Abstract: A tracer wad for a cartridge comprises a shot holder consisting of four quadrants defining between them a tubular member, a tracer element holder and a conical recess leading to a bore for directing ignited propellant onto a tracer element held in the holder to ensure reliable ignition of the tracer element on firing of the cartridge. A flexible skirt portion ensures a good gas seal between the wad and the barrel of a firearm when the cartridge is fired. When the wad leaves the barrel, the quadrants are peeled back and the tracer element leaves the holder to follow the trajectory of the shot.

Abstract: A smoke producing article comprises preformed granules of a smoke generating material admixed with an inert binder. The granules are compressed at such a pressure and for such a period of time that the granules deform to take up a reduced volume overall but remain separable discrete particles. The smoke generating material is advantageously red phosphorus. The compression is at 2-7 tons/sq. inch (31-110 MPa), and the compression time is 3-10 seconds.