Felony In Ca
Possession of more than 1 pound of black powder or 20 pounds of smokeless powder is a felony in the state of CA unless you obtain a special explosive permit prior.
This is in California's
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
SECTION 12101
It is too long to post in its entirity, but essentialy it is possession or storage of an illegal explosive without permits to have more than 1 pound of black powder or more than 20 pounds of smokeless powder as a private individual.
The exception that applies to shooters is section 12102 of the Health and Safety Code:
"12102. This chapter does not apply to any possession or use of 20
pounds or less of smokeless powder, or one pound or less of black
sporting powder, provided that:
(a) Smokeless powder is intended only for hand loading of small
arms ammunition of .75 caliber or less.
(b) Black sporting powder is intended for loading of small arms or
small arms ammunition of .75 caliber or less.
(c) All such powder is for private use and not for resale, and, in
the case of black sporting powder, there shall be no gift, delivery,
or other disposition to another person.
(d) The storage, use and handling of such smokeless and black
powder conforms to rules, regulations, or ordinances of authorities
having jurisdiction for fire prevention and suppression in the area
of such storage, use, and handling of such explosives."
Here is the code that outlaws it except under the above exemption:
12101. (a) No person shall do any one of the following without
first having made application for and received a permit in accordance
with this section:
(1) Manufacture explosives.
(2) Sell, furnish, or give away explosives.
(3) Receive, store, or possess explosives.
(4) Transport explosives.
(5) Use explosives.
(6) Operate a terminal for handling explosives.
(7) Park or leave standing any vehicle carrying explosives, except
when parked or left standing in or at a safe stopping place
designated as such by the Department of the California Highway Patrol
under Division 14 (commencing with Section 31600) of the Vehicle
Code."