Ammunta

Ammunition is the material used to deliver a projectile from a weapon. In firearms, ammunition most commonly means a cartridge, a self-contained unit that includes a case, a propellant, a primer, and a bullet. In artillery and other large weapons, ammunition can refer to shells or other charge-and-projectile assemblies.

Small-arms ammunition is organized by caliber and design. A cartridge consists of four parts: the case, the projectile, the propellant powder, and the primer. Primers are center-fire or rimfire. Cases are typically brass but may be steel or other alloys. Specialized projectiles include hollow-point, full-metal-jacket, soft-point, armor-piercing, tracer, incendiary, and frangible types, along with blanks and dummies for training.

Performance is described by velocity, energy, and terminal behavior. Caliber indicates bore diameter and bullet size. Common metrics include chamber pressure, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and armor penetration. Design choices affect reliability, recoil, and accuracy.

Safety, storage, and regulation: Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture, with separate storage from fuels and oxidizers. Handling requires training and compliance with local laws. Production and sale of ammunition are regulated in many jurisdictions, reflecting concerns about safety and security and the role of ammunition in hunting, sport, and defense.