CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of the propellant powder inside a cartridge?
- To lubricate the bullet as it travels down the barrel
- To generate rapidly expanding gas that propels the bullet down the barrel (Correct answer)
- To cushion the bullet from the shock of primer ignition
- To seal propellant gases behind the bullet
Correct answer: To generate rapidly expanding gas that propels the bullet down the barrel
When ignited by the primer, the propellant powder burns rapidly and produces high-pressure gas that drives the bullet down and out of the barrel.
Question 2: Which statement about storing ammunition near heating vents or radiators is correct?
- It is acceptable because heat dries the powder and improves ignition reliability
- It is prohibited because sustained heat can degrade the propellant and primer compound (Correct answer)
- It is recommended in cold climates to prevent moisture condensation
- It only poses a risk for shotgun shells, not rifle or pistol cartridges
Correct answer: It is prohibited because sustained heat can degrade the propellant and primer compound
Sustained heat degrades both the propellant powder and the priming compound, making ammunition unreliable and potentially dangerous.
Question 3: What does the term 'calibre' refer to when describing a firearm cartridge?
- The weight of the bullet in grains
- The internal diameter of the barrel, often expressed as the approximate bullet diameter (Correct answer)
- The length of the cartridge case
- The maximum pressure the cartridge develops
Correct answer: The internal diameter of the barrel, often expressed as the approximate bullet diameter
Calibre refers to the internal bore diameter of the barrel (and corresponding bullet diameter), expressed in inches or millimetres.
Question 4: What type of ammunition is specifically prohibited from being used in Canadian waterfowl hunting under federal regulations?
- Steel shot
- Lead shot (Correct answer)
- Bismuth shot
- Tungsten shot
Correct answer: Lead shot
Lead shot is federally prohibited for hunting migratory birds in Canada because ingested lead pellets poison waterfowl and scavenging birds.
Question 5: A cartridge case is described as 'bottlenecked'. What does this mean?
- The case tapers to a narrower neck at the mouth where the bullet is seated (Correct answer)
- The case has a straight wall with no taper from base to mouth
- The case is designed to be used only in semi-automatic pistols
- The primer pocket is recessed deeper than standard to increase pressure capacity
Correct answer: The case tapers to a narrower neck at the mouth where the bullet is seated
A bottlenecked case has a body that is wider than the neck, creating a shoulder that holds a narrow mouth for the bullet — common in rifle cartridges like .308 or .30-06.
Question 6: What should a firearm owner do with ammunition that has visibly corroded or green-stained cases?
- Polish the cases with steel wool and store them again
- Discard the ammunition safely — do not attempt to fire corroded rounds (Correct answer)
- Remove the bullets and reuse the powder and primers
- Submerge the rounds in gun solvent to remove the corrosion before firing
Correct answer: Discard the ammunition safely — do not attempt to fire corroded rounds
Corroded ammunition may have compromised case integrity, degraded propellant, or a deteriorated primer and should be safely discarded rather than fired.
Question 7: Under the Canadian Firearms Act, who is responsible for ensuring that ammunition is stored safely in a residence?
- The federal government through mandatory storage inspections
- The provincial chief firearms officer through annual audits
- The licence holder who possesses the ammunition (Correct answer)
- The firearms retailer who sold the ammunition
Correct answer: The licence holder who possesses the ammunition
The Firearms Act places the legal responsibility for safe storage, handling, transportation, and display of firearms and ammunition on the individual licence holder.
CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 4
What is the function of the propellant powder inside a cartridge?