amunition

Ammunition refers to the projectiles and other ordnance fired from an explosive weapon. It encompasses a wide range of items designed to be launched from firearms, artillery, or other weapons. The most common form of ammunition consists of a projectile, propellant, and a primer. The projectile is the part that is discharged from the weapon, such as a bullet or a shell. The propellant, typically gunpowder or a similar explosive compound, generates the gas pressure needed to expel the projectile. The primer is a small, sensitive explosive that initiates the firing sequence when struck by the firing pin.

Ammunition varies greatly in size, shape, and purpose. Small arms ammunition, for example, includes cartridges for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. These are often self-contained units with the bullet, propellant, and primer enclosed in a casing. Larger caliber ammunition, such as that used in artillery or naval guns, is typically more complex. This can include separate projectiles and propellant charges. Ammunition also encompasses specialized types like tracer rounds, which have a pyrotechnic charge to make their trajectory visible, and armor-piercing rounds, designed to penetrate hardened targets. The development and production of ammunition are critical aspects of military and law enforcement capabilities, as well as being relevant to civilian shooting sports and hunting.