CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the crimp at the mouth of a shotgun shell?
- To hold the shot charge and wad in place until firing (Correct answer)
- To seal moisture out during long-term storage
- To indicate the pellet size loaded inside
- To reduce muzzle pressure when fired
Correct answer: To hold the shot charge and wad in place until firing
The crimp folds or rolls the case mouth closed to contain the shot charge, wad, and powder until the shell is fired.
Question 2: Which of the following calibres is classified as a centerfire cartridge?
- .22 Long Rifle
- .22 Short
- .17 HMR
- .308 Winchester (Correct answer)
Correct answer: .308 Winchester
.308 Winchester uses a centrally located Boxer or Berdan primer, making it a centerfire cartridge; all .22 and .17 HMR rimfires use rim ignition.
Question 3: What does 'FMJ' stand for in ammunition terminology?
- Full Metal Jacket (Correct answer)
- Fixed Muzzle Joint
- Federal Magnum Jacketed
- Frangible Micro-Jet
Correct answer: Full Metal Jacket
FMJ stands for Full Metal Jacket, describing a bullet where the lead core is completely enclosed by a harder metal shell, usually copper or gilding metal.
Question 4: A firearm owner discovers a box of ammunition that has been stored for 20 years in a cool, dry location. What should they do before using it?
- Discard it immediately as all ammunition expires after 10 years
- Inspect cases and primers for corrosion; test-fire a few rounds carefully before relying on it (Correct answer)
- Soak rounds in oil to restore the powder before firing
- File off the primers to disable the rounds safely
Correct answer: Inspect cases and primers for corrosion; test-fire a few rounds carefully before relying on it
Well-stored ammunition can remain serviceable for decades; visual inspection for corrosion, verdigris, or damaged primers and careful test-firing is the prudent approach.
Question 5: What is a 'hangfire'?
- A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after an unexpected pause following trigger pull (Correct answer)
- A cartridge that fails completely to fire after the primer is struck
- A condition where the bullet becomes lodged in the barrel
- A misfire caused by excessive moisture in the powder
Correct answer: A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after an unexpected pause following trigger pull
A hangfire is a delayed ignition — the primer is struck and a delay of up to 60 seconds may occur before the cartridge fires.
Question 6: Which shotgun shell designation indicates the largest individual pellet size among standard birdshot loads?
- #9 shot
- #7.5 shot
- #4 shot
- #2 shot (Correct answer)
Correct answer: #2 shot
In standard birdshot numbering, lower numbers indicate larger pellets; #2 shot has larger pellets than #4, #7.5, or #9.
Question 7: What is the correct action if live ammunition is discovered in a firearm that was believed to be unloaded?
- Immediately rack the action to eject all rounds onto the ground
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, engage the safety if available, and carefully remove the ammunition (Correct answer)
- Pull the trigger to discharge the round safely into the ground
- Place the firearm down and leave the area immediately
Correct answer: Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, engage the safety if available, and carefully remove the ammunition
Keeping the muzzle in a safe direction at all times while carefully unloading the firearm with the safety engaged is the correct and safest procedure.
CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 3
What is the purpose of the crimp at the mouth of a shotgun shell?