In response to the misuse of exploding targets observed by police and government officials on social media, as well as criminal cases of misuse, Package 1 Amendments to the Explosives Regulations, 2013, took effect on May 22, 2024. These changes will further restrict the use of binary exploding targets, referred to as “reactive targets” by Natural Resources Canada.

The amendments enhance the requirements in Part 5 of the Regulations for the mixing of reactive targets by:

• Requiring a person mixing a reactive target kit to hold a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) issued under the Firearms Act
• Requiring the person mixing reactive targets to follow the instructions on the packaging and prohibiting mixing if there are no instructions
• Prohibiting foreign matter from being mixed with or added to the reactive target
• Prohibiting mixing or combining more than one kit at a time
• Prohibiting mixed kits from being stored or transported

The amendments also enhance the requirements in Part 13 of the Regulations for sellers and users of reactive targets by:

• Requiring anyone purchasing a reactive target kit intended for long-range target shooting to have a PAL issued under the Firearms Act
• Requiring sellers to only sell reactive targets to users that have a PAL, and to record the PAL along with the other information that sellers are required to collect at point of sale
• Reducing the maximum quantity of reactive targets to be stored (and thus purchased) at any one time from 20 kg to 6 kg

One target.

THUNDERSHOT® targets, like all other binary exploding targets authorized by Natural Resources Canada, are restricted to a maximum size of 1 pound. Using binary exploding targets in larger quantities, including stacking or grouping multiple targets to create a bigger explosion, is dangerous and illegal. As of May 22, 2024, it is illegal to mix more than one binary target at a time.

Larger explosions create greater hazards for serious injury, death, and property damage. They also create more noise and can travel further, causing disturbances to others. Shockwaves can reflect off clouds, potentially breaking windows and shaking buildings far beyond the expected range. Such disturbances can lead to complaints and result in municipalities banning the use of exploding targets, affecting your ability to use them in the future.

Please use binary exploding targets legally, safely and responsibly, and respect others’ right to peace and quiet.

Centerfire 1 lb – minimum of 100 meters.

Rimfire 1/2 lb – minimum of 50 meters.

We DO NOT recommend placing targets any closer than these distances. When used properly and according to product instructions, you should not experience any small earthen debris being projected back at these distances. However, always ensure the target area is clear of any debris and flammable materials, such as stones, empty shell casings, wooden branches, or other potential projectiles.

Targets can be placed further away, but be mindful of your bullet’s velocity at range. Ensure that the distance does not cause the bullet’s velocity to drop below the Minimum Impact Velocity stated on the product label. If the velocity drops too low, you may encounter partial detonations or misfires, even with a direct hit.

Keep in mind that increased distance can make accurate hits more challenging. Stay within the limits of your firearm and shooting skills to ensure a successful and safe shooting experience.

THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire 1 lb – 610 m/s (2,000 fps) or faster upon impact

Higher velocity and heavier bullets will improve reliability by delivering more kinetic energy to the target—there is no such thing as “too much” velocity or energy for detonation.

Please note that the velocities mentioned 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 or use a chronograph to ensure proper velocity.

Due to the wide variety of ammunition available, we cannot recommend specific calibers for use with THUNDERSHOT® targets. Instead, we describe acceptable calibers based on their velocity.

For example, Federal American Eagle .223 Remington 55 gr FMJ is claimed to have a muzzle velocity of 3,240 feet per second. However, if fired from a shorter barrel, such as 7 inches, the muzzle velocity could drop to as low as 2,200 feet per second, which may not be sufficient to detonate a THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire target even at 100 meters. Additionally, as distance increases, the bullet’s velocity decreases. At 400 meters, the .223 Remington no longer has enough velocity to detonate a THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire target but could still detonate a THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire target.

Thus, we cannot universally state that any particular caliber is acceptable, as effectiveness depends on various factors. We recommend consulting your ammunition manufacturer for a ballistic chart to ensure proper velocity.

We recommend using only factory-new ammunition with velocities suitable for the target. We do not recommend surplus military ammunition, as it often lacks accuracy and may lead to a higher incidence of misfires or partial detonations from grazing hits. We also recommend the use of a scope or other magnified optic which can greatly assist with accurately hitting the target.

For optimal results, use the following bullet types:

• Full Metal Jacket
• Hollow Point
• Soft Point

Avoid using the following bullet types:

• Polymer-Tipped
• Polymer-Coated
• Lubricated

Polymer tips and lubricated coatings reduce friction, which can impair energy transfer to the target explosive, potentially leading to misfires or partial detonations.

