General

Question 1

Where can you find weights and types of fillings of individual rounds of SAA?

Answer 1

DMP 1400-1000 Small Arms Ammunition.

Question 2

For purposes of instruction, how do we categorize SAA?

Answer 2

By velocity - High and Low.

Question 3

Why do we categorize SAA by Velocity instead of calibre?

Answer 3

Construction and characteristics vary with use & purpose, which in turn determines velocity and not an arbitrary measuring system.

Question 4

DEFINE Small Arms Ammunition (SAA)

Answer 4

Ammunition for weapons such as pistols, rifles and machine guns below 20mm in calibre.

Question 5

How is calibre for SAA categorised?

Answer 5

“The diameter of the barrel of the weapon measured between opposing lands of the barrel.”

Question 6

A complete round of SAA is normally made up of four main component parts, what are they?

Answer 6

1 - Cartridge Case
2 - Initiation System
3 - Propellant Charge
4 - Bullet.

Question 7

What 4 functions does a Cartridge Case provide?

Answer 7

1 - House propellant
2 - Incorporate initiation system
3 - Retain the bullet
4 - Provide rearward obturation.

Question 8

What kind of propellant charge does a long range High Velocity round require?

Answer 8

A larger propellant charge.

Question 9

Why are Cartridge Cases tapered and necked?

Answer 9

To avoid any extraction difficulties.

Question 10

What is a distinguishing feature of Cartidge Cases for Low Velocity rounds?

Answer 10

The sides of the Cartridge Case may be almost parallel.

Question 11

What is necking?

Answer 11

A means of housing the round in which a Cartridge Case has an enlarged diameter over most of its length before sharply reducing at the forward end to accept the bullet.

Question 12

What influences the design of the forward end of the Cartridge Case?

Answer 12

The bullet which is to be accommodated.

Question 13

What 3 key requirements must the forward end of the Cartridge Case meet?

Answer 13

1 - Stop the accidental removal of the bullet/projectile falling out in the magazine or barrel
2 - Seal against ingress of moisture
3 - Allow propellant gas pressure to build up sufficiently to achieve peak performance prior to release.

Question 14

What 6 methods do we use for securing bullets?

Answer 14

1 - Press fit
2 - Indenting
3 - Coning
4 - Canneluring
5 - Stabbing
6 - Crimping

Question 15

Which 2 methods of securing bullets are most widely used in Land Service ammunition?

Answer 15

Coning and crimping.

Question 16

What 2 factors dictate the design of the base?

Answer 16

1 - The feed and extraction mechanism of the weapon

2 - the ignition system.

Question 17

State the 4 types of base that have been used in service LSA.

Answer 17

1 - Rimmed
2 - Rimless
3 - Semi-rimless (OBSOLETE)
4 - Belted rimless (OBSOLETE)

Question 18

How are rimless rounds positioned in the weapon?

Answer 18

By the shoulders of the Cartridge Case.

Question 19

What is the advantage of a rimless base?

Answer 19

An extraction groove is machined around the base of the Cartridge Case to enable rounds to be fed into the breech of automatic weapons without becoming interlocked.

Question 20

State the 3 types of initiation system in Land Service.

Answer 20

1 - Berdan (2 fire holes) (7.62mm)
2 - Boxer (1 fire hole) (5.56mm)
3 - Rimfire (0.22in)

Question 21

State a type of SAA round that uses a Rimfire initiation system.

Answer 21

0.22in rounds.

Question 22

State a type of SAA round that uses a Berdan initiation system.

Answer 22

7.62mm rounds.

Question 23

State a type of SAA round that uses a Boxer initiation system.

Answer 23

5.56mm rounds.

Question 24

Why are caps secured?

Answer 24

To prevent rearward escape of propellant gas (BLOW BACK).

Question 25

State the 4 methods of securing caps.

Answer 25

1 - Push fit (Blank SAA)
2 - Ringing (British SAA)
3 - Burring (Proof Rounds)
4 - Punch stabbing (Foreign natures)

Question 26

Bullet design is determined by what factors?

Answer 26

Ballistic requirements and the type and role of the bullet.

Question 27

Why is boat-tailing included in designs?

Answer 27

1 - to eliminate drag

2 - to increase accuracy (although the effect of this is minimal at ranges below 600m).

Question 28

State the in-service SAA natures.

Answer 28

Round 0.22in
Round 0.338in
Round 5.56mm
Round 7.62mm
Round 7.65mm
Round 8.59mm
Round 9mm
Rounds .50in and 12.7mm