Ammunition basics

Question 1

Caliber

Answer 1

• diameter of the inside of the barrel
• measured in inches, hundredths of inches, or in millimeters
• Light caliber less than 20 MM
• Medium caliber 20-100 MM
• Heavy caliber greater than 100 MM

Question 2

Cartridge

Answer 2

• packages the Bullet, gunpowder, and primer into a single case
• cartridge with out a bullet is a BLANK

Question 3

Projectile

Answer 3

• any object projected through the air by the application of some force.
• Generally molded of a mixture of LEAD and TIN
• designed for max stability and min air resistance
• FULL METAL JACKET prevent fragmenting in target
• HOLLOW POINT inflict the most damage by expanding in the target

Question 4

Projectile Design

Answer 4

1. Ogive- streamlines includes the fuze when applicable.
2. Bourrelet- immediately rear of the Ogive, fine finished and larger than the body, and bears land on the tube. centers forward end of projectile.
3. Body- cylindrical portion between the bourrelet and the rotating band, containing most of the filler
4. Rotating Band- seals the bore, positions and center the rear end of the projectile, and to impart rotation to the projectile. bears land on the tube.
5. Base- rear of rotating band streamlines and stabilizes the projectile.
6. Tracer- small pyrotechnic charge in the base makes the round visible to the naked eye.
7. Base Plate- metal cover crimped, caulked or welded to prevent hot gases from igniting the explosive fillers.