Bandolier
Bandolier can refer to a couple of different things, depending on the context: 1. **Historical Context**: In a historical and military context, a bandolier is a type of shoulder belt or strap that is used to hold ammunition, usually consisting of several loops or pockets. Bandoliers were commonly used by soldiers to carry cartridge cases or bullets, allowing for quick access to ammunition in combat situations. They can be made from various materials, including leather and cloth.
The Beehive round is a type of anti-personnel ammunition used primarily in artillery systems. It consists of a shell that contains numerous small steel balls or projectiles, which are released upon detonation. The design is intended to create a large area of effect to target enemy personnel rather than vehicles or other armored targets. When fired, the Beehive round disperses its projectiles over a wide area, making it effective for suppressing infantry formations or for use in close combat situations.
The term "belted magnum" refers to a type of cartridge design in the field of firearms and ammunition. The term "belted" indicates that the cartridge has a pronounced belt around its case, which serves several purposes: 1. **Headspacing**: The belt helps to provide a consistent and reliable point for the cartridge to headspace (the position in relation to the chamber) when it is chambered in a firearm.
"Black Talon" can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are a few possible meanings: 1. **Firearms and Ammunition**: Black Talon is most commonly known as a brand of high-performance ammunition produced by Winchester. It gained notoriety in the 1990s for its design, which featured a black-coated bullet and a special hollow point intended to expand upon impact.
A black powder cartridge is a type of ammunition that uses black powder as its propellant. Black powder, also known as gunpowder, is a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), charcoal, and sulfur. While black powder was historically the first form of smokeless propellant used in firearms, it has largely been replaced by smokeless powder in modern ammunition due to its higher energy density and efficiency.
A "blank" cartridge is a type of firearm ammunition that contains gunpowder but lacks a projectile (bullet). Instead of a bullet, it typically has a wad or a simple plug that seals the case. Blank cartridges are designed to produce a loud noise and a muzzle flash similar to that of regular ammunition when fired, but they do not launch a projectile, making them safer for certain uses.
"Bolt thrust" typically refers to the force exerted by a bolt when it is subjected to a load, especially in mechanical and structural engineering contexts. When a bolt is used to fasten two or more components together, it experiences tension or shear forces depending on the application and loading conditions. The term "thrust" often relates to the axial force acting along the length of the bolt.
Bourrelet
A bourrelet is a specific feature found on the projectile of large-caliber artillery, such as shells and missiles. It refers to a raised band or ring that is located around the circumference of the projectile, typically near its base. The primary functions of a bourrelet include providing a guiding surface that helps ensure better alignment within the barrel during the firing process, minimizing gas leakage, and contributing to the overall stability of the projectile as it travels through the air.
Buck and ball is a historical form of ammunition used primarily in smoothbore firearms, particularly during the 18th and early 19th centuries. It consists of a lead ball (usually .69 caliber) and several smaller lead shot (often referred to as "buckshot") packed together in a single cartridge. When fired, the larger ball would travel towards the target with considerable force, while the smaller shot would spread out, increasing the likelihood of hitting multiple targets at close range.
Caliber
"Caliber" can refer to several different concepts depending on the context. Here are a few common interpretations: 1. **Measurement**: In a general sense, "caliber" refers to the diameter of a cylindrical object, often used in the context of firearms to indicate the diameter of the gun's barrel or the projectile (bullet) it fires. For example, a .38 caliber revolver fires a bullet that is .38 inches in diameter.
Cannelure
Cannelure refers to a groove or groove-like feature, often seen on the surface of bullets or casings in firearms and ammunition. These grooves are typically applied to the bullet to serve specific purposes, such as: 1. **Crimping**: The cannelure allows for a crimping process to hold the bullet securely in place within the cartridge case. This helps prevent movement of the bullet under recoil or during handling and ensures consistent performance.
A cartridge, in the context of firearms, is a complete unit of ammunition that consists of several components assembled together. A typical cartridge includes: 1. **Bullet**: The projectile that is fired from the firearm. It is usually made of lead or a lead alloy, sometimes with a metal jacket. 2. **Propellant**: Usually gunpowder, this substance ignites and creates gas when burned, propelling the bullet out of the cartridge and down the barrel of the firearm.
A cartridge box is a container used to hold cartridges, which are devices that contain a projectile (such as a bullet), propellant, and primer. Historically, cartridge boxes were used extensively during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in military contexts, to store and transport ammunition for rifles, pistols, and other firearms. Cartridge boxes could be made from various materials, including wood, metal, leather, or canvas.
Caseless ammunition is a type of firearm ammunition that does not have a traditional cartridge case. In standard ammunition, the cartridge case serves multiple functions: it holds the primer and propellant, provides structural integrity, and ejects from the firearm after firing. In caseless ammunition, these functions are achieved without a separate case. Instead, caseless ammunition typically consists of a propellant that is chemically designed to contain the projectile and primer within the cartridge itself.
Centerfire ammunition is a type of cartridge that has its primer located at the center of the cartridge case head. This design contrasts with rimfire ammunition, where the primer is located on the rim of the cartridge. Centerfire cartridges are generally considered to be more robust and reliable than rimfire cartridges, as they can handle higher pressures and are suitable for a wider range of firearms, from handguns to rifles.
Collaborative Research into Small Arms Technology (CRISAT) typically refers to initiatives or programs that focus on the study and development of small arms and their associated technologies through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders. These stakeholders can include governments, academic institutions, private industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The objectives of such collaborative research might include: 1. **Innovating Safer Technologies**: Developing new materials or designs that enhance safety in the use of small arms and reduce accidental discharges.
The Commission internationale permanente pour l'épreuve des armes à feu portatives (CIP) is an international organization that defines standards and regulations for the testing of portable firearms and ammunition. Its primary goal is to ensure the safety and reliability of firearms and ammunition used around the world. Founded in 1951, the CIP is composed of member states and is responsible for establishing testing protocols, safety standards, and certification processes for firearms manufacturers.
A continuous-rod warhead is a specific type of explosive device designed to generate a long, shaped fragment of metal or other material that can effectively penetrate armor or structures. Unlike conventional explosive warheads that produce dispersive shrapnel, continuous-rod warheads feature a single, continuous piece of material—often a rod or bar—that is shaped in a way to maximize its lethality upon detonation. When detonated, the explosive charge causes the continuous rod to be propelled at high speeds.
"Cooking off" can refer to a couple of different concepts depending on the context, but it generally involves the process of dissipating or reducing the volatile components of a substance, often through heat.
Cordite
Cordite is a smokeless propellant that was developed in the late 19th century and used primarily in military applications, particularly in artillery and small arms ammunition. It was invented in the United Kingdom by Sir Frederick Augustus Abel and Sir Boothby Graham, and first introduced for use in 1889. Cordite is composed of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, along with a stabilizer and other additives.