AbstractThe effect of lead and copper salts and certain metallic oxides was studied on the burning rates of RDX‐based CMDB propellants in the pressure region 35–105 [kg/cm2]. Lead methylene disalicylate (LMDS), basic copper salicylate (BCS). cobaltic oxide and lead stannate produced higher burning rates by 10%–16%. However, these additives were comparatively more effective with nitramine‐based CMDB propellants than AP‐based CMDB propellants. Fluorides of iron, lead and chromium were ineffective as burning rate catalysts. Inclusion of carbon black along with lead salts or metallic oxide gave only marginally higher burning rates. None of the ballistic modifiers studied produced plateau/mesa effect.