This identification procedure, which involved the techniques of infrared microspectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, can detect all the main propellant constituents including nitrocellulose. The described technique is being applied regularly and has been particularly useful in cases involving close range shootings. Care must be taken, however, when comparing fired and unfired propellant and when compiling statistical information from results produced by fired particles. 6 figures and 10 references (Author abstract modified)