A method for synthesizing nanosize metallic powders can include providing a metallic precursor. The metallic precursor can include a metal alloy formed having a fugitive constituent and a target metal. The fugitive constituent and target metal are chosen such that the fugitive constituent can be selectively dissolved or removed by leaching with an appropriate solvent while leaving the target metal undissolved. The fugitive constituent can be leached from the metallic precursor to leave a metallic residue which is a mass of nanosize metallic particles made substantially of the target metal. The nanosize metallic particles can then be recovered from the metallic residue either merely by removing the solvent and/or breaking up the mass of nanosize metallic particles. The disclosed methods allow for a convenient avenue for production of nanosize particles from readily formed materials for use in a wide variety of potential industrial and commercial applications.