Ammunition

Legal Definition
Ammunition refers to loaded shell for rifles, muskets, carbine, shotgun, revolvers and pistols from
which a ball, shot shell or other missiles maybe fired by means of gun powder or other explosive. The term
also includes ammunition for air rifles as mentioned elsewhere in the code. (Chapter VII, Sec.290 of NIRC
as well as Sec 877 RAC)
Technical Definition
Ammunition refers to a group of cartridge or to a single cartridge. Cartridge is a complete unfired
unit consisting of bullet (ball), primer (cap), cartridge case (shell) and gunpowder (propellant).
Origin
The word cartridge was derived from the Latin word “Charta” meaning – a “paper” and also
from the French word “Cartouche” meaning – a rolled paper. This only indicates that the first type of
cartridge was made up of a rolled paper. It was about the turn of the 16th century that the term “cartridge”
comes to use.

A. General types of Ammunition

a. Dummy – a type of ammunition. It is very carefully made replica of a cartridge, usually of tool steel
and carefully dimensioned to be used by weapons instructor, inspector and repairman when checking
the functioning of weapons.
b. Drill Ammunition – this type of ammunition is completely inert, without an explosive and is use in
mill training to practice loading and manipulation of the gun. Sometimes called “dummy” although in
the strict sense there is a difference.
c. Black Ammunition – a cartridge without a bullet, containing gunpowder that is designed to generate
a loud noise to indicate firing. This cartridge is used for theatrical performances or filmmaking, training
dogs and military training.
d. Live Ammunition – is the term applied for complete unit of unfired cartridge.

B. Classification of Cartridge

I. According to the Location of the Primer

a. Pin-Fire = is a type of cartridge in which the ignition cap (primer) is concealed inside the
cartridge case and has a pin resting upon it. The pin protrudes radially through the side and the gun
chamber has a notch for the pin to stand when loaded and it will be struck by a falling hammer. This
type of cartridge is said to have been used in France in the year 1830’s in shotgun ammunition and later
revolver and pistol ammunition. At present, this is no longer use.
b. Rim fire = is a type of cartridge in which the priming mixture is located at the hallow rim
of the case can be fired if the cartridge is tuck by the firing pin on the rim of the case (cavity rim). It
maybe identified easily by the smooth base of the cartridge case and which may or may not have a head
stump in imprinted on it (1860-1880). At present, this type of cartridge is entirely confined to the col.
. .22 short, long or magnum.
c. Center fire = t refers to a cartridge in which primer cup (ignition cap) is centrally placed in
the base of the cartridge case and the priming mixture is exploded by the impact of the firing pin and
with the support of the anvil. The flame produce by the thought the vent or flash hole and which ignites
and combust the gunpowder.
Head stamp are frequently used consisting of the design or letter imprinting on the shell head.
It sometimes contains the manufacturer or marker, the two digit numbers.
II. According to Rim Diameter
 a. Rimmed Case type = a type of cartridge in which the case has a well defined upstanding
rim around the base or simply a cartridge with rim diameter greater than the body diameter of the shell.
A common example of this is cal.22 and.38 cal. Used in revolver.
b. Semi-Rimmed type = a cartridge with a case slightly rimmed. At first look, the cartridge is
a rimless form but with a closer look the rim is slightly greater than the body diameter of the case.
This was invented by John M. Browning for an automatic pistol in 1903 for greater fit to the chamber.
Commonly seen in 6.35 mm, 7.65mm and 9 mm. and Browning lone automatic pistol cartridges.
c. Rimless type = a type of cartridge with a case having a rim diameter equal to diameter of
the body, with an “extraction groove” cut around the base. The advantage of its use is it allows the
cartridge to slide magazine. This is commonly used in 9mm and cal.45 pistols.
d. Rebated type = refers to the cartridge with rimless pattern, but which has a rim diameter
smaller than the body of the case. It is seen in some Oerlikon 20mm cannon cartridge and later on some
custom built sporting rifles of unusual calibers.
e. Belted type = a cartridge with a prominent raise belt around its body just in front of the
extraction groove. This is used for two basic purposes: (1) to position the case and the projectile
accurately in the chamber and (2) to strengthen the rear of the case for use with high-powered propelling
chargers.

