Genuine M-80s have paper endcaps, and contain slightly more powder. Contrary to urban legend, an M-80 that contains 3,000 mg of powder is not equivalent to a quarter-stick of dynamite.

Quarter Sticks – The original quarter sticks were similar to M80’s, but were larger in size and contained 10 grams or more of flash powder. These items were so powerful that they could dismember and kill people who misused them. Quarter sticks were banned by the CPSC in 1966, and made illegal by the BATF (now ATFE) in the 1970’s.

Oct 22, 2024 · Fact: M-80s are often mistakenly thought to be as powerful as a quarter-stick of dynamite, but this is far from true. Dynamite contains nitroglycerin-based high explosives, while M-80s use flash powder, a lower-grade explosive.

Aug 14, 2015 · Genuine M-80s have paper endcaps, and contain 50–60 times more powder. (Contrary to urban legend, an M-80 that contains 3,000 mg of powder is not equivalent to a quarter-stick of dynamite.

To begin with, a "quarter stick" of dynamite has 35 grams of pyrotechnic content, while a true M-80 has just under 3 grams. So even if they had a same chemical composition, an M-80 would have less than 10% of the power of a quarter stick of dynamite.

Many law enforcement agencies consider these explosive devices, commonly referred to as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, and silver salutes, illegal because they exceed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's explosive weight limits for consumer fireworks.

A quarter stick, colloquially known as the M-1000, is a large firecracker that falls within a certain range of dimensions: 1" x 2.5" or 3/4" x 6". These salutes typically carry 25 grams of flash powder but in rare occasions have been measured and can contain upward to 30 grams.

Oct 24, 2024 · This ruling was based on evidence that M80s contained large amounts of explosive material, making them much more dangerous than standard firecrackers. In fact, an M80 contains about 1/16 of a stick of dynamite, highlighting its potential for harm.

Jul 24, 2015 · However, both cherry bombs and the m80 explosive are illegal in the United States. But what is it about these powerful explosives that makes them seem so appealing? And why were they banned? M-80s were designed by the United States military early in the 20th century.

May 22, 2024 · Is an M80 a quarter stick of dynamite? No. A true 3 gram M-80 is only 1/16 the power of a true quarter stick.