For very many years there have been significant distinctions between the rules relating to the purchase and storage of ‘smokeless powders’ (nitro propellants) and those for ‘gunpowder’ (black powder).

I loaded my first centrefire black powder cartridges for a hammer Purdey that cost me £5. (Read about black powder licences here.) That Purdey was my pride and joy and exposed me to the pleasure of ...