III. According Caliber

Caliber designation ad their interpretation is one of the difficult factors to explain to a layman
for its inconsistence and varieties.
In English speaking countries, the caliber of the gun or cartridge use in expressed in one-
hundredth (. 01”) or one thousands (. 001”) of an inch. Thus, we have cal. .22 inches, .25 cal, .38 cal.,
.45 cal., etc.
In countries using the metric system of the measurements, the caliber is expressed in
millimeters, thus we have 6.35mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, 11mm etc. In cartridges, caliber is generally referred
to the base diameter of the bullet. This is measured with the use of a caliper.
Calibers in cartridges in inches and their approximate equivalent in mm and use:
Inches MM.
Cal. .22 about 5.59 mm- used in revolver, pistol and rifles
Cal. .25 about 6.35 mm- used in pistols and rifles.
Cal. .30 about 7.63 mm- (mauser) – for carbines and other rifles
Cal. .30 about 7.63 mm (luger)
Cal. .32 about 7.65 mm for automatic pistols and revolvers
Cal. .380 about 9 mm- used for pistols
Cal. .357 used in magnum .357 revolvers
Cal. .45 about 11 mm – used in automatic pistols
Cal. .50 used in .50 cal. Machine gun

Bullets

The word “Bullet” was derived from French word “Boullette” which means a small ball. This term
is generally used when we are referring to projectile fired from any small arms, which has a variety of form,
especially during the earlier history. In a more technical sense, bullet refers to a metallic or non-metallic
cylindrical ball propelled from a firearm it is sometimes called as shots or slugs.
Bullets have various types depending upon their specific nature and purpose. In general bullet can
be classified as either Lead or Jacketed.
General Types of Bullets
1. Lead Type – is a type of a bullet that is basically composed of lead metal. Its used
was due to its density; having a good weight is a small size and easy for casting. At
present it is being mixed with a small amount percentage of antimony or zinc in
 order to add harness and prevent “lead fouling”. In some cases lead metal are used
as core for jacketed type of a bullet. Commonly used in revolvers and in modern
construction having its rear section jacketed, leaving the lead core exposed.
2. Jacketed Type – Is a type of bullet consisting of the regular lead core, coated with
a copper alloy in order to prevent lead
fouling of the barrel and is generally used in pistols and other high power guns.
According to their Maximum Effect to their targets
1. Ball Type – Is a type of bullet, which is intended for anti-personnel and general use.
2. Armor piercing – is a type of military bullet designed to penetrate light steel armor. Its mechanical
construction makes it capable of penetrating through some light vehicles. It is formed by a hard steel
core covered with a jacket thus, giving its core the optimum power of piercing while its shape has the
optimum shape for accurate flight. It was first patented in about 1903 by Roth of Vienna, although, it
was largely introduced for snipers countering the small armor shields in the year 1914-1918.
3. Explosive Bullet - Is a small bullet containing a charge of explosive, which will detonate on
impact.
4. Incendiary Bullet –Type of military bullet used to cause fire in a target, generally designed to use
by aircraft armament in order for the fuel tanks to ignite. It is constructed by having the front of the
bullet be filled with white phosphorous, a chemical capable of spontaneous ignition when comes into
contact with air.
5.Tracer Bullet – a type of military bullet capable of leaving visible marks or traces while in flight
giving the gunner the chance to observe the strike of the shot or make adjustments in the event of a
miss. It resembles a ball type, although the rare portion of the core removed and the space filled with
mixture of magnesium powder, barium nitrate and metallic salts to give the desired color of the flame
or smoke.

Parts of Bullet
1. Base – the portion of the bullet that receives the thrust and heat from the burning gunpowder.
2. Bearing surface – the area of the bullet that contacts the barrel riffling. A tight fit is required to prevent
chamber pressure leaks and to provide good contact with the rifling grooves.
3. Core – the bulk of the mass in the bullet.
4. Head height – length of the bullet from the shoulder to the tip.
5. Heel – the location of the bullet where the heel ends and the bearing surface begins.
6. Jacket – is material that covers some or the entire core.
7. Meplat – is the diameter of the flat or blunt end of the nose of a bullet.
8. Ogive – is the radius of curve between the bearing surface and the point usually stated with respect to
the caliber.
9. Point – the most forward point of the ogive.
10. Shoulder – is the place on the bullet where the parallel sides’ end and the ogive begin.
Cartridge Case

