Propellants

History of Explosia a.s.

Production of smokeless powders, black powders and explosives in Explosia a.s.
has a long tradition. The company was established in 1920 under the name
Czechoslovak Joint-stock Factory for Explosive Materials in Prague. Production
plant was erected in Semtn near Pardubice (in 1921). In 1934 the name of the
company was changed to Explosia. Later, in 1958, the company merged with its
affiliated company Synthesia and other companies to East Bohemian Chemical
Works Synthesian.p. After 1990 Synthesia was divided to parts and one of them,
the producer of explosives, was named Explosia again. Explosia joint-stock company
was founded in 1998 and in 2002 all shares were transferred to governmental
structure. Since 2002 is Explosiaa.s. fully owned by government of Czech Republic.
The Research Institute of Industrial Chemistry (VPCH), as apart of Explosia a.s.,
can offer know-how in R&D of propellants and explosives. Explosia a.s. produces
explosives and powders for commercial and military purposes, combustible 125mm
APFSDS-T tank ammunition, 155 mm bimodular charge system, rocket propellants
and black powders.

SINCE 1920

Types of propellants
Explosia a.s. produces two basic types of powders single base
powders and double base powders with certain percentage of
nitroglycerine. Triple base propellants are also produced with main
application for 155 mm ammunition. The powders are produced in
the form of flakes, extruded tubular or seven perforated grains or
spherical grains. Explosia a. s. produces many different propellants for
all commonly used calibers.

Single base powders (marking S)

Nitrocellulose is the main component (9098%) of single base
powders. Various additives such as stabilizers, deterrents, flame
suppresants and burn rate modifiers are used as well.
The shape of the powder grain is cylindrical, single or multi perforated,
or flake. Most single base propellants produced in Explosia a.s. are
surface coated to achieve the progressiveness of burning. Single base
propellants are used mainly in handguns, antiaircraft guns, recoilless
weapons and howitzers.

Double base powders (marking D)

In addition to nitrocellulose powders double base powders contain
also nitroglycerine (1038%). These powders contain also small
percentage of stabilizers or other additives as single base powders.
Double base powders are of higher energetic value than single base
powders. Their calorific value varies between 3 800 and 5 200 kJ/kg,
ballistic performance is better. The shape of powder grain is cylindrical,
single perforated, spherical or flake.

Quality assurance



Explosia a. s. guarantees, that each lot of powder will provide the

loaded cartridges with required velocity and pressure parameters.
To achieve this, the powders produced are subjected to strict quality
control. Physical (dimensions, bulk density, water content), chemical
(composition, ash, stability) and ballistic parameters are determined
with cartridges loaded with powder conditioned for 24 hours at
recommended temperatures and 605% humidity.
Quality management system, as
to the extent corresponding with
ISO 9001 standard, was introduced
in the company in 1998. Since 2003,
after successful passing through
the re-certification audit, Explosia
a.s. has become the holder of the
certificate according to standard
system ISO 9001: 2000 and in 2004
the holder of certificate of conformity
of quality system with AQAP 110
requirements.

Research and development of

propellants
Research is performed in the field of production technologies of
smokeless powders, combustible masses, their physical structure,
methods of parameters determination, stability problems and
analytical procedures for determination of powder composition,
processing properties of nitrocellulose etc.
Development work involves solution of propelling charges for
small calibre ammunition up to 155mm, modular charges 155mm,
mortars up to calibre 120mm, rocket motors up to calibre 122mm,
kinetic energy (KE) ammunition for calibres up to 125mm, including
technology and technological equipment.
Research and development in the field of measuring of ballistic
parameters involves measuring in weapons and closed vessels.
Development in the field of ballistic simulators includes evaluation
and simulation software.

Packaging
All here stated powders can be packed into:
Cardboard boxes
Fibreboard drums
500 g or 1000 g containers for reloading purposes
The powders are packed into fibreboard or cardboard drums or
boxes with conductive PEbags. The quantity of powder contained in
adrum varies mostly between 8 and 50kg according to the individual
type of powder and the risk connected with its inflammation.
The powders can be packed also into other types of containers
(hermetic steel container etc.) This requires an agreement with
the producer of the powder. The containers used shall meet the
requirements of the rules of transport of dangerous goods.

