What is this powder?

[Thuriaz]

So technically an ammo question but I figured I'd get more interest here.
Opened an old 303 blank to show the wife what cordite looked like and found this instead.
Right cards over the propellant and right colour but defiantly an unexpected shape.
Anyone care to shed some light?

 

[green]

Sliced Cordite size 20/sc

 

[Thuriaz]

Sliced Cordite size 20/sc

Thanks.

 

[Volhv]

Look honey it looks just like spaghetti....

 

[smellie]

Looks like you opened an unfinished or repurposed Canadian-made Mark IV Dum-Dum round.

"Chopped Cordite" was used in pistol ammunition and in various Blank rounds. Chopping or slicing the charge exposed more surface area to the primer flash, making it burn much faster.

 

[Thuriaz]

Looks like you opened an unfinished or repurposed Canadian-made Mark IV Dum-Dum round.

"Chopped Cordite" was used in pistol ammunition and in various Blank rounds. Chopping or slicing the charge exposed more surface area to the primer flash, making it burn much faster.

Thanks for the input Smellie. Here are pics of the blanks showing different crimps on different cases.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Looks like you opened an unfinished or repurposed Canadian-made Mark IV Dum-Dum round.

"Chopped Cordite" was used in pistol ammunition and in various Blank rounds. Chopping or slicing the charge exposed more surface area to the primer flash, making it burn much faster.

Blanks were made from regular brass that didn't pass inspection.

Grizz