BLACK POWDER SUBSTITUTES FOR SMALL CALIBER FIREARMS

Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartrid ges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90 % by wei ght of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30 % by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0 % by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate or peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extru ded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 t o 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coax ial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 t o 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixtur e with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures subst antially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.