How was gunpowder made in the 1700s?

What was the process for making gunpowder in the 1700s?

Gosh, making gunpowder back in the 1700s. It wasn't like a modern factory, you know. It was a whole deal with just three things: saltpetre, sulfur, and charcoal. Pretty basic, right.

Back then, they figured out the best bang for their buck, literally. Think 75% saltpetre, 15% charcoal, and just a little 10% sulfur. They didn't just guess, it was trial and error.

I was reading about this old recipe from my grandfather's attic, a faded journal from, like, 1780 or something. It talked about grinding those ingredients really, really fine. Super important.

Then they'd mix it all up. I imagine it was messy work, dust everywhere. Not something you'd want to do indoors.

This journal mentioned they'd sometimes add a bit of water to make it clump together, then dry it out carefully. Like making little pellets. Safer, I guess.

Saltpetre, sulfur, charcoal. That was it. Simple, but powerful. They really dialed in the ratios for maximum oomph.

Gunpowder Ingredients & Ratio (1700s): Saltpetre (75%), Charcoal (15%), Sulfur (10%).

The process involved grinding and mixing these components finely.

They might have moistened the mixture, formed it, and then dried it.

This precise ratio was key for explosive effect.