Ammunition Flashcards
What statute defines ammunition?
18 USC chapter 44 section 921(a)(17)(A)
Define ammunition
Ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant powder designed for use in any firearm. A complete round or any sub component is ammunition as defined.
List the components of a shot shell
Shot Hull Was Propellant powder Primer
Define caliber
Approximate internal diameter of the barrel or the diameter of the projectile it fires, usually shown in millimeters or in hundredths of an inch.
Maybe designated in either inches or millimeters (.380 or 9mm)
What is the specific cartridge intended for use in a firearm?
Most modern day firearms are marked with the caliber, however the markings may not indicate the complete descriptive name of the ammunition.
Describe the American/imperial system for naming ammunition
Typically expressed first by the projectile (bullet) diameter in thousandths of an inch (.22,.25,.32,.38,.45), followed by the name of the originating company, the designer, year of adoption or for the guy it was intended.
Describe the European system for naming ammunition
Metric system. The projectile (bullet) diameter is expressed in millimeters followed by the length of the cartridge case expressed in millimeters.
What are the two descriptors for naming a particular cartridge?
The caliber of the projectile followed by a name or number
Examples of cartridge designations
Inventor: .38S&W, .223 Remington
Propellant powder weight: .45-70(expressed in grains)
Muzzle velocity: .250-3000
Year of adoption by the US military: .30-06
Case length: 7.62x39, 9x19
Define headstamp
Markings located on the base of the cartridge case.
What tool places the headstamp marking?
Bunter
What do headstamp markings assist in?
Assist in establishing the manufacturer, place of manufacture, year of manufacture, and the caliber designation.
Headstamps on military ammunition may be a combination of letters and numbers. Research will be required to determine the caliber, the manufacturer and the country of origin. Often the year of manufacture can be determined.
Headstamps on commercial ammunition may indicate the manufacture and cartridge designation.
Define gauge
Unit of measurement used to express the diameter of the barrel.
How is gauge determined?
Gauge is determined from the weight of a solid sphere of lead that will fit the bore of a firearm. Gauge is determined by the number of round balls fitting the bore of the shotgun barrel from one pound of pure lead.
