Gunpowder is an integral part of any cartridge. Without gunpowder, there would be no firearm, but few people know that gunpowder was invented by chance and for a long time was used only for fireworks. Gunpowder is a multicomponent substance, the secret of its production was discovered completely by accident.
The invention of gunpowder
Black powder, which is also called black powder, was invented in China, around the 8th century AD. In those days, the Chinese emperors were very concerned about their health and strongly encouraged local alchemists in the hope that they, if they did not discover the elixir of immortality, would at least invent a tincture of longevity. Persecuted at all times and equated with sorcerers, local chemists unexpectedly received imperial permission to do their own hard work. The most famous were even able to receive full funding for their experiences.
The elixir of immortality never existed, but stubborn Chinese diligently mixed various substances in the hope of getting it. In those days, there were no separate chemists and pharmacists. Often in the process of testing unpleasant incidents occurred.
Once, by mixing coal, saltpeter and some other ingredients, an unknown alchemist received the first black powder. Experiencing a new substance with a combination of "fire and gunpowder", he got smoke and flames. History is silent about what brought his experiments, perhaps he managed to even arrange an explosion, but somehow the formula was written down and got into the Chinese chronicle.
For a long time, black powder was used only for fireworks, until the Chinese stabilized the formula and learned how to blow it up. In the 11th century, the first powder guns were invented - combat rockets, where it was not just the combustion of gunpowder, but its explosion. Such missiles were used during the siege of fortresses, although a spectacular explosion of gunpowder had a more psychological effect. The most powerful weapon using gunpowder, which the Chinese could think of at the time, were hand-made clay bombs that could explode and shower everything around with fragments of clay shards.
Black powder, the conquest of Europe
Gunpowder in Europe appeared around the 11th century. He was brought in by Arab merchants in rockets for fireworks. The Mongols demonstrated the combat use of gunpowder, successfully using black powder to capture previously inaccessible knightly castles. The technology of application was very simple. Undermining was made under the wall (often the walls were erected on rocky cliffs, where one could not be afraid that the enemies would be able to undermine the wall deeply), a large powder mine was laid, and an explosion of powder in a few seconds punched a hole in the wall.
The first cannons using explosive powder appeared in Europe in 1118, when Arabs seized Spain. And in 1308, the Spaniards who took over the effective guns from the Arabs took the fortress of Gibraltar. After that, the guns were made throughout Europe, not excluding Russia. Since the technologies of that time did not yet know the casting of whole cannon barrels, the artillery was bulky and was used only to capture fortresses and bombard cities.
Types of gunpowder
Hunting powder is of two types, which are divided into varieties according to the quality of production:
- Powder;
- Smokeless powder.
Black powder is a direct descendant of the ancient Chinese invention, which is still used by modern hunters. All black powder for hunting are divided into varieties (highest and first) and numbers (from 1 to 4).
Non gunpowder directly depend on the size of the powder grains. The smaller the grain, the better the powder will explode, pushing the bullet out of the barrel. Small grains fit more closely to each other, so the burning of gunpowder is faster. Thus, if you need a greater initial speed of a bullet, use a higher-grade gunpowder.
Determination of the quality of black powder
To determine which powder to choose, it is not enough just to look at its grade and number. Modern production - an established factory process, in which sometimes there are manufacturing defects.
A good powder should have the following properties:
- Solid black color;
- Lack of white or yellowish shades;
- The shiny surface of the powder grains;
- If you press on the grain, it should split into pieces, and not turn into powder.
Black powder, under proper storage conditions, is able to retain its properties for decades, but if water gets into it, it will become unusable.
Despite noticeable advantages, black powder is a relic of the past, and it has many disadvantages:
- After its application in the barrel of the gun, there remains a lot of soot, if you do not clean it, then you can forget about the well-aimed shooting;
- The shot of the gun, the powder in the cartridge of which is smoky, can be heard for several kilometers. This is guaranteed to drive away all the surrounding game (smokeless powder cartridges shoot much quieter);
- After the shot, so much smoke is released that it is very difficult to watch the game, which is very dangerous when hunting for a large animal.
When choosing black powder should pay attention to the absence of impurities in it. Such a charge of powder can break the barrel of a gun when fired. The use of black powder is justified only in one situation - if you have an old gun, which is not designed to use smokeless powder, which can easily break the barrel, not adapted to such loads.
Differences and properties of smokeless powder
The manufacture of smokeless powder is significantly different from the production technology of smoke. Although the price of smokeless powder is higher, its power exceeds the power of smoke three times, therefore, due to the smaller amount of powder in the cartridge, you can save. The use of smokeless powder offers many advantages:
- Power, which reduces the number of injured animals, as the gun hits farther and stronger;
- Lack of "smoke screen" when fired;
- The relative purity of the gun after the shots;
- Less loud gunfire.
In addition, if smokeless powder gets wet, it can be dried, and all its properties will remain.
The cons of smokeless powder is that its storage time does not exceed 15 years, and it is very sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Despite these drawbacks, more and more hunters are choosing exactly smokeless gunpowder.
