Inner workings of Ammunition
Many people do not realize that part of being safe with a gun includes understanding the ammunition that goes into the firearm. There are many different types of ammunition and you need to know which ones can be used, safely, in your gun. Just because the ammunition fits into your firearm does not mean it is safe.
There are 4 parts to a “round” also known as a firearm cartridge, the: case, primer, propellant and bullet. The case encloses all the other parts, and it a metal cylinder and is closed at one end. The primer is used for ignition and is comprised of an impact-sensitive chemical compound. The propellant is also a chemical compound however it is a fast-burning one.
The bullet is what is actually fired from the firearm. Many people call the entire cartridge a bullet, but that is incorrect. The bullet is usually made of lead and is occasionally covered with some type of metal, usually copper. It is only one part of the entire round.
There are many different types of firearms which means there are also many different types of ammunition. The different firearms are categorized by their caliber, which is the diameter of the barrel. All firearms and ammunition have the caliber located somewhere on either the actual firearm or the box of ammunition. It is imperative that you use the proper caliber ammunition.
Even if the cartridge fits into your firearm it does not mean your firearm can handle that caliber of ammunition. The ammunition created for each type of firearm is designed to handle a particular level of pressure. Using improper ammunition could not only damage the firearm, but it could also cause injury to you or the people around you.
Another important point to remember is that ammunition that is dirty, old, unidentifiable, wet or corroded should not be used. Using “bad” ammunition could cause a misfire, a jam, a firearm explosion or some other type of malfunction.
If you have determined that the ammunition is not good, do not just toss it in your trash can. It needs to be disposed of properly. You should call your local refuse department. They can give you the proper way to dispose of your ammunition.
Just as there are illegal guns, there is also illegal ammunition. If you are unsure about ammunition you have purchased check with your local dealer. The best way to avoid buying ammunition that is illegal is by buying ammunition from an authorized dealer only.
Finally, most people have heard of recoil, either while at a gun range or on TV, but most people do not know what it is or how it is created. Pulling the trigger of a gun makes the hammer of the firearm to fall onto the cartridge. When the hammer falls it causes the primer to ignite the power, causing a gas to be produced. The gasses push the bullet through the barrel and towards the target. This push of gases against the firearm creates the recoil. A new shooter needs to be aware of the possibility of some recoil. If he/she is shooting the firearm properly the effect of the recoil will be minimized.