BulletA bullet is a type of projectile that is shot from the barrel of a firearm. Bullets are made of a variety of materials, including copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax. They do not normally contain explosives, but are kinetic projectiles that strike or damage the target by transferring kinetic energy upon impact and penetration.
Primer (firearms)In firearms and artillery, the primer () is the chemical and/or device responsible for initiating the propellantcombustion that will propel the projectiles out of the gun barrel.
Terminal ballisticsTerminal ballistics is a sub-field of ballistics concerned with the behavior and effects of a projectile when it hits and transfers its energy to a target. This field is usually cited in forensic ballistics. Bullet design (as well as the velocity of impact) largely determines the effectiveness of penetration.
Smokeless powderSmokeless powder is a type of propellant used in firearms and artillery that produces less smoke and less fouling when fired compared to black powder. Because of their similar use, both the original black powder formulation and the smokeless propellant which replaced it are commonly described as gunpowder.
ProjectileA projectile is an object that is propelled by the application of an external force and then moves freely under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Although any objects in motion through space are projectiles, they are commonly found in warfare and sports (for example, a thrown baseball, kicked football, fired bullet, shot arrow, a ball from a cannon, stone released from catapult).
Paraffin waxParaffin wax (or petroleum wax) is a soft colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between 20 and 40 carbon atoms. It is solid at room temperature and begins to melt above approximately 37 °C (99 °F), and its boiling point is above 370 °C (698 °F). Common applications for paraffin wax include lubrication, electrical insulation, and candles; dyed paraffin wax can be made into crayons.PropellantA propellant (or propellent) is a mass that is expelled or expanded in such a way as to create a thrust or another motive force in accordance with Newton's third law of motion, and "propel" a vehicle, projectile, or fluid payload. In vehicles, the engine that expels the propellant is called a reaction engine.
Centerfire ammunitionA center-fire (or centerfire) is a type of metallic cartridge used in firearms, where the primer is located at the center of the base of its casing (i.e. "case head"). Unlike rimfire cartridges, the centerfire primer is typically a separate component seated into a recessed cavity (known as the primer pocket) in the case head and is replaceable by reloading the cartridge. Centerfire cartridges have supplanted the rimfire cartridge, with the exception of a few small calibers.
External ballisticsExternal ballistics or exterior ballistics is the part of ballistics that deals with the behavior of a projectile in flight. It deals with projectiles under the influence of a gravitational field; it includes those powered and un-powered, guided and unguided, spin and fin stabilized, and flying through an atmosphere and in the vacuum of space.
RecoilRecoil (often called knockback, kickback or simply kick) is the rearward thrust generated when a gun is being discharged.
WaxWaxes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are lipophilic solids that are malleable near ambient temperatures. They include higher alkanes and lipids, typically with melting points above about 40 °C (104 °F), melting to give low viscosity liquids. Waxes are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents such as hexane, benzene and chloroform. Natural waxes of various types are produced by plants and animals and occur in petroleum.
Non-lethal weaponNon-lethal weapons, also called nonlethal weapons, less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons such as knives and firearms with metal-projectile ammunition.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.