Firearm Competency Ammunition Types and Ballistics

Question 1

What does the term 'calibre' refer to when describing a firearm or cartridge?

Accepted Answer

The internal diameter of the barrel, typically expressed in millimetres or inches

Answer

Calibre refers to the internal diameter of the firearm barrel and is used to match the correct ammunition to the firearm.

Question 2

Which component of a cartridge is responsible for initiating the firing sequence?

Accepted Answer

The primer

Answer

The primer is a small explosive compound that ignites when struck by the firing pin, which in turn ignites the propellant powder.

Question 3

What does the abbreviation 'FMJ' stand for in ammunition terminology?

Accepted Answer

Full Metal Jacket

Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the cartridge case in a round of ammunition?

Accepted Answer

To house and protect the primer, propellant, and bullet as a single unit

Answer

The cartridge case holds all four components — primer, propellant, bullet, and case — together as a complete, loadable round.

Question 5

Which type of bullet is specifically designed to expand upon impact with a target?

Accepted Answer

Hollow Point (HP)

Answer

Hollow point bullets have a cavity in the tip that causes the bullet to expand on impact, transferring more energy and reducing over-penetration.

Firearm Competency Test

Firearm Competency Test

Firearm Competency Ammunition Types and Ballistics