Reason 1 -
Taggants in smokeless powders have been shown in the past
to create unpredictable fluctuations in chamber pressure, which
is extremely dangerous. Chamber pressure must be kept within
expected limits or the gun may blow up - anyone with experience or
knowledge of reloading, metalurgy, or ballistics will confirm that.
Today's firearms are extremely well made, and are "proof tested" at
higher pressures than they will face on a regular basis. Firearms
from companies like Ruger have an exceptional reputation for being
able to handle a hell of a load. But all firearms have their limits,
and will explode at some point if the chamber pressure gets too high
or is consistantly above the maximum limit for the cartridge.
Reason 2 -
Taggants have been shown in the past to cause irregular
combustability in gunpowders, especially the more volitile black
powders. Spontaneous combustion has occurred, causing fire and
explosion. This would endanger the lives of gun owners, their
families, and everyone around them, by presenting a constant threat
that is simply not justified.
Reason 3 -
The taggant material tends to decompose when exposed to
nitrocellulose (guess what nitrocellulose is). This not only
heightens the aforementioned problems, but also renders the taggants
themselves worthless after a time. This decomposition also tends to
sometimes make the gunpowder inert.
Reason 4 -
Only ametuerish morons use smokeless or black gunpowders to make bombs.
There are many better, safer, and cheaper options readily available.
The fertilizer bomb used in the Oklahoma city bombing is one example.
There are also ways to make plastic explosives, thermite bombs, and
many other explosives more powerful than gunpowder with readily
available chemicals and components, and at a far lesser cost.
Reason 5 -
Because of the way gunpowder is manufactured and
distributed, taggants would provide virtually no help at all in
helping law enforcement track down the source. Gunpowder of all
kinds is sold almost always (retail anyway) in one pound canisters.
One tagged lot of powder would be spread over a very large area in
those one pound containers, making tracing an exercise in futility.
Whatever miniscule benefit taggants might provide is far outweighed
by the costs and dangers involved.
In case you're wondering, I have been reloading pistol and rifle ammunition
for over 20 years, everything from .38 Special to 375 H&H Magnums.
I've loaded many thousands of rounds, read many manuals, and
consulted many other reloaders and smokeless powder manufacturers.
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