NRA Ammunition & Ballistics Fundamentals Flashcards

What is 'terminal ballistics'?

Answer: The study of what happens when a bullet strikes and interacts with a target

Terminal ballistics describes bullet behavior upon impact, including expansion, penetration, and energy transfer.

What is 'muzzle velocity' and how does it typically affect bullet trajectory?

Answer: The speed of the bullet as it leaves the muzzle — higher velocity generally produces a flatter trajectory

Muzzle velocity is the bullet's speed at the barrel's muzzle; higher velocity reduces trajectory drop over a given distance.

What is 'chamber pressure' and how is it typically measured in the US?

Answer: The peak pressure generated by burning propellant — measured in PSI or CUP

Chamber pressure is the peak gas pressure generated when propellant burns, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or CUP (Copper Units of Pressure).

What does 'ballistic coefficient' (BC) measure?

Answer: A bullet's ability to overcome air resistance and retain velocity in flight

Ballistic coefficient quantifies how efficiently a bullet overcomes air drag — a higher BC means less velocity loss and less wind drift over distance.

What is the difference between 'jacketed' and 'lead' bullets?

Answer: Jacketed bullets have a lead core encased in a harder metal jacket; lead bullets are cast from pure or alloy lead

Jacketed bullets wrap a lead or alloy core in a gilding metal or copper jacket, reducing barrel fouling and allowing higher velocities.

What is 'over-pressure' ammunition (denoted +P or +P+) and what should a gunsmith verify before use?

Answer: +P ammunition is loaded to higher-than-standard pressure — verify the firearm is rated for it by the manufacturer

+P and +P+ ammunition operates at elevated pressures and should only be used in firearms specifically rated for it to avoid accelerated wear or damage.