- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Modern Propellants
Home > Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development > Evolution of Propellants > Modern Propellants
To avoid the shortcomings of black powder, researchers had to consider propellant chemicals that incorporated oxidizers rather than inorganic materials that contribute corrosive by-products. Eliminating sulfur from the material was important for the same reason. The quest for reduced smoke meant that higher combustion temperatures would be required. Most importantly, the new propellant had to be controllable and reproducible to be safe.
