaten, unless it's dynamite or maybe matter and anti-matter, are entirely false.

Shooting is fun. Explosions are fun. Combining the two? Well, that’s just awesome.

With exploding targets like Tannerite, you can do just that. You probably already have some idea of what Tannerite is, but if you don’t, the name exploding targets should be explanation enough.

However, before you just go out and get yourself some, make sure to read up on them. It’s extremely important that these are used in a safe manner and the more you know about tannerite and exploding targets in general, then the better off you’ll be.

1. These mistaken beliefs about exploding birds are not grounded in science, but they persist nonetheless. They seem to be based on the assumption that birds cannot, to put it colloquially.
2. Some pigeons exploding.Filmed by Dan LoweDirected by Chris CairnsTrigger system by Dave Cranmer.

Ready to find out more? Then, here we go.

What Is Tannerite?

For starters, Tannerite is technically a brand name that’s begun being used for exploding targets of its kind in general, similar to how Band-Aid is used to describe any adhesive bandage and all colorful, plastic, flying discs are called Frisbees. So, there are other brands.

Tannerite, like the similar exploding targets out there, is a binary explosive.

This means that it comes as two separate components, an oxidizer and a fuel, which the user then mixes together when they’re ready to shoot. Think the two liquids from the Die Hard movie, the one with Samuel L Jackson.

Each individual component is not explosive on its own and even when mixed, Tannerite is still very stable.

It will only detonate when struck by something with a velocity of at least 2000 feet per second. It won’t detonate if dropped or struck by something going slower than 2000 feet per second, no matter how heavy. It also isn’t flammable, so it can’t be detonated with electricity or fire.

Most popular rifle rounds have a high enough velocity to detonate Tannerite, including 5.56 NATO, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 7.62 Soviet, and pretty much any other high-velocity rifle round.

For other gun types, your options are limited. Shotgun rounds won’t do the trick and only one handgun round, .22 TCM, has the ability to achieve the velocity necessary to detonate Tannerite.

Once detonated, Tannerite does what explosives do: it produces a big cloud, a lot of kinetic energy, and makes a loud noise.

Now Tannerite isn’t the only binary explosive. There are also rimfire binary explosives, like those sold under the brand name White Lightning. However, these explosives are less stable than Tannerite and therefore less safe and are often more expensive as well. Be careful with them.

Why Use Exploding Targets?

So what’s the point of using an exploding target like Tannerite?

For one, they’re great for long-distance shooting. The loud noise and visible explosion leave no question that the target has been hit, even without using an optic to check the target.

But also, they’re just fun to shoot, and they’re affordable and you can shoot them, so why not? If you’re going to do some shooting and you want to change things up or add another level of fun to the mix, tannerite can be a good option.

But fun and games aside, there are a few things to keep in mind whenever you deal with Tannerite.

Safety Considerations

Remember, it’s explosive. It’s loud, it creates a lot of kinetic energy, and creates a cloud of dust and smoke. Always wear eye and ear protection when using Tannerite and make sure those around you do as well, but you should be doing that whenever you shoot anyway.

In addition, while Tannerite itself can’t be detonated with a fuse or spark, once detonated, Tannerite can ignite flammable things nearby and has been responsible for wildfires.

One such instance led to a wildfire that took a week to contain and spread over approximately 46,000 acres, including a national conservation area.

Don’t be that guy; make sure your Tannerite is well away from anything flammable and don’t use it anywhere that a fire watch has been issued.

You also don’t want to use it to blow up anything that can create shrapnel or, obviously, anything that you’d like to remain in one piece. You may have seen it used to blow up old cars and lawnmowers on YouTube, but you should stick to things like melons, chalk-filled easter eggs, and dirt piles.

As for how much to use and how far away you should be, any target that uses one-quarter of a pound of Tannerite or more should be at least 100 yards away from people and animals. Tannerite Sports, the company behind the explosive, recommends that non-professionals use no more than a pound of mixed Tannerite at once.

Finally, Tannerite is toxic if ingested, so when you’re not using it, store it where it can’t be accessed by kids or animals.

Legal Considerations

Mixing Tannerite is considered manufacturing explosives since it’s not legally an explosive until the components are combined. It’s legal for individuals to manufacture explosives for their own personal use, but you need a license to do so for others or for a business, even if it’s your own.

Since it’s illegal to transport or ship explosives and Tannerite isn’t considered an explosive until it’s mixed, Tannerite can only be transported or shipped unmixed.

In addition, because of the risk of fire, Tannerite is banned in some places, including US Forest Service land in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Other individual properties may have bans as well, particularly in the western US, so always check what’s permitted before heading to public lands to shoot.

Exploding Pigeons Game Simulator

State and local laws may also have regulations about Tannerite, like who may use it, whether licensing is required, and how it may be stored and transported. Ignorance is not an excuse, so make sure you check your state and local laws.

Parting Shots

Tannerite, and other similar exploding target materials, can be an awful lot of fun if handled properly and can be a disaster in the making if you aren’t careful. Use it wisely, and in the right ways, and you should have a good time.

Hopefully now you know enough about these exploding targets to be able to buy them confidently and use them safely.

What do you think of exploding targets? Let us know in the comments below! Ready to buy some of your own? Check out the selection at Gander Outdoors!

Explosive Goo is a Material in Raft.

Exploding Birds Game

Summary[edit | edit source]

Exploding Games Free Online

The Explosive Goo can be put into a Smelter and will turn into Explosive Powder.Explosive Goo can be found by killing Poison-Puffers. There is a 100% chance for the Poison-Puffer dropping one Explosive Goo, and a 33% chance of it dropping a second.

Usage[edit | edit source]

• Can be used to create Explosive Powder.

History[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]