(http://www.GunLink.info/images/ammo_CutAway.jpg) | The basic components of modern centerfire ammunition includes the following components: Case - The outside (usually) metal shell that holds the rest of the components. Projectile - The bullet portion of the ammunition that is expelled from the muzzle of the barrel. Projectiles come in many varieties - The one depicted here is a copper-jacketed lead core hollow point projectile. Powder - The propellant that ignites, creating a volume of hot, expanding gas that propels the projectile down the barrel. Primer - The primary ignition source that creates a spark to ignite the powder. |
(http://www.GunLink.info/images/shotshell.gif) | The basic components of modern centerfire ammunition includes the following components: Case - The outside shell that holds the rest of the components. Projectile(s)- The portion of the ammunition that is expelled from the muzzle of the barrel. Shotshell projectiles come in several varieties - generally shot (birdshot, buckshot) or slugs. Wad- A cup to hold shot-type projectiles. Powder - The propellant that ignites, creating a volume of hot, expanding gas that propels the wad andprojectile down the barrel. Primer - The primary ignition source that creates a spark to ignite the powder. |
(http://www.GunLink.info/images/rimfire.jpg) | Rimfire ammunition is similar to certerfire ammunition except that, rather than a separate primer cup, the priming material is held in the rim of the cartridge. |
In the course of your research when looking to buy a rifle or pistol, odds are you’ve come across the terms “rimfire” and “centerfire,” used to define the type of ammunition a particular firearm uses. While more experienced shooters may toss these terms around loosely and with confidence, the terms warrant a bit of explanation for those new to the shooting sports. Ammunition for the modern rifles and pistols we use fall into one of those two categories, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.