Cordite

Cordite, a propulsive explosive, recommended by Sir Frederick Abel's Committee in 1889, and since then practically adopted as the smokeless explosive of the British services. It takes its name from its external resemblance to pieces of cord, or, more exactly, pieces of cat-gut. Its exact composition is secret; but it is akin to celluloid, and its basis is nitro-cotton. One pound of it, used as charge for a gun, gives a greater initial velocity to the projectile than is given by 3 lbs. of any of the older powders. The amount of smoke is so small as to be almost nil; the report is, however, intensified rather than lessened.