Topic 2: Firearms and Ammunition

A. Firearm Components and Function

Philippine laws define a firearm under Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the
"Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act." Please note that laws
may have changed since then, so it's essential to check for any updates.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, a firearm is generally defined as any portable
weapon that expels one or more projectiles driven by the gases produced by the
combustion of an explosive substance at a rate of energy sufficient for self-
sustained combustion.
This definition encompasses a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles,
shotguns, and other similar devices that meet the criteria outlined in the law. The
Act regulates the ownership, possession, and carrying of firearms and ammunition
in the Philippines, and it establishes procedures for licensing and registration.
Legal definition under R.A. 10591 - Firearm refers to any handheld or portable
weapon, whether a small arm or light weapon, that expels or is designed to expel
a bullet, shot, slug, missile or any projectile, which is discharged by means of
expansive force of gases from burning gunpowder or other form of combustion
or any similar instrument or implement. For purposes of this Act, the barrel, frame
or receiver is considered a firearm.
How Firearms Work

Understanding how firearms work and the correct way to handle them is the first
step in becoming a safe and responsible hunter. When learning to handle
firearms always follow
The Four Primary Rules of Safe Firearm Handling to prevent accidents:
Always point your muzzle (or bow) in a safe direction.

Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what lies in front of and beyond it.

Generally, there are three types of firearms: rifles, shotguns and handguns.

The three basic parts of a modern firearm are:

➢ action, which loads, fires and ejects ammunition
➢ barrel, a metal tube that the projectile passes through
➢ stock, that supports the action and in many cases, the barrel

• Anatomy of firearms
1. Barrel:
• The tube through which the bullet travels.
• The length and rifling (grooves inside the barrel) affect accuracy.
2. Action:

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 • The mechanism that loads, locks, fires, and ejects cartridges.
• Types include bolt action, semi-automatic, automatic, and more.
3. Stock:
• The part held by the shooter.
• Provides stability and support for aiming.
4. Receiver:
• Houses the internal components and provides a structure for the firearm.
• Contains the trigger assembly.
5. Magazine:
• Holds cartridges ready for feeding into the chamber.
• Detachable or integral, depending on the firearm type.
6. Trigger:
• Initiates the firing sequence when pulled.
• Can have single or multiple stages.
7. Sights:
• Aiming devices, including front and rear sights.
• Can be iron sights, scopes, or other optics.
8. Grip:
• Handle for holding the firearm.
• Houses the trigger and may contain the magazine well.

Other terms:
Butt

the end of the stock that is held against the shoulder. Sometimes fitted with a
recoil pad.
Muzzle

the front end of the barrel where fired projectiles exit.

Chamber
the beginning of the barrel that holds a cartridge or shot shell for firing.

Breech
the rear end of the barrel, beginning with the chamber.

Bore
the interior channel of the barrel through which fired projectiles travel.
Safety

a mechanical device designed to prevent accidental firing (never to be used

as an alternative to safe firearm handing).

Magazine
a compartment that holds ammunition for the action to load into the chamber.
This can be built into the stock or a detachable container.

Trigger
the part moved by the finger that fires the cartridge or shotshell.

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Trigger guard
a protective ring that deters the trigger from being accidentally struck or
touched.

• Mechanisms of firing (e.g., bolt action, semi-automatic)

1. Bolt Action:
• Manually operated.
• Requires the shooter to lift and pull back a bolt to eject the spent
cartridge and load a new one.
2. Semi-Automatic:
• Fires one round per trigger pull.
• Automatically ejects the spent cartridge and chambers a new one.
• Requires releasing the trigger between shots.
3. Automatic/Full-Automatic:
• Continuously fires as long as the trigger is held.
• Multiple rounds are fired with a single trigger pull.
• Often used in military or law enforcement.
4. Pump Action:
• Common in shotguns.
• Requires the shooter to manually slide a pump to eject the spent shell
and load a new one.
5. Break Action:
• Hinged at the breech, the firearm "breaks" open to load and unload.
• Common in shotguns and some rifles.
6. Revolver:
• Rotating cylinder holds multiple rounds.
• Each trigger pull advances the cylinder to the next chamber.
Understanding these components and firing mechanisms is crucial for both
firearm enthusiasts and those interested in firearm safety and regulations.
Always prioritize safety and adhere to relevant laws and guidelines when
handling firearms.