S015-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base disc

500 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
28 g
plastic wad
1.23 g
370 m/s
670 bar
12/70 32 g

S030-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

650 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
28 g
plastic wad
1.60 g
420 m/s
600 bar
12/70 32 g

S032-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

650 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
32 g
plastic wad
1.70 g
400 m/s
600 bar
12/70 34 g

S035-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base flake

580 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
36 g
felt wad
2.00 g
390 m/s
600 bar
12/70 36 g

Shotshell Propellants

D013-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base disc

525 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
24 g
plastic wad
1.20 g
400 m/s
600 bar
12/70 28 g

D015-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base flake

500 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
24 g
plastic wad
1.30 g
400 m/s
600 bar
12/70 28 g

Shotshell Propellants

D030-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

590 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
24 g
plastic wad
1.45 g
420 m/s
600 bar
12/70 28 g

D032-05 SUBSONIC
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

560 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70 Subsonic
28 g
plastic wad
0.80 g
300 m/s
600 bar
12/17 24 g subsonic

D033-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

720 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
32 g
plastic wad
1.60 g
400 m/s
600 bar

D033-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

720 g/l

Main application
Weight of shots
Wad
Powder charge approx.
V2
P
Other calibre application

12/70
32 g
plastic wad
1.70 g
400 m/s
600 bar

Shotshell Propellants

Rifle Propellants
8

S040-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

820 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.22 Hornet
SP 2.9 g
0.56 g
710 m/s
2 000 bar
.30 Carbine

S053-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

860 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

7.62 x 39
FMJ 8.0 g
1.55 g
730 m/s
2 600 bar
.222 Remington

S060-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

890 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

7.62 x 54 R
SP 11.7 g
2.72 g
780 m/s
3 000 bar
.308 Win., 8 x 57 JS, 8 x 57 JR

S060-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

880 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.308 Winchester
FMJ 9.3 g
2.80 g
830 m/s
3 800 bar
7.62 x 54 R

Rifle Propellants

10

S062-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

890 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

8 x 57 JS
SP 12.7 g
3.20 g
780 m/s
3 800 bar
8 x 57 JRS, .30-06 Springfield

S065-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

910 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

7 x 57
SP 9.0 g
3.00 g
780 m/s
3 000 bar
7 x 57 R, 7 x 64.7 x 65 R, .30-06 Springfield

Rifle Propellants

S070-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

920 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.30-06 Springfield
SBT 11.7 g
3.68 g
825 m/s
3 600 bar
7 x 64, .300 Win. Mag., .270 Win.

S070-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

910 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.338 LAP Magnum

HPBT 16.2 g
5.60 g
840 m/s
4 000 bar
.30-06 Spr., .270 Win., .300 Win. Mag.

S071-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

910 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

7 mm Rem. Mag.
SBT 11.7 g
4.40 g
900 m/s
4 300 bar
.3006 Spr., .300 Win. Mag.

D063-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

970 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

7.62 x 39
FMJ 8.0 g
1.50 g
725 m/s
2 600 bar
.222 Rem., .223 Rem.

D073-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

980 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.223 Remington
FMJ 3.6 g
1.62 g
1 000 m/s
3 600 bar
.222 Rem., 5.6 x 50 R Mag., 5.6 x 52 R

D073-04
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

970 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.223 Remington
FMJ 3.6 g
1.64 g
870 m/s
3 600 bar
.270 Win., .223 Rem.

Rifle Propellants

11

12

D073-05
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

970 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.223 Remington
FMJ 3.6 g
1.67 g
970 m/s
3 600 bar
.270 Win., .223 Rem.

D073-06
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

960 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.308 Winchester
HPBT 10.9 g
2.95 g
830 m/s
3 900 bar
.270 Win., .223 Rem.

Rifle Propellants

D083-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

960 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.308 Winchester
HPBT 10.9 g
3.00 g
830 m/s
3 700 bar
7.22 x 54 R

14

S011-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

640 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.45 Auto
FMJ 14.9 g
0.345 g
260 m/s
1 250 bar
.38 Special

S020-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

single base tubular

660 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

9 mm Luger
FMJ 7.5 g
0.330 g
375 m/s
2 300 bar
9 mm Brow., 7.65 Brow., 6.35 Brow.

Pistol and Revolver Propellants

D010-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

880 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.22 Long Rifle

2.33 g
0.080 g
330 m/s
1 200 bar
.22 LR HV, .22 Short, 6.8/11

D010-04
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

940 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.22 Long Rifle HV

2.92 g
0.120 g
400 m/s
1 800 bar
.22 WMR

D032-03
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

650 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

9 mm Luger
FMJ 7.5 g
0.320 g
380 m/s
2 300 bar
9 mm Brow., 7.65 Brow., 6.35 Brow.

D036-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

940 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.357 Magnum
FMJ 10.25 g
0.670 g
420 m/s
2 800 bar
9 mm Luger, .40 S&W

D036-03
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

960 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.357 Magnum
FMJ 10.25 g
0.620 g
420 m/s
2 800 bar
9 mm Luger, .40 S&W

D036-05
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

950 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

9 mm Luger
FMJ 8.0 g
0.380 g
365 m/s
2 250 bar
9 mm Luger, .40 S&W

Pistol and Revolver Propellants

15

16

D037-01
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

960 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.357 Magnum
FMJ 10.25 g
0.732 g
340 m/s
1 300 bar
9 mm Luger, .40 S&W

Pistol and Revolver Propellants

D037-02
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

950 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

.44 Rem. Mag.

