A replacement for the M127A1 hand-held signal illuminant was developed to alleviate concerns associated with single-point-of-failure. In addressing single-point-of-failure, Laminac 4116/Lupersol binder system were replaced with Epon 813/Versamid 140 binder system. Powdered sodium nitrate was replaced with prilled sodium nitrate in the disclosed formulations to minimize hygroscopicity concerns associated with this oxidizer. The performance of the prilled sodium nitrate-based formulations, their burning behaviors, and the sensitivities of the best performing illuminant toward various ignition stimuli are also described in detail.