HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

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Module 01 - HUNTING BASICS

CARTRIDGE COMPONENTS: GETTING SPECIFIC

Case:

The case is the outer metal shell that contains all of the cartridge components.

Base:

The base of the case carries the primer pocket and the head stamp (the head stamp identifies the caliber and make).

Primer:

The primer is a small cup that holds a chemical mixture. When the primer is struck by the firing pin, the reaction will cause the bullet to fire.

Powder:

Powder is the chemical mixture that’s inside the case and which produces gases that force the projectile out of the barrel.

Bullet:

Your bullet is your projectile—it’s what fires from the barrel. Bullets come in a variety of sizes, weights and shapes.

Neck:

The area that aligns the bullet with the rifling and holds it in place.

Shoulder:

The area on the case where it sometimes widens out.