Production standardization and quality control for the manufacture of black powder are discussed. The powder is to conform to Spec JAN-223A. Results of Process I (the impregnating S is dissolved in CS2) and Process II (no CS2 is used) are compared. Of 6 powder batches prepared by Process I, and 6 by Process II, one made by Process II (from 6 micron charcoal and medium finess nitrate with ethanol as a slurry medium) produced ballistic traces of 137 and 51.5% relative quickness as compared to the DuPont reference powder. The next best trace was 72% from a Process I batch. Duplication attempts indicated that factors and conditions involved in the processing are not sufficiently standardized. Manufacturing methods, production costs, and testing results are being analyzed.