FMJ 15.6 g
1.35 g
430 m/s
2 500 bar
.41 Rem. Mag.

propellants
Ammunition was cleaned during last years from heavy metals by changing of design. Frequently used compounds
emitting heavy metals were changed for clean or green and design of bullets was changed to prevent lead
pollution during shooting.
LowTox propellants are openning new line of products produced by Explosia a.s., which is next logical step
following job done on bullets and primers on ammunition. Powders and products of combustion are as low toxic
as possible. Fist product was introduced for 9 mm Luger and tests were done with Sellier & Bellot NonTox primer.
Main advantages:

No toxic stabilizer and no toxic product of ageing of powder

Reduced quantity of toxic products of burning (CO, HCN, etc.)
Unburned residues of powder less than 1 %
Thermal uniformity of ammunition within range from -54 to +52 C
Stability of powder according to STANAG 4582

D025-03
Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base tubular, impregnated

680 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

9 mm Luger NONTOX
7.5 g (8.0 g)
0.380 g
380 m/s
2 250 bar
no other

D036-07

Further details upon request.

Type of propellant
Bulk density approx.

double base spherical

900 g/l

Main application
Bullet
Powder charge approx.
V5
P
Other calibre application

9 mm Luger
FMJ 7.5 g
0.375 g
375 m/s
2 300 bar
9 mm Brow., 7.65 Brow.

Pistol and Revolver Propellants

17

Propellants for military and law enforcement use

Below mentioned is for information only. Ask the Explosias sales department for full technical
specification of each propellant.

Mark

Type

Main application of the powder

D020-01

Spherical powder

40 x 53 mm grenade

D025-01

Tubular impregnated powder

9 x 19 mm NATO, 7.5 g, 8.0 g bullet, REACH type

D036-08

Spherical powder

9 x 19 mm NATO, 7.5 g FMJ bullet (M882)

D060-03

Tubular impregnated powder

40 x 53 mm grenade HV

D063-03

Spherical powder

7.62 x 39 mm M43

D073-02

Spherical powder

5.56 x 45 mm, M193, tracer M195

D073-03

Spherical powder

5.56 x 45 mm NATO, SS109, M855 (M856 tracer)

D073-05

Spherical powder

5.56 mm Ball M855, tracer M856, REACH type

D075-01

Spherical powder

5.45 x 39 mm

D083-01

Spherical powder

7.62 x 54R

D083-02

Spherical powder

7.62 x 51 mm NATO (M80)

D083-03

Spherical powder

7.62 x 51 mm NATO (M80), REACH type

D100-01

Spherical powder

12.7 x 99 mm NATO, M33

D100-02

Spherical powder

12.7 x 107 mm

D103-01

Spherical powder

20 mm TP M55, HEI M56

S020-01

Flake powder

9 x 19 mm NATO, 9 x 18 mm Makarov

S022-01

Flake powder

7.62 x 39 mm M43 Blank

S053-01

Tubular powder

7.62 x 39 mm M43

S060-01

Tubular powder

7.62 x 54R, 7.62 x 51 mm NATO

S070-01

Tubular powder

.338 WM

S101-01

7-perforated powder

14.5 x 114 mm

S102-01

7-perforated powder

23 x 152 mm ZU

S102-02

7-perforated powder

23 x 152 mm APFSDS-T, 130 g

S102-03

7-perforated powder

23 x 115 mm NS, KM, NR-23

S102-04

7-perforated powder

12.7 x 108 mm, ball B32

S105-01

7-perforated powder

30 x 165 mm 2A42

S105-04

7-perforated powder

30 x 173 mm NATO

S110-01

Tubular powder

30 x 210 mm

S110-02

7-perforated powder

40 mm L/60 (40 311 mm R)

Explosia a.s. has capabilities for production of single base and double base propellants according to Russian or NATO standards for artillery
ammunition 100 mm, 122 mm, 125 mm, 152 mm, 155 mm and mortars ammunition 60 mm, 81 mm, 82 mm, 98 mm and 120 mm as well.

Military Propellants

19

14

Plze

50

Praha

Pardubice

Brno

18
48

Explosia a.s.

Semtn 107, 530 50 Pardubice, Czech Republic

phone: +420 466 825 500
fax:
+420 466 822 966
e-mail: explosia@explosia.cz

Propellant Sales Department

phone:

fax:
e-mail:

+420 466 825 287

+420 466 825 288
+420 466 822 943
propellants@explosia.cz

www.explosia.cz

Explosia a.s. | Version 2015-09-04. All rights reserved. Specifications in this Propellants Catalog are subject to change without notice.