Sawed open a shotgun cartridge to get the explosives out
In hindsight this was a foolhardy move as I'd no real idea where the exploding stuff was in relation to where I was cheerfully sawing, and could easily have removed a few fingers if it decided to go *bang*

As it turns out, it's not gun powder they put in there, but some beige pellets that look like sweeteners - which still burn fairly rapid.

Being 12 at the time is a better excuse than being drunk I suppose.
(mymilkshakebringsallthemongstotheyard poison hearts, poison minds - joining hate, Wed 29 Sep 2010, 17:44, 2 replies)

ahh hello
those beige pellets are gun powder.

If you have any left hit it with a hammer on a metal surface*, you will hear the bang then.

*actually don't, the recoil may cause you some personal damage.
(bad_advice QOTW survivor from the first trollocost!, Thu 30 Sep 2010, 9:00, closed)

Why did you saw it open?
Those things unfold nicely at the business end.
(SatchmoR No, mummy, don't put knitting needles in my ears!, Thu 30 Sep 2010, 10:04, closed)