AMMUNITION 33 



minimised to such an extent that the heaviest charges in large- 

 bore guns can be fired by the sportsman without undue incon- 

 venience. Smokelessness is now^ absolute, ignition is literally 

 instantaneous, and regular unvarying pressures are obtained 

 under all circumstances. 



It would be an idle task, and quite unnecessary, for one 

 to attempt any lengthy criticism of all the leading powders on 

 the market. It is sufficient, in my opinion, to give some facts 

 about two powders which are universally recognised as being 

 the best sporting explosives in the world — "E.G." and 

 Schultze. 



E.G. No. 3 may be technically described as follows : — 

 It is formed of nitro-cellulose, completely purified and of a 

 uniform quality, together with a small quantity of some suit- 

 able nitrate, formed into approximately spherical granules, 

 hardened throughout their mass by treatment with a solvent 

 which not only renders the grain hard, but also waterproofs it 

 without completely destroying the fibrous structure of the nitro- 

 cellulose. It follows that there remains upon the surface of 

 the granules enough rugosity to secure a very quick ignition 

 from the flash of the cap. 



The best cap is one of moderate strength ; but it is a dis- 

 tinctive feature of E.G. that considerable latitude is possible 

 in the matter of cap strength. 



The claims made for this powder by the company which 

 manufactures it are very high, and there is no doubt what- 

 ever that they are justified. My own experience is only that 

 of all other sportsmen. There may be one other powder as 

 fine as E.G. No. 3 — i.e. Imperial Schultze. I am certain 

 that there is no finer. 



I have mentioned rapid ignition, but combustion also is 

 perfect, and as the mixture contains no waste constituents 

 recoil is not increased nor is energy absorbed. Great varieties 

 of load are possible, while at the same time the resulting 



