Aren’t there a lot of people who know how to make that powder?
The article is a little misleading. Black powder is not used to make bullets (cartridges) for small arms, not used for pistol and rifle ammunition.
Black powder production is inherently risky. It is classified by DOT as an explosive. Smokeless powders are classified as a propellant, this is one reason why it is more expensive to buy, and many sporting goods shops no longer carry it, because of onerous storage requirements. It is not found on the shelf.
I suspect every male over the age of 12 knows how to make black powder.
Hell, I taught my Son how to make it 35 years ago!
If I remember correctly it’s 75% powdered potassium nitrate, 15% powdered charcoal, and 10% powdered sulphur.
Mix well (rubbing alcohol) seemed to make a pretty good liquifying agent and it dries out pretty quick, pure grain alcohol would be better as it leaves less chemical residue, let it dry thoroughly then use a wooden mallet to break it into grains.
Works great, me and the boy put a 3 inch hole in the garage wall with our home made cannon!
Needless to say we never fired it in the garage again!