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

Rimfire calibers, such as .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR, lack the necessary velocity and energy to detonate THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire targets. For shooting with lower velocity calibers, we recommend using our THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets instead.

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

Shotguns, handguns, and pistol caliber rifles lack the necessary velocity and energy to detonate THUNDERSHOT® Centerfire targets. For shooting with lower velocity calibers, we recommend using our THUNDERSHOT® Rimfire targets instead.

Yes.

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

Unmixed.

Any brand or type of binary exploding target must ALWAYS be transported in an unmixed state. If you have mixed targets that you cannot shoot, you MUST dispose of them at the shooting location. Transporting any binary exploding targets in a mixed explosive state is dangerous and illegal.

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

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

See this article from Natural Resources Canada for guidance on storing binary exploding targets in compliance with the Explosives Regulations, 2013.

Store THUNDERSHOT® targets in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 0°C and 25°C and relative humidity below 50%.

Improper storage conditions.

Ammonium nitrate, the primary ingredient in all binary exploding targets, is sensitive to heat. When temperatures exceed 32°C, the ammonium nitrate crystals undergo a phase change, altering their size. Repeated heat and cooling cycles cause the crystals to grow, making the prills brittle and prone to breakdown. Over time, the crystals can compact into a solid mass. Additionally, ammonium nitrate is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment, which can lead to caking.

To maintain the integrity of THUNDERSHOT®, always store it in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 0°C and 25°C and relative humidity below 50%.

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

With our refined explosive formulas and reliable square jar geometry, misfires and partial detonations with THUNDERSHOT® are rare. However, when this does occur it is usually due to one of three conditions – the mixing of components, low bullet velocity, or a grazing hit where the bullet does not contact a sufficient amount of explosive.

Verify that your targets are thoroughly mixed. The contents should become a uniform grey color with no white visible. When mixing, shake and roll the jar in multiple directions to distribute the contents evenly using a twisting motion of your wrist; do not use a “salt shaker” motion.

Keep in mind that the target includes an empty gap between the lid and the top of the label to allow the components to mix in the bottle. If a bullet strikes this gap where no explosive is present, it may cause the bottle and contents to be scattered, giving the appearance of a misfire.

Ensure that your bullet is travelling at the required velocity at impact by consulting your ammunition box or manufacturer’s ballistic charts, or by verifying with a chronograph. Remember – bullets slow down in flight, so your muzzle velocity must be higher than the impact velocity stated on the THUNDERSHOT® label. Additionally, shoot within the limits of your firearm, skills, and environmental conditions, such as wind. Ensure your firearm is accurately zeroed for the distance and ammunition used by first shooting a group on paper.

THUNDERSHOT® targets are regularly tested at the factory in accordance with the Explosives Act and Regulations to ensure quality and consistency, and to rule out product deficiencies. While THUNDERSHOT® has proven to be highly reliable, please contact us if you suspect a defective product. Retain any remaining targets for return and analysis.

In the rare circumstance that you have a misfire where the target is struck correctly but does not explode, follow these steps:

1. Wait 10 minutes for safety before approaching.
2. Examine the target. Ensure that the target has been well-mixed and is uniformly grey in color. If the target is intact and has not spilled its contents, set it up again according to the label’s instructions. Do not attempt to repair the target, as this is prohibited by the Explosives Regulations.
3. Verify your point of impact and bullet velocity. Make sure that your bullets are landing where you expect by shooting a group on paper. Ensure that the ammunition has sufficient velocity by consulting the ammunition box or the manufacturer’s ballistic chart, or by using a chronograph. Remember – bullets slow down in flight, so your muzzle velocity must be higher than the impact velocity stated on the THUNDERSHOT® label.
4. Shoot again! Take aim and shoot at the target again.

If the target is too damaged to shoot again or has spilled its contents, thoroughly soak the spilled explosive with water and scatter it on land so that no piles accumulate. Do not dispose of the contents into waterways.

If you continue to experience misfires, STOP. Save any remaining targets you have, and contact us for further information.

Dispose of it on-site.

Binary exploding targets are not permitted to be transported once they are mixed, and you must dispose of them on-site if they cannot be detonated. Storage and transportation of mixed targets is dangerous and illegal.

Using water, flood the target until the contents are thoroughly wetted and then scatter the contents on land so that no piles accumulate. Do not dispose of the target contents into waterways.

No. Tannerite® is a brand name, not a type of explosive.

Tannerite® is an American brand of binary exploding targets similar to THUNDERSHOT®. Tannerite® is a registered trademark of Tannerite Sports, LLC and is not affiliated with Gryphon Energetics Inc. THUNDERSHOT® is a registered trademark of Gryphon Energetics Inc. and represents our own brand of binary exploding targets. We are a fully Canadian company, and all THUNDERSHOT® targets are manufactured in Canada.

