I was simply wondering what the difference (in performance, primarily) is between potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate.

Thanks

Potassium Chlorate is much more reactive when compared to potassium perchlorate. However, they are both sensitive and possibly dangerous compounds so that does not mean potassium perchlorate is safer.

 

Just as a comparison potassium chlorate receives a 2 for flammability and a 3 for reactivity from the NFPA 704. While potassium perchlorate receives one's respectively for both. Again do not let this fool you both of these compounds can be very dangerous and reactive. I would not play around them without having some proper training and safety precautions.