Lecture 10 - Ballistics and firearms Flashcards
Ammunition
Loaded cartridge of a a firearm consisting of a primed cartridge case, propellant and projectiles
What are the three types of cartridge cases?
Centrefire, rimfire and shot shell
Bullet
Component of a firearm which is propelled
What ignites the propellant?
Primer to generate gas to propel the bullet
What determines the calibre of a firearm?
The approximate diameter of bore of a barrel in hundredths of an inch
What is the gauge of a shotgun?
How many balls of lead in the shotgun equals one pound
What is in a headstamp?
Numerals, letters and symbols identifying the manufacturer, calibre and gauge
What makes a cartridge a wild cat cartridge?
Being non standardized, headstamp doesnt change but the measurements have been altered
What are the components of gun shot residue?
Carbon/soot, burnt and unburnt propellant molecules
What are the two types of handguns and what differentiates them?
Revolvers where ammunition is fed into firing chamber through cocking the hammer each time it is fired. Semi-automatic pistol where the ammunition is fed by a spring loaded magazine
What are the three types of shoulder arm firearms and what differentiates them?
Shoulder rifle which is fired from shoulder with two hands. Machine gun which is fully automatic and shot from a fixed position. Submachine gun, a machine gun shot while being held
What is the purpose of a grooved bore?
Spins the bullet to increase accuracy by reducing air resistance
Do rifles or shotguns have a grooved bore?
Rifles. Shotguns have a smooth bore
What characteristics indicate an entry wound?
Smaller than the exit wound and typically quite circular
What is the primer?
Small metal cup containing the mixture to ignite the propellant
