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.C..” and 
Schultze. 
E.C. 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.C. 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.C. 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 
c 
