Igniters are elements of the ignition system of granular propellant charges, which have to give prescribed energetic impulse to charges. This paper includes theoretical and experimental investigations of ignition of propellant charge by igniter. The theoretical studies comprise modelling of two-phase flow of black powder grains and their combustion products in the igniter. The interaction of igniter efflux generated by two-phase flow of black powder in the igniter with the two-phase flow in propellant chamber with granular propellant charge is considered. The experimental investigations of igniter function in open air and in live propellant charge placed in fibreglass propellant chambers are performed. Influence of igniter characteristics on the ignition of propellant charge is established. Verification of the developed theoretical model by the comparison with experimental data is carried out. The presented theoretical-experimental access enables the choice of optimum igniter for ignition of propellant charge.