The smell of gunpowder

[Benjamin Cole]

JM--

It is misnomer that modern firearms do not issue gunsmoke.

AI--

Several modern, readily available ammunition brands are known for producing more smoke at the gun range, often due to the use of "dirtier" burning powders or specialized coatings intended for high-volume, cost-effective target practice.

Based on user experiences, here are the primary brands and types of ammo that produce noticeable smoke:
1. Winchester White Box (WWB)
Frequently cited as the smokiest and "dirtiest" commonly available range ammunition, Winchester's bulk FMJ "white box" ammo often produces significant smoke and residue.
Reddit
Reddit
 +2

2. CCI Blazer Brass
While generally considered reliable, Blazer Brass is frequently noted for burning a bit dirtier than premium ammo, resulting in a distinct, moderate amount of smoke at the range.
Reddit
Reddit
 +1

---30---

In addition, if a gun barrel has recently been serviced, or oiled, the fresh oil will be emitted along with the gunblast, in the form of smoke.

Snub-nose .38s were known for their loud noise, and gunsmoke, as the short barrel did little to mitigate noise and smoke. In general, the longer the barrel, the less noise and smoke.

You are likely correct in deducing LHO's M-C carbine was not the source of gunsmoke smelled in the GK area, in the immediate aftermath of the JFKA.

The wind was blowing from the GK area towards the TSBD--you see that in women's apparel, skirts, etc.

[Joe Elliott]

In a number of threads, people have brought up the fact that people in the motorcade smelled gunpowder as they were going past the GK. To that my reaction has always been SO WHAT. I think we can safely say no one fired a weapon on Elm St. so the people who got a whiff of gunpowder residue when they were on Elm St. give us no clue as to where that residue was discharged. I thought of this following the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and some of the people smelled the gunpowder in the ballroom even though the assailant never discharged his weapon there. The residue that people smell can drift quite a distance from it's origin. This gives us no indication where that residue was discharged from.

I think it is common, when people know shots have been fired, to convince themselves that they smelled the gunpowder. I do not trust eye-witnesses and nose-witnesses even less.

Only accept the testimony of a real expert. A Louisiana bloodhound.