We use old powder to split trees. Mostly old oaks that are blown down due to some disease. Drill a hole into the side of the log a few feet from the butt. Go down about ten inches. Insert several feet of cannon fuse so you have lots of time to get a safe distance away. Drop or pour the powder to one inch of the top of the hole. Pack with clay. Make sure as you do all this that the fuse stays in the bottom of the hole. Light the fuse and get to a safe location behind something. After the explosion wait a little bit. Then go cut your firewood rounds to length. Most of the time they will fall to the ground in pieces. You may have to split some of it. I would say don't waste your time on softwood. Just good firewood. Be well, RZ.

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.