Fireworks are a 4th of July tradition. But some are far too loud, far too powerful, and far too dangerous for backyard use. Over the years, some fireworks have gained a reputation for being more explosive than impressive and have subsequently been banned outright in most states. M-80s, large mortar shells, and other oversized, off-label explosives are no-party-favors; they are illegal in most places for a reason. These are 9 loud fireworks you’re unlikely to see at your neighborhood barbeque (unless someone’s getting arrested).
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
M‑80s
If you’re old enough, you’ll remember the classic “salute” firecracker. Originally produced with close to 5 g of flash powder (more than 100 times the U.S. legal limit of 50 mg), these are now “consumer grade” in the 3 g range. They are still more than 60 times the maximum legal level and are considered explosives that require a federal use license.
M‑100s
Stronger than M-80s, these “salutes” use roughly 10–15 g of flash powder (more than 200 times the legal U.S. limit). They have been banned at the federal level for decades and remain illegal to use without a special ATF license.
Cherry Bombs (Original Salutes)
It’s true that modern cherry bombs are safe, legal novelties. In their original form, these globe-shaped thunderflakes contained massive amounts of flash powder. The cherry bomb was banned outright in the 1970s; the original design exceeded the 50 mg limit by far and is considered an illegal explosive device. Possession is a federal crime and can result in felony charges.
Silver Salutes & Other Globe Salutes
These are the big noises in a shiny package. Labeled as “salutes” or “bombs,” but containing amounts of flash powder well over the legal level, these have been federally illegal for decades and are regarded as being far more dangerous than legal consumer fireworks.
Reloadable Aerial Shells Over 1.75″
Federal law limits consumer use and possession of shells with diameters under 1.75″ that contain no more than 50 mg of flash powder. The sale and possession of larger shells, reloadable or otherwise, is completely illegal without a special license to use them in a professional display. That means the majority of reloadable shells, kit shells, and all tube mortars are illegal.
Commercial-Grade Mortar Shells
The large, noisy shells used in fireworks shows have much more powerful explosive loads than consumer devices and are only allowed by federal law for use in licensed displays. Possession or purchase of such items for personal use is illegal.
Airbombs (Big-Loud Flash-Powder Explosives)
This class of device is designed specifically to produce one loud flash and explosion. Many of them contain well over the legal limit of 50 mg of flash powder, so they’re illegal for consumer purchase and use.
Roman Candles (in Many States)
While small, consumer-grade roman candles are legal under federal law with their low 50 mg limit, they’re still illegal in several states. States with this ban include California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
Modified “Cherry Bombs” or Cluster Salutes
They may look like legal firecrackers when sitting on the shelf, but cluster packs or homemade versions usually break the 50 mg rule. Any firework in excess of this amount becomes an illegal explosive with a strong potential for destruction and legal consequences.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
