How to Use a Bullet to Start a Fire

Published on May 26, 2025
Duration: 6:20

This video demonstrates how to use the gunpowder from a 223 Remington cartridge as a fire enhancer in emergency situations. Former CI Officer Jason Hanson shows how to extract the bullet and powder, then ignites the powder with various tools like a lighter, ferro rod, and waterproof matches to quickly start a fire with tinder. He emphasizes this is a last resort for dire circumstances.

Quick Summary

To use a bullet for fire starting, carefully extract the bullet from the cartridge casing using a tool like a multi-tool. Pour the gunpowder from the casing onto your tinder material and ignite it with a reliable source such as a lighter or ferro rod. This method is a last resort for emergency preparedness.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Bullet Fire Starting
  2. 00:38Accessing Gunpowder from a Bullet
  3. 01:08Bullet and Casing Separation
  4. 01:36Repeating Powder Extraction (x3)
  5. 02:27Fire Starting Kit Components
  6. 02:52Testing with a Big Lighter
  7. 03:00Sponsor Segment: Ver Watches
  8. 04:04Burn Test Results: Lighter
  9. 04:30Testing with a Ferro Rod
  10. 05:00Testing with Waterproof Matches
  11. 05:30Emergency Fire Starting Recap
  12. 05:41Bugout Bag Essentials & Gear
  13. 06:00Ammunition Importance
  14. 06:13Conclusion and Safety Reminder

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you use a bullet to start a fire in an emergency?

To use a bullet for fire starting, you must first carefully extract the bullet from the cartridge casing. Then, pour the gunpowder from the casing onto your tinder material. Finally, ignite the powder and tinder with a reliable ignition source like a lighter or ferro rod.

What tools are needed to extract gunpowder from a bullet?

You will need a tool capable of prying, such as a multi-tool, to carefully remove the bullet from the cartridge casing. Once the bullet is detached, the gunpowder can be poured out of the casing onto your tinder.

Is using bullet powder for fire starting a common survival technique?

Using gunpowder from ammunition for fire starting is generally considered a last resort technique for dire emergency situations. It's not a primary method but can be a valuable backup if other fire-starting tools are lost or unavailable.

What are essential items for a fire starting kit in a bugout bag?

An effective fire starting kit for a bugout bag should include tinder like dryer lint or fatwood, reliable ignition sources such as windproof matches or a ferro rod, and a lighter for convenience. Having multiple options ensures you can start a fire in various conditions.

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