Does anyone have any experimental information comparing an untamped high explosive with a pipe bomb? A pipe bomb is a device for getting a decent explosion out of a low explosive, such as gunpowder. A low explosive combusts relatively slowly. The purpose of the pipe is to hold it together for long enough to get decent pressure. Homemade low explosives tend to be even more feeble than manufactured low explosives, because it is inadvisable for amateurs to recorn their powder, with the result that home made powders burn slow, whereas homemade high explosives are just as effective as manufactured high explosives. My theoretical expectation is that pipe bombs would be very ineffectual when compared to high explosives, especially using home made powders. Note that very large pipe bombs can be made by using propane cylinders or compressed gas cylinders in place of pipes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- | We have the right to defend ourselves | http://www.jim.com/jamesd/ and our property, because of the kind | of animals that we are. True law | James A. Donald derives from this right, not from the | arbitrary power of the state. | jamesd@echeque.com