Ammunition, Part 3

Bullets

The word "bullet" was derived from the French word "boullette" which means a small ball. This term is generally used when we are referring to a projectile fired from any small arms. It has a has a variety of forms, especially during its early history. In a more technical sense, "bullet" refers to a metallic or non-metallic cylindrical ball propelled from a firearm. It is sometimes called a "shot" or a "slug."

General Types of Bullets

• Lead Type named so because it is composed of the metal lead or an alloy of this metal such as tin and antimony

• Jacketed Type has a lead core that is coated with a harder metal such as a copper alloy

Types of Bullets According to their Maximum Effect on the Targets

• Ball Type intended for anti-personnel and general use

• Armor-piercing designed to penetrate light steel armor

• Explosive contains a small charge of explosive that detonates on impact

• Incendiary used to cause fire on a target

• Tracer allows the gunner to observe the path of the shot as it leaves visible marks on traces while in flight

Cartridge Cases

As previously discussed, the cartridge case is the container of all the other parts of an ammunition. This could be metallic or non-metallic, but it is usually made of brass (70% copper, 30% zinc). It is also know as the "shell" or "casing".

Functions

• Places the bullet properly relative to the bore of the firearm

• Carries the means of ignition

• Provides a gas seal at the breech against an unwanted escape of propellant gas upon firing

• Waterproofs the propellant or powder charge

• Insulates the propellant from the hot walls of the chamber during rapid firing