- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Propellant Charging
Home > Small Arms Ammunition > Centerfire Ammunition > Propellant Charging
As with rimfire ammunition, centerfire charging methods depend on the machinery used. More high-speed continuous loading machines are used, forcing the adoption of sophisticated propellant meters. The sliding powder measure is capable of handling faster production rates. Lower-volume cartridge production is still performed on slower interrupted sequence machines.
Most centerfire loading operations include inspection immediately after the charging station. A pin will drop into the case, determining if the volume of propellant is out of specification. Electronic or mechanical sensors read the position of the pin.
