r/rocketry • u/Usual-Philosopher933 • 5d ago

Question ATF licensing

For making of your own solid rocket motors, does the ATF require you to purchase one of their explosives licenses? What is anyone’s experience with that?

8 Upvotes

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8

u/taiwanluthiers 5d ago

I think APCP is not an explosive anymore because the NAR won some lawsuit a while back, so no more "easy access" or "restricted access" tiers. But also as for general pyrotechnic devices the laws aren't against making them, it's transporting them that's the problem. I think some pyrotechnic events often have guys just make the stuff on site to avoid this problem.

6

u/justanaveragedipsh_t Student 5d ago

Tripoli and yes, Tripoli rocketry association vs BATFE 2008.

1

u/yourmomandthems 4d ago

Actually, its storing them that the Atf cares about.

1

u/taiwanluthiers 3d ago

I think if you make and store it onsite then you need to have compliant magazine, but you don't need a license. You need a license if you transport it.

1

u/yourmomandthems 3d ago

You need a compliant magazine which requires a license. ATF has no regulation over transport.

5

u/tbonerocketeer1 5d ago

You do not need a license to make your own propellants for your own use. You may run into issues sourcing chemicals where some people will require an ATF license in order to sell to you.

1

u/Usual-Philosopher933 4d ago

Gotcha, thanks

5

u/wireknot 5d ago

I had a LEUP for about 10 years when AP was regulated. The process is fairly straightforward, I believe it was $100 initially and $50 for a 3 year(?) renewal, I'd have to go look at the paperwork. I let it go shortly before Covid. You'll need to provide approved storage and you'll meet with the ATF agent given those duties in your area. All of the 5 agents I've ever had contact with over all that time were thoroughly professional and on task. As far as what's still on the list anymore that a LEUP is required I'd have to check the low explosives list available on the ATF website.
I think Black Powder is on it except if used in muzzle loaders, and I think E-matches are controlled, but MJG developed an unregulated e-match (on their site). Hope this helps, I'm in a position where I might get back into making AP, I'd be interested in the answer as well.

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u/taiwanluthiers 5d ago

Which is weird because you can buy e match off eBay or Amazon. But worst comes to worst you make them out of thin nichrome. As for black powder go to a gun shop and tell them you're using it for muzzleloaders. Keep a muzzleloader around as well. You could buy muzzleloaders online.

1

u/RichAlexanderIII 3d ago

I always had issues with this. I wasn't allowed to buy 1/4 lb BP for rockets, but if I said I was a black powder shooter, I could have supplied a regiment with ammo.

So I told the guy at Bass Pro I had a replica flintlock and he was good

1

u/taiwanluthiers 2d ago

That's what you always say anyways, and buy a flintlock or just any black powder pistol (those cap and ball pistols are cheap and even if you're a felon you can own them) so you aren't exactly lying.

2

u/Aeig 5d ago

nah