Harvesting willow for BP

[EOD3]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me the best time of year to harvest willow to make charcoal for black powder.

[357maximum]

Anytime from right now until the stuff starts to turn green in the spring.

I have also used good clean wheat straw to make charcoal and the resulting Brown Powder works real well using the standard methods. It seems to have a bit more energy using the wheat straw in fact.

[mold maker]

I doubt it makes much difference except removing the bark is easier when still green.
I harvested quite a lot during the Summer. It is stripped of it's bark, and dry now.
As I heat with wood, I put the retort on the hot coals for an hour or so. Then I plug the vent, and when cool, I have charcoal.

[EOD3]

Thanks guys.