I know we have a pyrotechnician or two here at the Dope-- quick question:
What is the official name of the type of shell that doesn’t emit any light (save for the briefest of flashes as it explodes), but emits a deafening BOOM! that’s louder than that of its fiery brethren? And bonus question: what’s it made of?
According to this, it’s called a ‘report’ or a ‘bang’.
They are made of various pyrotechnic powders. Something very fast burning and tightly wrapped to get the very loud sound. Aluminum is a popular fuel component for this type of flash powder. Various oxidizers like potassium perchlorate are used for an oxidizer.