[NRV Rocketry] Local sources for rocket supplies?

[Charles Albright]

>From what I've read, 4F black powder is preferable because it has the finest 
grain size, which is easier to ignite, and which is less likely to throw 
larger flaming bits of powder at the Nomex protecting the parachute.

The best deal I've seen so far on the Internet for Goex 4F powder, 
especially if several people go in on the order, is from:

www.powderinc.com

They ship only in 5, 10, 25, and 50 lb lots. The prices for 1-pound cans, 
which include shipping and hazmat fee are:

5 lb lot: $22.95 per lb
10 lb lot: $17.90 per lb
25 or 50 lb lot: $14.50 per lb

Even the 5 lb price looks reasonable. I know that Walmart sells some types 
of smokeless powder at slightly over $26 per lb.

Tweeks, how do the above prices compare to the cost of the 3F you bought 
locally?

A pound is 454 grams. A 4 to 6-inch diameter rocket might use 3-4 grams per 
ejection charge, so that's up to 75 dual-charge or 150 single-charge flights 
per 1-pound can of powder, or as little as $0.15 per ejection charge. Your 
mileage may vary ;>)

Charley

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tweeks" <tweeks at rackspace.com>
To: <nrvr at nrvr.org>
Cc: "Charles Albright" <calbright at radiantse.com>; "Chuck Neff" 
<chuck.neff at comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: [NRV Rocketry] Local sources for rocket supplies?


On Friday 29 June 2012, Charles Albright wrote:
> Good day to everyone.
>
> I'm doing some planning for a Level 2 certification attempt I hope to make
> this fall. I have a few questions.
>
> 1. Is there a local retail source for Aerotech RMS motor hardware and
> reload kits? (I expect the answer is "no")

Vendor? none that I know of.. But several people in the group can probably
help you out there (Bob?).  What diameter and grains are you looking for?


> 2. I'm aware of a number of Internet sources for the above. Any
> recommendations?

I use all cesaroni and order my stuff mainly from Apogee:
http://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Motors
There are probably cheaper places around, but I really love their customer
support (it's top notch!), they have a GREAT inventory, and I love their
advocacy for the sport.


> 3. I'm also aware of The Dragon's Hoard store (in Staunton, VA) which has 
> a
> discount relationship with VAST members. But what are the logistics of
> getting motors from there to here?

Chuck may be able to talk to that a bit.. Chuck?


> 4. For ejection charge purposes, can black powder (4F, I presume) be
> purchased here locally? If not, then where? Are there any regulatory
> problems to overcome? Are there reliable alternatives to 4F black powder?

I couldn't find 4f either. I guess it's starting to get harder and harder to
find.  I got a tin of 3F at the local feed store on N.Main st though:
http://goo.gl/maps/MKfP

Tweeks