B. Types of Firearms

The main differences between rifles, shotguns, and handguns are their barrels,
their intended targets, and the type of ammunition used.

• Rifle
➢ The rifle has a long barrel with rifling and thick walls to withstand high
pressures. Rifling puts a spiral spin on a bullet fired from a rifle, increasing
accuracy and distance.
➢ Rifles are typically used for firing at stationary targets.
➢ The bore of a rifle barrel is made for only one specific caliber of ammunition.
• Shotgun

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 ➢ The shotgun has a long barrel and usually has a smooth bore to reduce
friction. The barrel’s walls are thinner due to reduced pressures. If a shotgun
is designed to fire slugs, it might have a rifled barrel.
➢ Shotguns are typically used for shooting at moving targets in the air.
➢ The bore of a shotgun barrel is made for only one specific gauge of
ammunition.
• Handgun
➢ The handgun has a short barrel with rifling and thick walls to withstand high
pressures. Because of the short barrel, extra care must be taken to control
the muzzle of a handgun. Like the rifle, rifling in the handgun puts a spiral
spin on a bullet when fired, increasing accuracy and distance.
➢ Handguns are typically used for firing at stationary targets.
➢ The bore of a handgun barrel is usually made for only one specific caliber
of ammunition.
Glossary

caliber
Diameter of the bore of a rifle or handgun as measured from land to opposite
land on rifled barrels and the designation for the size of ammunition for different
bores
rifling
Spiral grooves cut into the bore of a firearm barrel together with the lands—the
ridges of metal between the grooves; rifling makes a bullet spin in flight, increasing
accuracy and distance
• Handguns, rifles, shotguns, Muskets and Carbine
Handguns:

Definition: Handguns are portable firearms designed to be operated with one

hand. They come in two main types: pistols and revolvers.
Parts: Common components include the frame, slide (for semi-automatic pistols),
barrel, trigger, grip, sights, and magazine (for semi-automatic pistols) or cylinder
(for revolvers).

Rifles:
Definition: Rifles are long-barreled firearms designed for accurate shooting at long
distances. They have rifling in the barrel to impart spin to the projectile for stability.

Parts: Key components include the barrel, receiver, stock, trigger, bolt, and sights.
Shotguns:

Definition: Shotguns are firearms designed to fire a shell containing pellets or a

slug. They are versatile and used for various purposes, including hunting and home
defense.
Parts: Main components include the barrel, receiver, stock, trigger, and
sometimes a magazine tube or a tubular magazine.
Muskets:

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Definition: Muskets are an early type of long gun, usually smoothbore, used in the
17th to 19th centuries. They were muzzle-loaded and fired lead balls.

Parts: Key components include the barrel, stock, lock mechanism (flintlock or
percussion), trigger, and sometimes a bayonet.

Carbines:
Definition: Carbines are shorter and lighter firearms, often derived from rifles or
muskets. They are designed for use by cavalry, support troops, or in confined
spaces.
Parts: Similar to rifles, carbines have components such as the barrel, receiver,
stock, trigger, and sights.

• Automatic vs. semi-automatic

The terms "automatic" and "semi-automatic" refer to different firing mechanisms
in firearms, each with distinct characteristics. Let's explore the differences:
Semi-Automatic Firearm:

Definition: In a semi-automatic firearm, each pull of the trigger fires one round,
and the firearm automatically ejects the spent cartridge, chambers a new one,
and resets the firing mechanism for the next shot.
Operation: After firing a shot, the shooter needs to release the trigger and then
pull it again for the next shot. The reloading process is automatic, but the shooter
controls when each shot is fired.
Automatic (or Full-Automatic) Firearm:

Definition: In an automatic firearm, the gun will continue to fire continuously as

long as the trigger is held down. Multiple rounds are fired sequentially without the
need for the shooter to release and pull the trigger for each shot.