Cartridge Case is the metallic or non-metallic tabular container usually of brass (70% copper and
30% zinc) designed to unite the bullet, primer and the gunpowder into one unit. It is also known as shell or
casing.
Cartridge Case maker is traditional of brass although there are some at present, which are either
plastic varnish steel, zinc-coated or even chemically coated are at use.
Functions of the Cartridge Case
1. It locates the bullet properly relative to the bore of the firearm.
2. It is used to carry the means of ignition.
3. It provides gas seals at the breech against an unwanted escape of propellant gas upon firing.
4. Serves as waterproof container for the propellant or powder charge.
5. Acts as the insulator between the propellant and the hot walls of the chamber in a rapid firing of
firearms.
Parts of the Cartridge Case
1. Base= the bottom portion of the cartridge case which contains the head stamp marking on the
base of the shell containing the caliber, manufacturer and in some cases including the date, trade name,
and batch number.
2. Rim= is the part of the cartridge designed to limit the forward movement of the cartridge to
chamber.
3. Extracting grooves= is the circular groove near the rim of the shell designed for automatic
withdrawal of the case from the chamber.
4. Primer Pocket=is that part of the shell which provides the means for the primer to be put in the
central position. Its function is extended to: (a) hold the primer in place; (b) to provide means to prevent
the escape of gas; (c) to provide solid support for primer anvil.
5. Body= is the cylindrical part of the shell which house the gunpowder.
6. Shoulder= that part of the cartridge case which support the neck of the cartridge which is evident
in a bottleneck type.
7. Cannelure= is the cylindrical groove in the outer surface of the cartridge case designed to secure
the shell to the chamber as well as prevent bullet from being push down to the powder charge. In some
instance it is even being utilized for identification.
8. Neck= is that part of the shell which is actually occupied by the bullet. This is obvious in a
bottleneck type of shell but not with the straight type.
9. Crimp= is the cylindrical groove on the mouth of the shell designed for two purposes: One (1)
is to hold the bullet and prevent it from being pull out from the shell and Two (2) to offers resistance
to the bullet out of the neck to ensure burning of the gun powder.
 10. Vent or Flash hole= is the hole at the bottom of the primer pocket as the passage way for the
priming mixture to impart an ignition to the propellant charge.

Primer
Primer (also called CAP) is the ignition system of the cartridge used in a center fire type,
containing a highly sensitive chemical compound that would easily ignite or bursts into flame when struck
by the firing pin. It may either be Berdan or Boxer type. It is also known as the percussion cup.
The Berdan is a type of primer construction, which was designed in 1860s by Colonel Hiram S.
Berdan of the U.S Army Ordinance Department. Its distinction over the Boxer is that, its anvil forms part
of the cartridge case and a number of flash holes to serves as the passage of ignition usually two (2). This
is common in almost all the military ammunition.
The Boxer on the other hand, was developed by Col. Edward M. Boxer of the Royal Laboratory at
Woolwich Arsenal in the year 1866. In this type the anvil was formed separately from the shell and became
part of the ignition cap making a single flash hole to serve as the passage of ignition. Although its
manufacture seems to be quite difficult, it becomes more popular because of its adaptability for reloading.
Parts of the Primer
1. Primer Cup= Is the brass gilding metal cup which contains the priming mixture, the disc and
the anvil.
2. Priming Mixture= Is the highly sensitive chemical compound which ignites by the mechanical
blow of the firing pin. Also called as percussion powder.
3. Anvil= Is that portion of the primer which provides solid support and absorbs the blow of the
firing pin causing friction that would initiates ignition.
4. Disc= Is a thin paper or foil which is pressed over the priming mixture in order to protect it from
moisture attack.
 GUNPOWDER

It refers to the chemical substances of various compositions, particles sizes, shapes and colors,
when ignited by the primer flash, is converted to gas under high pressure and propels the bullet or shot
charge through the barrel to the target.

The term gunpowder is synonymous to the term propellant and powder charge that can be used
interchangeably.

Classification and Composition

• Black powder – the oldest form of propellant and when fired produces large volume of grayish smoke
and considerable residue is left in the barrel. It composed of potassium nitrates (75%), sulfur (10%) and
charcoal (15%)
• Smokeless powder – the powerful propellant used today and made up of nitrocellulose.

Kinds of Smokeless Powder

• Single base/nitrocellulose – contains only pure nitroglycerin with nitrocellulose.
• Double base – it composed of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin as major ingredients accompanied by
one or more minor ingredients such as centralite, vaseline phthalate and inorganic salts.
• Triple base – used three principal ingredients such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin and nitro-guandine.
• High Ignition Temperature Propellant – the main constituent is from RDX group of high explosives.

•Roger Bacon, (1242 A.D.) a Franciscan monk, who wrote the ---“De Mirabili Potestate Artis et
Naturae” (On the Marvelous Power of Art and Nature), including an anagram. This anagram was
only re-arranged and properly punctuated by a British Artillery Officer named Colonel Hime, and
it read- “but of saltpeter takes seven part, five of young hazel twig and five of sulfur, and so thou
wilt call up thunder and destruction of thou know the art”. This is practically a working gunpowder
formula.
Bacon did not make any claim of its discovery but suggest that by 1226 the gunpowder
was already of a common knowledge and he was merely reporting it as a fact. Maybe another reason
why he never makes any claim is due to the prohibition existing during his time that no forms of
an article involving explosives should be made. If he was to directly print the same it might even
cause his life.
•Berthold Schwartz (whose real name was Constantin Anklitzen), a mysterious monk of
Freiburg, who according to legend that is supported by an engraving dated 1643, while
experimenting on some powder in a cast iron vessel, he ignited a charge and thus blew off the lid,
and from this deduced the principle of containing a charge in a tube and propelling a shot
(Encyclopedia of ammunition). The engraver dated the scene 1380, and it was evident that well
before that date, cannons were already in use.