If you’ve spent any time around shooting ranges, you’ve probably heard people talk about “Tannerite” (or “binary exploding targets”). These products are typically sold as two separate components that are not explosive until mixed, and they’re marketed for reactive target shooting. That “two-part” design is exactly why the legal landscape can feel confusing: what you can buy, what you can possess, and what you can do with it may be treated differently once the components are combined.

Tannerite exploding targets are commonly used for long-range shooting practice and even creative celebrations like Tannerite gender reveal targets .

At the federal level, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) explains that binary explosive products can raise compliance questions, and emphasizes that even if something isn’t regulated in one context, that doesn’t override other federal, state, or local requirements. The ATF also specifically encourages people to check state and local laws, because some jurisdictions restrict mixing, transport, possession, or use of binary explosives.

A practical way to think about “legality”

Instead of a single “legal/illegal” answer, it helps to break things into three buckets. This is often the quickest way to evaluate whether you can stay compliant where you live and where you shoot:

• Purchase (unmixed components): Many places allow purchase of unmixed kits, but may restrict sales conditions or quantities.
• Possession/transport (especially after mixing): Once mixed, the material may be treated as an “explosive” under some legal frameworks, triggering stricter rules.
• Use (where you detonate it): Even where purchase is legal, use may be restricted by fire codes, seasonal burn bans, land rules, and range policies.

What the map shows (and what it doesn’t)

The interactive map above is meant to highlight higher-signal situations where state law frameworks commonly cited in public guidance suggest permitting requirements or heavier restrictions could apply. It is intentionally conservative and incomplete in the sense that it does not try to capture every city/county ordinance or every land manager’s policy.

The manufacturer also emphasizes compliance with state, county, and local laws and any permit or license requirements in your area. That’s why the best next step after using the map is to verify directly with your state/local authorities and your range or land manager.

States that commonly trigger “permit / heavily restricted” questions

Some states have broad “explosives” statutes and regulatory systems that can affect binary exploding targets. In those places, people often need to confirm whether a permit, license, storage rules, or other compliance steps apply. This page flags a few examples that are frequently discussed in public references:

• Maryland: The state explosives code defines and regulates explosives broadly, which can implicate permitting and compliance.
• New Jersey: The state has an explosives and fireworks statutory framework that can restrict explosive materials.
• New York: New York defines “explosives” broadly and has extensive explosives safety rules that can affect possession and use.
• California: Commonly treated as heavily restricted under state explosives rules; verify permits before purchase or possession.
• Tennessee (note): Tennessee law includes exemption language tied to lawful sporting activity for components intended for exploding targets, illustrating that rules can be nuanced.

How to stay on the right side of the rules

If you’re trying to be compliant, the most reliable approach is to (1) check your state-level framework, (2) check your city/county ordinances, and (3) confirm land/range rules for the exact location you plan to shoot. When you’re unsure, the safest move is to call your state police or fire marshal’s office and ask what rules apply to binary exploding targets in your jurisdiction.

In other words: use the map to narrow down questions, then validate those answers with current, authoritative sources. If you’d like, you can also keep a quick checklist in your range bag: “Is purchase allowed here?” “Is possession/transport allowed if mixed?” and “Is use allowed on this property today (including fire restrictions)?” If you need to compare options, you can browse Tannerite kits and related products here.