My first experiement with Mg powder

Well, it's just a revolver, but I thought I'd try some Mg powder I purchased.
I just added a little through the tip of the cartridge and put a small piece of styrofoam on top to keep it from pouring out possibly if I tilted the gun.

This is my Tanaka Python with a 4" barrel.  I'm posting a before and after.  Both using MG 7mm caps.
I'd love to try this in one of my semi-autos or even one of my open barrel Tommy's!  The powder effect is quite impressive.  I noticed in the 3rd "round" I fired in the second video the flash was so immense that it actually washed out the picture in the video temporarily!  When I shot it I said to myself "oooooh..........."

Before:
https://s163.photobucket.com/user/ljerr2/media/DSCN2047_zpsf04466f1.mp4.html

After:
https://s163.photobucket.com/user/ljerr2/media/DSCN2130_zps08d22160.mp4.html

"Before" looks almost disappointing in this frame of reference ;-)

Yes it does!

I always liked the fit and finish of this Tanaka model, but had always felt the muzzle effects were a bit less than some of my other revolvers. Not sure why?

I can see why everyone is experimenting with powders for effects. This straight Mg powder is not quite right, but it is pretty neat! I am not a chemist, so I will choose not to concoct my own mixture of powders or compounds to be on the safe side!

There are chemists-amateurs who work on various custom pyrotechnic mixtures for fireworks and special effects. It is a dangerous work though, even if they have knowledge.

A touch of magnesium seems to be the limit of what I would try ;-)

Semi auto handguns can work well and the continuous flash is amazing on film, the trouble can be getting every round to fire in autos as the mg powder (and whatever you keep it in place with) dampens the hammer effect, but if you get it right its great. As you have shown revolvers can work well and the shorter the barrel the better. Not sure if or how you could get the thompson to have much of a flash, i know the Japanese guys have the mp40 working well but they must of adapted the chamber and det pin so as to get it more open.
Time consuming though eh!