Firearm Competency Ammunition Types and Ballistics 2

Question 1

What is meant by 'muzzle velocity' in ballistics?

Accepted Answer

The speed of the bullet at the moment it exits the barrel

Answer

The speed at which the trigger is pulled

Answer

The rotational speed of the bullet in flight

Answer

The velocity of escaping gas from the ejection port

Question 2

What is the key difference between rimfire and centrefire cartridges?

Accepted Answer

The primer location: rimfire has primer in the rim, centrefire has primer in the centre of the base

Answer

Rimfire cartridges are larger than centrefire cartridges

Answer

Centrefire cartridges cannot be reloaded, but rimfire cartridges can

Answer

Rimfire cartridges use smokeless powder while centrefire uses black powder

Question 3

What does a '+P' marking on a box of ammunition indicate?

Accepted Answer

The ammunition is loaded to higher-than-standard pressure

Answer

The ammunition is suitable for pistols only

Answer

The ammunition has a positive rifling twist

Answer

The ammunition has a polymer-tipped bullet

Question 4

What unit is commonly used to express bullet weight in ammunition specifications?

Accepted Answer

Grains

Answer

Grams

Answer

Milligrams

Answer

Ounces

Question 5

What is a soft point (SP) bullet designed to do compared to a full metal jacket?

Accepted Answer

Expand upon impact while retaining more mass than a hollow point

Answer

Travel faster due to reduced friction

Answer

Penetrate armour more effectively

Answer

Reduce muzzle flash when fired

Question 6

Under the South African Firearms Control Act, which category of ammunition is prohibited from civilian possession without specific authorisation?

Accepted Answer

Armour-piercing ammunition

Answer

Hollow point pistol ammunition

Answer

Rimfire .22 LR ammunition

Answer

Shotgun slug ammunition

Question 7

What does the term 'bore' refer to when describing a firearm barrel?

Accepted Answer

The interior channel of the barrel through which the bullet travels

Answer

The external diameter of the barrel

Answer

The thickness of the barrel walls

Answer

The length of the barrel measured in calibres