Abstract: There is disclosed a tying machine (100) for forming bundles from a plurality of propellant sticks (4). Such bun-files may be used to form a propellant charge for use in, for example, heavy artillery. The tying machine tends to comprise an aperture (6) and a work surface (8) such that the plurality of sticks may rest on the work surface and occupy a portion of the aperture. Further, a drum (10) holding one end of a length of twine surrounds the aperture and can be rotated to wind the twine around the sticks. The twine can be secured once the sticks are bound.