Characteristics of powders, powder Snar
The composition of the powder Snarar differs by the use of pyroxylin with the presence of graphite, which is necessary in order to avoid electrification. It is produced in the form of cylinders or plates, is a smokeless type of gunpowder. In Russia, it is most often found in the form of cylinders, which gives an advantage over the plates, which is expressed in the best charge acceleration. According to the burning rate, gunpowder Snarar is divided into three types:
- Slowly burning species (for example, Sunar "Magnum");
- Burning with medium speed (Sunar H);
- Quick-burning species (Sunar CB).
Gunpowder Sunar is most often used to equip shotgun cartridges. Hunters, he found unsatisfactory.
Gunpowder Bars and its characteristics
Gunpowder Bars refers to smokeless types of gunpowder. The story of his appearance goes back to the 70s. Until now, guns leopard used by many hunters throughout Russia and the CIS. There are still debates about his developments. The main versions are two:
- This powder was developed as a change to the outdated powder Falcon, and is powder developed exclusively for hunters;
- Proponents of the second version argue that guns leopard is gun powder used for automata, with minor changes. Soviet industry took this step to minimize costs. As a result, the guns appeared and Leopard. Connoisseurs of the properties of gunpowder for automata claim that such powder is absolutely unsuitable for hunting rifles, as it will tear their trunks.
However, the effectiveness of this powder has been proven for decades. Despite the fact that it is no longer produced, many hunters in the 90s managed to stock up on them in huge quantities and still use only it.
The main advantage of the powder of this brand is its dense composition, which reduces the weight of the powder in the cartridge. In addition, the production technology of powders of this type is quite simple, which allowed to significantly reduce its price.
The main disadvantage of Leopard powder is its higher temperature of combustion, which can lead to accelerated wear of the gun.
Gunpowder Falcon, the oldest powder of Russia
Gunpowder Falcon is used to equip hunting cartridges since 1937. You should know that its composition changed in 1977, as the requirements for gunpowder became more stringent. The energy of the powder of this brand is large enough, which allows him to still meet all international standards.
Gunpowder Falcon can forgive a mistake with a hitch, so it is recommended for beginner hunters who prefer to equip their cartridges on their own.
Gunpowder Falcon is used by many domestic producers of cartridges ("Nitrogen", "Vetter", "Polieks" and others).
Gunpowder Irbis, features
Gunpowder brand Irbis has a large number of modifications, divided by the following features:
- The ratio of the mass of gunpowder to the mass of a bullet (recommended parameters);
- Caliber of cartridges in which this powder will be poured;
- Compatibility parameters with various types of wads;
- The parameters of the muzzle pressure.
Based on these signs, the manufacturer recommends adding gunpowder in strict accordance with the table indicated on the package. The parameters of this table sometimes do not coincide with the recommendations of experienced hunters who give advice based on personal experience. Although beginners who do not understand what kind of powder and how to use it properly, it is better to follow the factory recommendations.
Aluminum powder, what is it?
Some argue that aluminum powder is a new species, replacing the traditional types of gunpowder. In fact, aluminum powder is a substance that is rather a combustible mixture and is used in Bengal fires, fountains and fireworks.
This species burns with a blinding white flame with a higher temperature and speed than traditional powder. Often it is used to make special incendiary tubes capable of igniting difficult inflammable substances.
Magnum Cartridge Equipment
Magnum cartridges have long been appreciated by foreign hunters for their outstanding performance in terms of power. Domestic hunters were afraid to use them in the old guns, but with the advent of more modern models of weapons, focused on the Magnum-type cartridges, they were also able to appreciate their merits.
The advantages of Magnum cartridges are obvious. They provide a sharp and accurate fight for long distances. The main condition for their use is the presence of a reliable and rather heavy rifle.
Domestic hunters use Magnum cartridges for weapons of 12/76 caliber. Before you start equipment or use of these cartridges, you need to make sure that your gun is designed for cartridges of this type. Due to the high power, Magnum cartridges require strict adherence to the technical process of equipping cartridges.
Precautions when working with gunpowder
Before you start work on the equipment of any cartridges, you need to know what type of powder you need. Most modern guns can be equipped with smokeless powder cartridges, but if you have an old or collection weapon, it’s better to make sure it is suitable for this type of gunpowder. You should not carry out "field" tests, having sustained several shots, the gun can explode in your hands at the most unexpected moment, causing serious injuries or even injury.
Equipping cartridges, do not be distracted, smoke or talk to other people on trifles. Error in the calculations can be very expensive for you when you shoot. With a lack of gunpowder in the cartridge the bullet will not be able to lay a large beast that will easily cripple you. An excessive amount of gunpowder, at best, will disable the gun, at worst, it will blow it up.
Keep gunpowder in a dry place, away from open sources of fire.
Despite the fact that the powder manufacturing formula has not changed much, it is constantly being improved, it uses new additives that increase the efficiency of use of this substance.
