THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire 1 lb targets will detonate with any rifle caliber achieving a velocity of 610 m/s (2,000 fps) or faster at impact. Faster, heavier bullets increase reliability by delivering more kinetic energy to the target; you can never have “too much” velocity or energy to achieve a detonation. We always recommend the use of newly-manufactured, precision ammunition rather than military surplus or “bulk box” ammunition which may not deliver the accuracy necessary to achieve reliable hits. We also recommend the use of a magnified optic to assist in spotting and hitting the target.

THUNDERSHOT Rimfire® 1/2 lb targets will detonate with any .22-caliber projectile achieving a velocity of 305 m/s (1,000 fps) or faster at impact. Any faster, heavier projectile will also detonate THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire, such as 9mm, .45 ACP, 12 gauge slugs and some shot rounds, as well as any centerfire rifle caliber.

Note that the velocities stated are IMPACT velocities, not muzzle velocities. Your ammunition must have a muzzle velocity HIGHER than the impact velocity as the bullet will slow down in flight. Consult your ammunition manufacturer for a ballistic chart.

No. Rimfire calibers can only detonate THUNDERSHOT®  Rimfire targets.

The .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum do not have sufficient velocity to detonate THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire targets. The .17 HMR may work in limited circumstances at reduced ranges, however we do not recommend using THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire targets closer than 100 meters. If you plan on shooting targets with lower energy calibers, we recommend using our THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets.

No. Low velocity calibers can only detonate THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets.

Shotguns, handguns, and pistol caliber rifles do not have sufficient velocity and energy to detonate THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire targets. If you plan on shooting targets with lower energy calibers, we recommend using our THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets.

Yes.

THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets are sensitive to projectiles travelling 1,000 fps (305 m/s) or faster. Any centerfire rifle should be capable of detonating THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets including pistol-caliber carbines.

Centerfire 1 lb – 100 meters.

Rimfire 1/2 lb – 50 meters.

It is NOT recommended to place targets any closer than these distances. When used properly according to the product instructions it has been demonstrated that users should not experience any debris being projected back to them at these distances, but ALWAYS first ensure the target area is clear of any debris and flammable material before shooting.

Targets can be placed further away, but you must keep in mind the velocity of your bullet at range, and not exceed a distance where the bullet will drop below the Minimum Impact Velocity as stated on the product label. Doing so may result in a partial detonation or a misfire. Be aware that the further the target, the more difficult it is to hit. Stay within the limits of your rifle and shooting ability to ensure a solid hit.

Unmixed.

THUNDERSHOT® targets must always be transported in an unmixed state. If you have mixed targets that you are unable to shoot, you must dispose of them at the shooting location. THUNDERSHOT® is NOT approved for transport in a mixed, explosive state.

If you need to leave your vehicle unattended with THUNDERSHOT® targets inside, lock your vehicle and place the targets out of sight if possible.

Targets should be stored unmixed, in a cool dry place, inside a storage unit.

See this article from Natural Resources Canada on how to store your THUNDERSHOT® targets in compliance with the Explosives Regulations, 2013.

Ensure THUNDERSHOT® targets are stored in a cool place between 25°C and 0°C, and with less than 50% ambient humidity. For long-term storage consider adding a desiccant packet to each THUNDERSHOT® target for moisture control.

Improper storage conditions.

Ammonium nitrate, the main ingredient of all binary exploding targets, is heat sensitive. When temperatures exceed 32°C the ammonium nitrate crystals undergo a phase change which alters their size. Through repeated heat/cool cycles, the crystals will grow and cause the round prills to become brittle and break down. Eventually the crystals will have no further room to grow and will begin compacting themselves into a solid mass. Ammonium nitrate is also hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. This moisture can contribute to caking.

Always store THUNDERSHOT® in a cool, dry place between 25°C and 0°C, and below 50% ambient humidity.

There are three potential causes – insufficient mixing of the components, insufficient bullet velocity, or a grazing hit.

Ensure your target is thoroughly mixed, your bullet is traveling at a sufficient speed when it strikes, and that you are shooting within the limits of your rifle, abilities, and environmental conditions such as wind, to strike the target as accurately as possible.

THUNDERSHOT® targets are regularly tested by the factory as per the Explosives Act and Regulations to ensure quality, consistency, and to rule out any product deficiencies.

No. Tannerite® is a brand name, not a chemical.

Tannerite® is a brand of American-made binary exploding targets similar to THUNDERSHOT®. Tannerite® is a registered trademark of Tannerite Sports, LLC and is not in any way affiliated with Gryphon Energetics Inc. THUNDERSHOT® is a registered trademark of Gryphon Energetics Inc. and is our brand name for our binary exploding targets.

