CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between 'smokeless powder' and 'black powder' as propellants?
- Smokeless powder is less powerful and used only in handguns
- Black powder produces more pressure and is preferred for modern semi-automatic firearms
- Smokeless powder burns cleaner and produces far less residue than black powder (Correct answer)
- Black powder requires a percussion cap primer while smokeless uses electric ignition
Correct answer: Smokeless powder burns cleaner and produces far less residue than black powder
Smokeless powder burns more completely and efficiently than black powder, generating less solid residue and fouling while producing higher and more consistent pressures.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'hollow point' bullet?
- A bullet with a hole drilled through its base to reduce weight
- A bullet with a cavity in its tip designed to expand on impact (Correct answer)
- A bullet jacketed in a hollow copper tube for armour penetration
- A bullet with a hollow base that seals the bore when fired
Correct answer: A bullet with a cavity in its tip designed to expand on impact
A hollow point bullet has a concave cavity in its nose that causes the bullet to mushroom or expand when it hits a soft target, increasing the wound channel.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum age to purchase ammunition in Canada under federal law?
- 16 years
- 18 years (Correct answer)
- 19 years
- 21 years
Correct answer: 18 years
Under the Firearms Act, a person must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) to purchase ammunition in Canada.
Question 4: A shotgun shell is labelled '12 gauge, 2¾ inch, #4 Buck'. What does '#4 Buck' indicate?
- There are 4 layers of pellets stacked in the shell
- The shell contains large-diameter buckshot pellets designated as size 4 (Correct answer)
- The shell is loaded with 4 grams of powder behind the shot charge
- The pellets are made from a #4 grade of recycled lead alloy
Correct answer: The shell contains large-diameter buckshot pellets designated as size 4
Buckshot loads use a separate size designation from birdshot; #4 Buck contains pellets approximately 6.1 mm in diameter, suitable for medium-sized game.
Question 5: What safety precaution should always be followed when returning home with unfired ammunition after a range session?
- Store ammunition inside the firearm to keep it conveniently ready for the next range visit
- Remove ammunition from the firearm, verify it is unloaded, then store firearm and ammunition separately and securely (Correct answer)
- Leave the firearm loaded but engage the safety, storing it in the vehicle until the next trip
- Transfer all remaining ammunition to a different firearm for the trip home
Correct answer: Remove ammunition from the firearm, verify it is unloaded, then store firearm and ammunition separately and securely
The firearm must be verified unloaded, and both the firearm and ammunition must be stored separately and securely in compliance with the Firearms Act safe storage regulations.
Question 6: What is the term for a condition where the bullet becomes lodged in the barrel without exiting after a cartridge fires?
- Hangfire
- Squib load (Correct answer)
- Misfire
- Cook-off
Correct answer: Squib load
A squib load occurs when insufficient propellant ignites, producing just enough pressure to push the bullet partway down the barrel where it lodges — firing another round behind it can destroy the firearm and injure the shooter.
Question 7: Which storage location is considered LEAST acceptable for long-term ammunition storage under Canadian safe storage principles?
- A cool, dry basement room with stable temperature
- A dedicated locked metal ammunition cabinet away from heat sources
- A humid garage adjacent to lawn chemicals and fuel containers (Correct answer)
- A locked bedroom closet maintained at room temperature
Correct answer: A humid garage adjacent to lawn chemicals and fuel containers
A humid environment near flammable chemicals and fuel is the least acceptable location because moisture degrades ammunition and proximity to combustibles creates a serious fire and explosion hazard.
CRFSC Ammunition Types and Storage 5
What is the key difference between 'smokeless powder' and 'black powder' as propellants?