propelling charge

weaponry

Also known as: propulsive charge

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Propelling charges in weaponry are typically low-explosive mixtures used to fire projectiles from guns or for blasting. The earliest and most well-known of these is black powder, a combination of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. When ignited in a confined space, the rapid production of gas propels a projectile.12

While largely replaced by smokeless powders in modern firearms, black powder remains in use for ignition charges, primers, and fuses. Its development in China predates its Western adoption, and it marked a significant technological advancement, bridging the medieval and modern eras by harnessing chemical energy for mechanical force. Modern propellants, like nitrocellulose-based powders, offer higher efficiency and produce less smoke.12

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ammunition
propelling charges used in small arms, artillery, and other guns. Ammunition size is usually expressed in terms of calibre, which is the diameter of the projectile as measured in millimetres or inches. In general, projectiles less than 20 mm or .60 inch in diameter are…
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propelling charges used in small arms, artillery, and other guns. Ammunition size is usually expressed in terms of calibre, which is the diameter of the projectile as measured in millimetres or inches. In general, projectiles less than 20 mm or .60 inch in diameter are…
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shell
…of a shell casing, a propelling charge, and a bursting charge; the propelling charge is ignited by a primer at the base of the shell, and the bursting charge by a fuse in the nose. An armour-piercing shell has a hollow pointed nose to act as windshield and a heavy,…
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…of a shell casing, a propelling charge, and a bursting charge; the propelling charge is ignited by a primer at the base of the shell, and the bursting charge by a fuse in the nose. An armour-piercing shell has a hollow pointed nose to act as windshield and a heavy,…
Read More