By Heidi Lyn Rao

UNDERSTANDING TANNERITE

If you are a shooter in today’s world, you have either posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok, or you have at least watched, liked, or followed the latest and trending shooting videos. You may even be talented enough to record and upload your own videos and post for others to follow and share. Many “Old Timers” used to refer to these types of individuals as “Tech-Wienies.”

There are types of videos that seem to capture everyone’s attention and seem to get the most views. Many of these are videos that use Tannerite to accentuate the “ending.” Tannerite videos get many viewers asking “Where can I get some? Is it dangerous? Is it legal to possess?” The first thing that you need to know is: What is Tannerite?

What Is Tannerite?

Tannerite is the trade name for a type of binary explosive as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). A binary explosive is any explosive that takes two components to create the chemical reaction. Tannerite is sold as a kit – in other words, some assembly required. The kit comes with two components that the consumer must mix prior to use or detonation. The two components are fuel and oxidizers. The fuel is usually aluminum powder, which is highly flammable or explosive. The oxidizers, usually oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, or halogens, allow for a chemical reaction.

Tannerite, or other reactive targets, are not regulated because the individual components are shipped separately and are not individually explosive. Even when the two components are combined, they are not flammable so they cannot be detonated by a fuse or electricity. The only way for Tannerite to be detonated is to be impacted by a high velocity bullet or other projectile. The chemical reaction can only be started by being impacted by a bullet or projectile traveling at 2,000 feet-per-second (fps) or higher. The chemical reaction cannot be initiated by things such as a hammer blow, shotgun blast, or a low velocity bullet or projectile.

White Lightning brand reactive targets can be used with lower velocity firearms. White Lightning reactive targets can even be detonated by pellet gun projectiles. These low velocity reactive targets can be detonated with pellets, .22 Short (S), .22 Long (L), .22 Long Rifle (LR), .22 Magnum (WMR), or any other low velocity handgun or rifle cartridge.

Tannerite Reactive Targets is the largest and most popular reactive target on the market. As such, the name Tannerite is synonymous with reactive targets. Tannerite, being the common name for all reactive targets regardless of brand, is like other ground- breaking products. For example, this is similar to the name commonly used for an adjustable wrench is the trade name “Cresent Wrench,” and people generally refer to all modern sporting rifles as “ARs.”

Is Tannerite Legal?

Tannerite is legal in almost all fifty states. Currently, the only states that prohibit Tannerite without a permit are California and Maryland. Though only prohibited in two states, laws are constantly changing, and it is important to stay abreast of the laws in the state where you reside.

It is not only imperative to know the laws when you purchase any reactive target such as Tannerite, but also while you are in possession of it. For example, it might be legal to possess these products at the time of purchase. If you store them for later use, then maybe a year later you decide to use the product, the possession laws may have changed within that timeframe, and it may be now illegal in your state. It could be possible to become a felon while in possession of a product that was once legally purchased.

Tannerite or other reactive targets are not legal to sell or transfer to another individual once they are mixed and ready to detonate. You also cannot use reactive target mixtures in a business without a federal permit. For example, if you remove tree stumps for pay using Tannerite or any other type of reactive target without an ATF permit, you could receive a large fine.

There is also a current debate going on regarding posting videos showing the use of reactive targets which result in monetization. The question has not yet been answered

if the individual making money from videos when using Tannerite or other reactive targets needs a license or permit by the ATF. In other words, do your research before posting videos on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, or other online sources.

Once Tannerite or another reactive target is mixed, it must be used immediately, unless you are licensed or permitted by the ATF. The ATF is given authority to regulate the transportation of any explosive, including binary explosives, once they are mixed by the Safe Explosives Act.

There could be other regulations regarding the use of Tannerite or other reactive targets you need to be aware of. For example, even though it is legal to purchase in the state that you reside in, most public and private ranges have policies disallowing the use of such products. It is also important to have permission from any landowners or agents regarding the uses while on any property that you do not own. For example, you may have permission to hunt on private property or have a hunting lease, but that does not necessarily give you permission to detonate Tannerite or other reactive targets at that location.

You also need to make sure that the use of Tannerite or other reactive targets is NOT on public lands. There have been individuals prosecuted for using “explosives” on state or federal lands. Some of these individuals have been issued large fines and probation. A good thing to remember, is “explosives” are banned on all federal lands.

Is Tannerite Safe? Use Common Sense

Is Tannerite safe? The real question that should be asked is, “Do you have common sense?” Similar to using a firearm, Tannerite is as safe as the person using it. Follow all the safety rules when using Tannerite or other reactive targets and Use Common Sense!

Tannerite, or other reactive targets, can be dangerous if caution is not used when detonating. First, the components and mixture are toxic to people, pets, and livestock if eaten, so you must treat them with the same care as other poisons. Second, individuals have been seriously injured, lost limbs, and even been killed by carelessly using Tannerite or other reactive targets. Once again, Use Common Sense!

Like most things that are hazardous, distance is your friend. If using ¼ -pound to 1-pound of Tannerite or another reactive target, you should be at least 100-yards away. If you use over a pound of these substances, you should be at least 200 yards or further away. Once again, Use Common Sense!

One of the dangers of using Tannerite or other reactive targets is the possibility of serious bodily injury or death by shrapnel. Shrapnel are fragments or pieces that fly through the air and can strike an individual, seriously hurting or killing them. Reactive targets are safe to use with objects that do not have sharp pieces of metal or shards of glass such as watermelons, eggs, fruit, plastic jugs of water, dirt, etc. Old cars, appliances, or other objects that contain metal and glass objects should be avoided. Once again, Use Common Sense!

Lastly, Tannerite and other reactive targets create heat and sparks. This could cause fires during heat waves and droughts. These products should also not be used around dried or dead vegetation or around flammable substances such as gasoline. This could cause uncontrolled fires which could lead to forest fires. Once again, Use Common Sense!

Tannerite adds a new dimension to shooting. It can be very fun a satisfying if used properly. It is imperative to follow all safety rules and recommendations, regardless of the activity you are pursuing. When using Tannerite you should follow the instructions

and then ask yourself, “Is this safe?” If the answer is no, then DO NOT DO IT! When in doubt, DON’T! Once again, Use Common Sense!