I've been floating around the forums for a while now. I'm interested in exploding targets, yet would like to make my own rather than buy Tannerite or another brand. From what I gather, binary explosives (specifically AN and AL combo) is unregulated by the BATFE until it is mixed at which point it must be used and cannot be transported. However, states and local municipalities may have stricter regulations (I'm still sifting through MI's laws, but considering Gander Mountain sells it in-store, I imagine it's legal).

Anyways, is any sort of Federal Explosives License actually needed for personal use of an AN and AL binary explosive? While we're on the topic, can anyone elaborate what the various types of FELs are? I hear mentions of Type 19, 20, 51, 54, etc. but can't seem to find what each type is specifically. I know there are separate user and manufacturer licenses for both low and high explosives, but not sure what the numbers mean.

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I have a federal explosive license. I can purchase what I want when I want. I have a person that let's me use their storage magazine if I need it. Magazines really aren't too expensive. The bigger they are the more you are allowed to keep on hand.

Well, sort of. The biggest hurdle for most people is proving you have appropriate storage methods. Whether that be your own personal explosives magazine or contingency storage through another licensed individual or company. Many fireworks companies and distributors are willing to rent you contingency storage in their magazines. The magazine is proving to be the biggest challenge to me as I live in the Detroit Metropolitan area which is densely populated for about an hour's radius around the city. Therefore, it's difficult to locate contingency storage, and I don't have sufficient land to meet the magazine standoff restrictions even if I wanted my own magazing.

Once you have the magazine, it's a matter of knowing the ATF's Orage Book. You need to decide which license you want, then you can fill out the paperwork, pay the fee, and wait for your interview.

yes there is (warning, PDF). The biggest boon for having an FEL is you can order components from companies that don't want to deal with non-manufacturers..

What's with the interview?

ETA: I mean, are they hard asses about it, or just want to make sure you know some of it? Is there a test?

No there is no test. Unless if course you are trying for your competency card. Mainly they want to know who is buying the explosives and what are you going to do with them. I have also found that not everyone that sells explosives wants to sell to you. I have different vendors that I deal with all the time and others that I use in a pinch. Omni explosives is a good resource, but they will only sell agricultural explosives to me. Some explosives can be shipped others are cost prohibitive.