Winchester 231

In 1929, the Western Cartridge Company (forerunner of Winchester Ammunition) received U.S. Patent #2,027,114, issued to Western Cartridge as “Manufacture of Smokeless Powders.” Shortly after, Western Cartridge Company then commercially introduced BALL POWDER^® smokeless propellant. The innovative BALL POWDER^® process provided a number of technological advantages over common extruded type powders that were quickly leveraged by ammunition factories and the U.S. military. The key advantages of BALL POWDER^® propellant include: • Stable long life – in some cases exceeding the capability of extruded powders • High density – ideal for rifle calibers. Yet the BALL POWDER^® process is capable of density adjustment to also create high-performance pistol and shotshell powders • Adjustable chemistry – allows the powder to be tailored to specific cartridge applications through chemistry as well as geometry. • Lower flame temperature – allows longer barrel life