LESSON 7

Question 1

Define gunpowder.

Answer 1

Gunpowder or powder charge is a propellant which, when ignited by the primer flash, is converted to gas under high pressure and propels the bullet or shot charge through the barrel and to the target

Question 2

CLASSIFICATION AND COMPOSITION OF GUNPOWDER

Answer 2

1. Black powder
   - DANGEROUS TO HANDLE -
   - MOST DANGEROUS TO STORE BECAUSE IGNITE EASILY
   - DIRTIEST GUNPOWDER
   - OLDEST/ HUNTING ACTIVITIES
   - PRODUCE LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE
2. Smokeless powder
   - MODERN FIREARM
   - CLEANIST
   - SAFEST TO STORE
3. Semi-Smokeless Powder
   - USED AS SUBSTITUTE FOR BLACK POWDER
   - A COMBINATION OF SOME INGREDIENTS FROM THE BLACK POWDER AND SMOKELESS POWDER
   - CONTAINS SULFUR, POTASIUM NITRATE, CHARCOAL AND NITROCELLULOSE

Question 3

TWO MAIN CLASSES OF SMOKELESS POWDER

Answer 3

1. SINGE-BASED
   - USED FOR SMALL ARMS
2. DOUBLE-BASED
   - STRONGER
   - USED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES
   - USAGE DECLINE DUE TO DANGEROUSITY

Question 4

The oldest of the propellant. When fired it produces large volumes of grayish smoke and considerable residue is left in the barrel. The standard ingredients are potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal

Answer 4

Black powder

Question 5

This is the type of powder commonly used now in modern small arms ammunition. It is the most powerful propellants. All propellants currently used have a nitrocellulose base.

Answer 5

Smokeless powder

Question 6

GIVES OF LESS SMOKE AND THE RESIDUE DOES NOT HARDEN ON THE BARREL LIKE THE DLACK POWDER

Answer 6

SEMI- SMOKELESS POWDER