GUNPOWDER

is an explosive formed by a mechanical mixture of Saltpetre (Nitrate of Pota ium), Charcoal and Sulphur or Brimstone, the proportion of these ingredients varying slightly with different manufacturers. With minor modifications, the best grades of modern make consist of 75% Saltpetre, 15% Charcoal and 10% Sulphur. It seems extraordinary but it is a fact that the earliest known formulas correspond closely to those of the standard powders of to-day. It has been found difficult to obtain accurate information as to when Gunpowder was invented, or by whom. The combination of saltpetre with other substances for making fire-darts, Greek-fire, and other explosives resembling gunpowder, is said to have been known in the earliest ages, principally among the Far Eastern nations. The “Gentoo” laws supposed to have been formulated about the time of Moses, 1500 years before the Christian Era, refer to cannon and guns, in the use of which gunpowder or some explosive substance must have been used. History also relates that during the Maced on i an conquest about 400 years B. C., King Philip used “field artillery.” Some authorities credit the Chinese with being acquainted at a very early period with substances resembling gunpowder. It is doubtful though if gunpowder was used to any great extent before the introduction of firearms about 1320 A. D. “Black” gunpowder has recently been superseded by smokele powder to a great. extent, but, because of its comparatively low cost, it is still largely used for shot gum ammunition and in rifles and pistols. The three standard grain sizes are Fg, FFg and FFFg, from coarse to fine. For shotgun ammunition, FFg and FFFg are recommended, the finer size giving the greater velocity to the shot. Fg is suitable for rifle cartridges containing 40 grains: or more to a charge; FFg for the smaller sizes of rifles. FFFg is the quickest, and is especially adapted for revolver and pistol cartridges, where all the power must be developed in a short barrel or cylinder. Gunpowder is ordinarily packed in metal kegs, half-kegs and quarter-kegs, containing respectively 25, 1214 and 614 pounds avoirdupois, and in tin canisters containing one pound, one-half pound and one-quarter pound. Some manufacturers are also using a paper “Keg” holding one pound of powder—this style of packing making ar attractive and handy container. The oldest gunpowder manufacturer in the United States is the Du Pont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, which was established in 1802. Its mills have continuously supplied the United States Government with explosives since that date, besides furnishing sportsmen with a standard article for their enjoyment. Only limited quantities of gunpowder packed in kegs or canisters may be stored on the premises. Insurance companies generally allow 25 pounds to be stored without additional premium. In some states a special license is required before it can be handled. The restrictions on the carrying, selling and shipping of the commodity, have caused the majority of dealers to meet the demands of their customers with loaded shot shells and metallic ammunition for rifles and pistols. Ammunition of this character may be carried in stock in any quantity without affecting insurance and without special license. [s. 299]