Lesson 2. AMMUNITION: TYPES, PARTS, PROPER USAGE, and MALFUNCTIONS

A pistol cartridge is made up of four basic components: the case, the primer, the powder charge, and the bullet. A cartridge is also commonly referred to as a round. A live round is a cartridge that contains a primer, a powder charge, and a bullet. A dummy round contains a bullet, but does not contain a primer or a powder, and therefore cannot be fired.

There are two types of modern pistol cartridges: Rimfire and center-fire. The names for both types of cartridges are derived form the location of the primer.

It is essential to always use the proper cartridge in a pistol. Only a cartridge that has been designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. It is dangerous to fire the wrong cartridge in a pistol. Even though a cartridge may appear to fit in a chamber or magazine, it may not actually be the correct cartridge for that pistol. As a basic safety measure, proper identification of cartridges is mandatory.

To ensure the use of the correct cartridge, the pistol must first be examined to determine the cartridge that it is designed to fire. This cartridge designation will be marked on the barrel, frame, or slide.

Next, examine and identify the cartridge. Most center-fire cartridges have the cartridge designation stamped on the base of the cartridge case around the primer. Cartridge designations are also marked on the factory box or carton containing the cartridges.

Some cartridges will have a “+P” or “+P+” designation. These cartridges are loaded to higher pressures than standard ammunition. These higher pressure cartridges should only be fired in guns that are designed for such use. If it is not clear whether a gun is approved to use +P or +P+ cartridges, consult the gun manufacturer. Do not gamble with safety.

Popular rimfire cartridges: .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum.

Popular center-fire cartridges for revolvers: .38 special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.

Popular center-fire cartridges for semi-automatics: .38 ACP, 9mm Luger (Parebellum), .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

Ammunition storage and care

Always keep ammunition in the factory box or carton. Store cartridges in a cool and dry area, avoiding high temperature and humidity areas such as attic or car trunk. Ammunitions should be stored separately from guns. Also, be certain to store ammunition so that it is not accessible to unauthorized persons, especially children.

Always wipe fingerprints from ammunition. Acids, salts, and other chemicals contained in fingerprints can cause corrosion. Also beware of storing cartridges in leather cartridge belts – acids in the leather can cause corrosion. Cartridges should never be submerged in water or be exposed to any solvents, petroleum products, including gun oil, bore cleaner or other chemicals. These materials can penetrate a cartridge and cause the primer or the powder to deteriorate and result in cartridge malfunctions.

There are three types of cartridge malfunctions: misfire, hangfire and squib load.

Misfire: A failure of the cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck by the firing pin.

Hangfire: A perceptible delay in the ignition of a cartridge after the primer has been struck by the firing pin.

Squib load: development of less than normal pressure or velocity after ignition of the cartridge.

When a cartridge fails to fire immediately, it will not be able to know whether the problem is a misfire or a hangfire. Keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction and don’t attempt to open the action to remove the cartridge for at least 30 seconds, because a hangfire cartridge could still fire.

If anything unusual in noticed when a shot if fired, such as a difference in recoil or noise, stop firing immediately. A squib load may have been fired. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and unload the gun. Check to be sure that the chamber is empty, then, with the action open, carefully run a cleaning rod through the barrel to be sure that it is not obstructed. Squib load can result in the bullet failing to exit the barrel. If a bullet is lodged in the barrel, the firing of another shot could cause serious injury or damage. If a lodged bullet is discovered, seek professional gunsmith help!