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Ballistics, Cartridge, & Ammunition Components P1: Case
The Components of a Cartridge
Called a cartridge, not bullet.

Cartridge is entire thing
Bullet is the projectile
Case is what is left over after it is shot.
I don’t really care, and mess it up myself
Learn the proper names, because it makes research easier.

Again, The whole thing, bullet, case, powder and all is called a cartridge.

 
The Case
The biggest part of the cartridge is the case.
It is the big brass hollow thing that holds your charge.  
The Neck
Part of the Case that resembles a bottle neck is called the neck.
The Rim
The brass ring at bottom flat part of the case is the rim.

The rim will usually have writing on it.

Primers
Small metal circle in the center of the rim is called the primer.

The Primer is hit by a pin and ignites the powder charge
Two different types of primer: boxer and berdan.
Boxer Primers are easier for reloading.
Both boxer and berdan primers today use similar, non-corrosive compounds.

Center-Fire vs Rim-Fire Cartridges

Center-Fire Cartridges have the small primer in the center.
No visible primer is called a “rim-fire” cartridge.
In rim-fired cartridges, the entire rim has the priming compound.

Most Ammunition is center-fired. Here are some rim-fired cartridges:

Powderless .22 Cap rounds
.22 Short, Long, Long Rifle, Stinger, Winchester, Winchester Magnum
5 mm Remington Rimfire Magnum
.17 Hornady Magnum, .17 Hornady Mach 2, 17 Winchester Super Magnum

Rimfire ammunition, from left to right, .22 Short, .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, .17 HM2, .17 HMR
The Cup
The indention around the bottom of the case above the rim is called the cup.
This is commonly used by auto and semi-autos to eject the case after firing.
Firearm Cartridge Powder, Black Powder
Inside the case is housed the powder charge.
Black Powder

Older cartridges used black powder.
Products of combustion are 55% solid products
Leaves thick, heavy coating that holds moisture and rusts the barrel of firearms.
Until 1920s, primers still used black powder.


124: Ammo Components from Ken Jensen
Smokeless powder

More accurately called propellant
Products of combustion are mainly gaseous.
Not free of smoke, just less smoke.

Ammunition Powders for Reloading
The Bullet