The chemical composition of THUNDERSHOT® is formulated differently from other exploding targets, enhancing its power and reliability.

15 years*.

THUNDERSHOT® targets can be stored indefinitely under proper conditions, as there are no chemical components that break down over time. However, we recommend using THUNDERSHOT® targets within a maximum of 15 years.

Store THUNDERSHOT® targets in a cool place with temperatures between 0°C and 25°C and relative humidity below 50%.

* under proper storage conditions

Type S.2 High-Hazard Special Purpose Explosive.

All binary exploding targets in Canada, including all types of THUNDERSHOT®, are classified by the Explosives Regulations, 2013 as Type S.2 High-Hazard Special Purpose Explosives. Their legal authority is derived from Section 138 under Multi-Ingredient Kits.

Note that the Regulations require that any person carrying out an activity involving an explosive be at least 18 years old, and anyone mixing a binary target must hold a valid Firearms Licence.

We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Explosives Regulations, 2013.

Due to the wide number of acts and regulations that can be imposed by many levels of government, we cannot provide specific information.

It is essential that you familiarize yourself with ALL relevant laws and regulations in your area. The Explosives Act and Explosives Regulations, 2013 are federal laws, but you may also be subject to provincial, municipal/county, and local laws as well.

Some additional laws that may apply to the use of binary exploding targets in your area may include, but are not limited to:

• Fire Prevention legislation
• Forestry and Forest Fire legislation
• Crown Land legislation
• Environmental Protection or Waterways legislation
  
• Wildlife Protection or Agricultural legislation
  
• Provincial Explosives legislation
• Provincial Health and Safety legislation
  
• Public Safety legislation
• Land Use and Zoning bylaws
  
• Firearm Discharge bylaws
• Local Fire Prevention or Fire Ban bylaws
• Noise and Disturbance bylaws

Yes. ALL exploding targets, including THUNDERSHOT®, have the potential to start fires.

Testing by the US Forest Service has shown that any brand of binary exploding target can ignite fires under the right conditions, a fact that Gryphon Energetics has always acknowledged.

Our THUNDERSHOT® product labels clearly state that the area around the target must be free of flammable materials and that targets should not be used during fire restrictions or bans. Always check with local, municipal, and provincial authorities for any restrictions on fireworks, pyrotechnics, or explosives before using any brand of exploding target.

If you have any doubts about the fire risk in your area, DO NOT use exploding targets, pyrotechnics, fireworks, or any devices that produce flames or sparks. Should you accidentally start a fire, you may be held responsible for firefighting costs and face fines or other legal consequences.

NO. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.

Without proper training and certification, blasting is highly dangerous and can result in serious injury, death, or property damage. Even if you are a certified blaster, binary exploding targets are not authorized for use as blasting explosives by Natural Resources Canada, and their use for such purposes is strictly prohibited.

Mixing together multiple binary exploding targets, transferring their contents into another container, or disobeying the product label’s instructions are all illegal acts under the Explosives Act and Explosives Regulations, 2013.

DO NOT use THUNDERSHOT® targets for practical purposes such as blasting beaver dams. For legitimate blasting needs, please contact a qualified blasting company in your area.

NO. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.

Placing any explosive into or around any object will create dangerous shrapnel which can cause serious injury, death, and/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 OFFENCES EVEN IF NO DEATH, INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURS. The mere potential for such outcomes constitutes an offence.

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.

Please be aware that we are legally required to report any criminal use or potential misuse of our products to the authorities.

We do not recommend using binary exploding targets for gender reveals. The colored powders typically used in these events, such as dyed corn starch, are highly flammable when dispersed. Some products marketed as colored chalk are actually colored corn starch.

In 2017, a gender reveal in Sawmill, Arizona, using colored corn starch and a binary exploding target caused a wildfire that burned over 45,000 acres. The video of the explosion shows a large orange fireball, which is uncharacteristic for binary exploding targets, and indicates the corn starch igniting and contributing to the uncontrolled fire.

Due to the significant fire risk involved, we do not produce gender reveal kits and cannot provide assistance for this application.

We recommend using our Heavy Concussion™ product line for special effects.

Heavy Concussion™ is authorized as Type F.3 Pyrotechnic Special Effect and is specifically designed for this purpose. It can be used by licensed technicians with either a Senior Pyrotechnician or Special Effects Pyrotechnician certificate.

Note that Heavy Concussion™ is not permitted for use by unsupervised technicians with only a Pyrotechnician certificate.