Guns are generally classified according to use, size, and tradition. This varies among the military services. The basic distinction is between small arms and artillery. Any gun below a 20-millimeter bore size is generally classified as a small arm. An alternative term gaining increasing currency is "light arms," to include individual and light support weapons.
The bullet in general is cylindrical. The nose may be round, as in the cal, .50 bullet, or ogival as in all service rifles and machine gun bullets. The base may be square or boattailed.
Armor-piercing bullets contain a core of hardened steel.
Ball usually contain a slug of antimony hardened lead except in case of the cal, .50, wherein the outer core is of soft steel.
Tracer contains a lead slug, and a chemical composition in the rear.
Incendiary bullets contain an incendiary composition.
Cartridge case: The cartridge case is the means whereby the other components are assembled into the unit. It also provides a waterproof container for the propelling charge.
Primer: Percussion
Propelling charge: The propelling charge consists of a quanity of smokeless powder. The weight of the charge is not constant. It is adjusted for each powder lot to give the required velocity with pressure within the limits prescribed for the weapon in which it is fired.
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