cartridge (rifle)

Piece of ammunition made up of a single projectile (bullet), an explosive charge (propellant) and a primer, all packed inside a case.

cup

Metal base of the case that contains the primer.

bullet

Rifle projectile; it separates from its case as it is driven in a straight line by a high-speed explosion.

nose

Tip of the bullet; the nose determines how the bullet will penetrate the target upon impact.

jacket

Metal coating that protects the bullet as it moves along the barrel of the firearm.

propellant

Explosive substance used to drive the projectile.

primer

Metal part filled with a chemical detonating substance that ignites the propellant.

case

Cylindrical cover that contains the cartridge’s explosive charge and projectile.

core

Central part of the bullet; it is made of lead.