Walsrode Powder.—­The smokeless powder known as Walsrode powder consists of absolutely pure gelatinised nitro-cellulose, grained by a chemical not a mechanical process, consequently the grains do not need facing with gelatine to prevent their breaking up, as is the case with many nitro powders.  For this same reason, as well as from the method of getting rid of the solvent used, the Walsrode has no tendency whatever to absorb moisture.  In fact, it can lie in water for several days, and when taken out and dried again at a moderate temperature will be found as good as before.  Nor is it influenced by heat, whether dry or damp, and it can be stored for years without being in the least affected.  It is claimed also that it heats the barrels of guns much less than black powder, and does not injure them.

The standard charge is 30 grains, and it is claimed that with this charge Walsrode powder will prove second to none.  A large cap is necessary, as the grains of this powder are very hard, and require a large flame to properly ignite them.  In loading cartridges for sporting purposes, an extra felt wad is required to compensate for the small space occupied by the charge; but for military use the powder can be left quite loose.  The gas pressure of this powder is low (in several military rifles only one-half that of other nitros), and the recoil consequently small; and it is claimed that with the slight increase of the charge (from 29 to 30 grs.) both penetration and initial velocity will be largely increased, whilst the gas pressure and recoil will not be greater.

This powder was used at Bisley, at the National Rifle Association’s Meeting, with satisfactory results.  It is made by the Walsrode Smokeless and Waterproof Gunpowder Company.  The nitro-cotton is gelatinised by means of acetic ether, and the skin produced retards burning.  The nitro-cotton is mixed with acetic ether, and when the gelatinisation has taken place, the plastic mass is forced through holes in a metal plate into strips, which are then cut up into pieces the size of grains.  The M.H.  Walsrode powder is a leaflet powder, light in colour, about 40 grains of which give a muzzle velocity of 1,350 feet and a pressure of 3 tons.  It is, like the other Walsrode powders, waterproof and heat-proof.

Cooppal Powder is manufactured by Messrs Cooppal & Co. at their extensive powder works in Belgium.  It consists of nitro-jute or nitro-cotton, with or without nitrates, treated with a solvent to form a gelatinised mass.  There are a great many varieties of this powder.  One kind is in the form of little squares; another, for use in Hotchkiss guns, is formed into 3-millimetre cubes, and is black.  Other varieties are coloured with aniline dyes of different colours.