Ammuntion

Ammunition is the packaged material used to propel a projectile from a firearm or other launching device. In common small arms, ammunition generally refers to a cartridge, which consists of a casing, a primer, a propellant charge, and a projectile. The primer ignites the propellant, creating gas pressure that drives the projectile out of the firearm’s barrel. In shotguns, the ammunition is called a shell and contains a plastic hull, a powder charge, a wad, and either shot or a slug.

Projectiles come in various designs and purposes. Bullets are the projectiles used in most rifles and handguns. Full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets have a harder outer shell, primarily used for training and general use. Hollow-point (HP) and soft-point (SP) bullets are designed to expand on impact to increase stopping power or reduce penetration in some situations. Armor-p piercing (AP) rounds, tracer rounds, and incendiary rounds are examples of specialized ammunition used for military or signaling purposes. Frangible bullets are designed to break apart on impact to reduce ricochet in certain training environments.

Ammunition is categorized by caliber or gauge, the bore or shotgun-chamber diameter used to specify compatible rounds. Common rifle and pistol calibers range from around 0.22 to larger calibers such as 7.62 or 9mm, while shotgun gauges (such as 12 or 20) describe shotgun shells. Shotgun shells may contain birdshot, buckshot, or slugs.

Storage, handling, and use of ammunition are subject to safety standards and legal regulations that vary by jurisdiction. Proper containment, separation from fluids and heat, and adherence to applicable laws are essential for safe handling.