The chemical composition of THUNDERSHOT® is formulated differently from other exploding targets to make it more powerful.

Type S.2 High-Hazard Special Purpose Explosive

All binary exploding targets in Canada, including all types of THUNDERSHOT®, are classified as Type S.2 High-Hazard Special Purpose Explosives under the Explosives Regulations.

We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Explosives Regulations, 2013.

15 years.

THUNDERSHOT® targets will store indefinitely under proper storage conditions as there is nothing to break down chemically over time. However, we recommend storing THUNDERSHOT® targets for a maximum of 15 years.

Ensure THUNDERSHOT® targets are stored in a cool place below 25°C and above 0°C, and with less than 50% ambient humidity.

No.

THUNDERSHOT® is not authorized for use as a blasting explosive. While we recognize that THUNDERSHOT® may be ideally suited for the removal of beaver dams, the process usually requires using large quantities and the manufacturing of unauthorized explosive devices. Without training and certification this can be extremely dangerous, and it is illegal under Section 6(a) of the Explosives Act – “Except as authorized under this Act and subject to such exemptions as may be provided by regulation, no person shall make or manufacture any explosive, either wholly or in part, except in a licensed factory”.

We will not assist with any questions or concerns regarding this application.

ALL exploding targets can start fires.

Testing by the US Forest Service has conclusively demonstrated that ANY brand of exploding target is capable of starting fires under the right conditions, a position that Gryphon Energetics has always maintained.

THUNDERSHOT® product labels have always indicated to ensure the area surrounding the target is free of any flammable material, and not to use the targets in any area under a fire restriction or fire ban. Always check with your local, municipal, and provincial authorities for any restrictions on the use of fireworks, pyrotechnics, or explosives before using exploding targets.

If you are in any doubt about the fire risk of your surrounding area, do NOT use exploding targets, pyrotechnics, fireworks, or any other flame or spark-producing devices. If you accidentally start a fire in any way, you can be held liable for firefighting costs as well as fines and other legal consequences.

One target.

THUNDERSHOT® targets, as well as all other brands of binary exploding target in Canada, have been authorized by Natural Resources Canada to a maximum size of 1 pound or smaller. Binary exploding targets are not intended to be used in any larger quantity.

Using larger quantities of explosive is dangerous as debris may be thrown further, causing the potential for injury or property damage. It is also illegal to mix any binary explosive in a larger quantity than for which it is authorized, or to transfer the explosive into any other container.

Grouping multiple THUNDERSHOT® targets together may result in incomplete detonation, as the shockwave and gas pressure from one detonation may push other targets away before they have a chance to fully detonate.

Also, larger quantities of explosive will create louder explosions which will travel further, causing disturbances to other citizens. Shockwaves can reflect off of clouds, breaking windows and shaking buildings much further away than expected. This results in municipalities prohibiting the use of exploding targets in their jurisdiction, impacting your continued use of them.

Believe us, THUNDERSHOT® is powerful enough already with just the one target. Please be responsible when using them.

No. This is extremely dangerous and unlawful.

Placing any explosive into or around any object will create dangerous shrapnel which can cause serious injury, death, or property damage. You can be held criminally liable for any injuries or damages caused by the improper use of explosives, and you can even be held criminally liable for potential injuries and damage through the negligent misuse of explosives.

YOU CAN BE CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL EXPLOSIVES OFFENSES EVEN IF NO DEATH, INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED. Just causing the POTENTIAL for death, injury, or damage is an offense.

Canada Criminal Code Section 79 – Duty of care re explosive – Every one who has an explosive substance in his possession or under his care or control is under a legal duty to use reasonable care to prevent bodily harm or death to persons or damage to property by that explosive substance.

Canada Criminal Code Section 80 – Breach of duty – Every one who, being under a legal duty within the meaning of section 79, fails without lawful excuse to perform that duty, is guilty of an indictable offence and, if as a result an explosion of an explosive substance occurs that a) causes death or is likely to cause death to any person, is liable to imprisonment for life; or b) causes bodily harm or damage to property or is likely to cause bodily harm or damage to property, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.

We do not recommend the use of exploding targets for gender reveals, because the colored powders that are typically used are dyed corn starch which is highly flammable when finely dispersed. Some sellers advertise products as colored chalk which is in fact colored corn starch.

In 2017 in Sawmill, Arizona, a gender reveal using colored corn starch and an exploding target caused a wildfire that scorched over 45,000 acres of land. If you watch the video of the explosion and fire, you will notice a very large orange fireball develop that is uncharacteristic of how exploding targets detonate. This is the corn starch igniting after being dispersed by the exploding target and was the primary cause of the immediate, uncontrolled fire.

Due to the fire risk this activity poses we do not produce any gender reveal kits, nor will we assist with questions about this application.