A precise, slow burning, pyrotechnic delay composition composed of a ternary system of from about 8 to about 55 weight percent B4C fuel, 35 to about 82 weight percent NalO4 oxidizer, and PTFE which acts as a pyrotechnic oxidizer and lubricant—such that the resulting composition has surprisingly good mechanical properties, i.e. it can be pressed to a desirably high consolidated density with ordinary loading force, and with minimal wear on the tooling used for pressing.