Ammunition for weapons such as pistols, rifles and machine guns below 20mm in calibre
Definition of Calibre
The diameter of the barrel of the weapon measured between opposing lands of the rifling
Can be Imperial or Metric
The complete round is made up of four main parts
Cartridge case
ignition system / primer
propellant charge
projectile
Requirements of the Cart case
The design of the Cart case depends on what factors?
(TRIP)
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Type of weapon
Role of the ammunition
Ignition sytem
Projectile design
The Cart case must be what (4)
Sufficiently elastic to expand IOT provide obturation
contract to original size forextraction
resist corrosion
strong enough to withstand transportation and handling
Materials used for Cart cases?
Brass (Copper/ Zinc 70/30)
- Strength
- Hardness
- elasticity
- Resistance to corrosion
Cupro NIckel (Copper/Nickel 80/20)
Gilding Metal (Copper/inc 90/10)Why is a Soft Mouth for Cart case required? (3)
Expand as soon as pressure rises in the chamber
to establish an early seal
and prevent gas leakage
Why is a Hard base necessary on SAA?
Enable case to withstand internal pressure and rearward movement
Stresses applied by extractors
Why is the projectile to BE SECURED to the mouth? (3)
A seal against moisture
Prevent accidental removal
retention by the Cart case to allow gas pressure to build up
What are the methods to secure bullet to the Cart case? (6)
Press fit Canneluring Indenting Stabbing Coning Crimping
Four types of Cart case bases?
Rimmed
Rimless
Semi-rimmed
Belted Rimless
What are 3 types of ignition systems?
Berdan (Anvil)
Boxer (anvil)
Rimfire
What is the method of igntion?
Usually relies on a striker impinging onto a cap containing a sensitive composition
Projectile design is governed by its role (5)
Target characteristics Effect required Max effective range Ballistics Type of weapon
Lead Alloy Projectiles
Accuracy depends on achieving consistent MV. What are the influences? (4)
What are the characteristics of an ideal Round ? (7)
What is tracer used for? (1)
To assist aim and indicate targets to other firers
What does each of the colour coding for projectile tips indicate? (6) Black Silver Blue Yellow Red Uncoloured
Black - AP Silver - API Blue - Incendiary Yellow - Observing Red - Tracer Uncoloured - Ball
Permanent Marking on rounds
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Manufacture symbol
Year of Manufacture
Calibre
Model Number
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Grenade Payloads / types
Typical Components of a Grenade (5)
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Body Filling Fragmentation Fuze Cavity Fuze