Ammunition Types and Ballistics Flashcards
7 cards from real FIREARM COMPETENCY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ammunition Types and Ballistics flashcards as text
What does the term 'calibre' refer to when describing a firearm or cartridge?
Answer: The internal diameter of the barrel, typically expressed in millimetres or inches
Calibre refers to the internal diameter of the firearm barrel and is used to match the correct ammunition to the firearm.
Which component of a cartridge is responsible for initiating the firing sequence?
Answer: The primer
The primer is a small explosive compound that ignites when struck by the firing pin, which in turn ignites the propellant powder.
What does the abbreviation 'FMJ' stand for in ammunition terminology?
Answer: Full Metal Jacket
FMJ stands for Full Metal Jacket, describing a bullet where the lead core is fully encased in a harder metal shell, typically used for target practice.
What is the primary purpose of the cartridge case in a round of ammunition?
Answer: To house and protect the primer, propellant, and bullet as a single unit
The cartridge case holds all four components — primer, propellant, bullet, and case — together as a complete, loadable round.
Which type of bullet is specifically designed to expand upon impact with a target?
Answer: Hollow Point (HP)
Hollow point bullets have a cavity in the tip that causes the bullet to expand on impact, transferring more energy and reducing over-penetration.
What information is typically found on the headstamp of a cartridge?
Answer: The manufacturer and calibre of the cartridge
The headstamp is stamped on the base of the cartridge case and typically identifies the manufacturer and the calibre designation.
What is the role of the propellant powder inside a cartridge?
Answer: To produce rapidly expanding gas that propels the bullet forward
When ignited by the primer, the propellant powder burns rapidly and produces high-pressure gas that accelerates the bullet down the barrel.