Operation: Once the trigger is pulled and held, the firearm will keep firing until the
ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released. Automatic firearms are
capable of sustained, rapid-fire.

Key Differences:
• Rate of Fire:
➢ Semi-automatic firearms fire one round per trigger pull.
➢ Automatic firearms can fire continuously as long as the trigger is held.
• Trigger Operation:
➢ Semi-automatic requires a separate trigger pull for each shot.
➢ Automatic allows continuous firing with a single trigger pull.
• Common Use:
➢ Semi-automatic firearms are widely used for civilian purposes, including self-
defense, sport shooting, and hunting.
➢ Automatic firearms are more common in military and law enforcement
settings.

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It's crucial to note that regulations surrounding the ownership and use of
automatic firearms are typically stricter due to their potential for rapid-fire and
increased firepower. Laws regarding firearms vary widely by jurisdiction, so it's
important to be aware of and comply with local regulations.

C. Ammunition Types and Components

legal definition of ammunition in the Philippines is outlined in Republic Act No.
10591, also known as the "Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation
Act." This law provides regulations on the ownership, possession, and use of
firearms and ammunition in the Philippines.

The law defines ammunition as any complete unfired cartridge consisting of a

case, primer, propellant, and with one or more projectiles. This definition
encompasses the various types of cartridges used for different firearms, including
handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Legal definition under R.A. 10591 - Ammunition refers to a complete unfired unit
consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for
use in any firearm.

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• Ammunition Types:

Ammunition is a crucial component of firearms, and understanding its types and

components is essential for anyone involved in firearms use or ownership. Here are
the key aspects of ammunition:
➢ Centerfire Ammunition:
The primer is located in the center of the cartridge case head.

Common for handguns and rifles.

➢ Rimfire Ammunition:
The primer is inside the rim of the cartridge case.

Less common than centerfire and typically used in smaller caliber firearms.
➢ Shotgun Shells:

Used in shotguns, these cartridges contain shot pellets or a slug.

Types include birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, each designed for specific purposes.
➢ Blank Ammunition:

Contains no projectile but produces a burst of gas to simulate gunfire.

Used for theatrical purposes, military training, and starter pistols.

➢ Armor-Piercing (AP) Ammunition:

Designed to penetrate armor or protective barriers.
Often restricted due to its potential for misuse.

➢ Hollow Point Ammunition:

Designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel.
Commonly used for self-defense.

• Ammunition Components:
• Cartridge Case:
➢ Holds all the components together.
➢ Made of brass, steel, or other materials.
• Primer:
➢ Ignites the propellant when struck by the firing pin.
➢ Contains a small amount of sensitive explosive material.
• Propellant (Gunpowder):
➢ Chemical substance that burns rapidly, producing gas to propel the
projectile.
➢ Found in the cartridge case.
• Projectile (Bullet, Shot, or Slug):
➢ The part of the ammunition that is propelled towards the target.
➢ Can be a single bullet, multiple shot pellets, or a solid slug.

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 • Wad (Shotshell):
➢ Separates the shot from the powder, ensuring proper ignition.
➢ Also contributes to the formation of a shot pattern.
• Sabot (Saboted Ammunition):
➢ A lightweight carrier that holds a smaller projectile within a larger
caliber shell.
➢ Falls away after leaving the barrel, allowing the smaller projectile to
continue.
• Casing (Shotshell):
➢ The outer container of the shotgun shell.
➢ Holds the primer, powder, wad, and shot.
Understanding the types and components of ammunition is crucial for safe
and responsible firearm use. It's important to follow all relevant laws and
regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and use of ammunition in your
jurisdiction.

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THE EVOLUTION OF FIREARMS

MAN BEHIND FIREARMS

1. John M. Browning – Wizard of the modern firearms and pioneered the
breech loading single shot rifled which was adopted by Winchester.
2. Samuel Colt - Patented the first practical revolver and maker of the Colt
Peace Maker a famous revolver in the history.
3. Alexander John Forsyth – Father of the percussion ignition/powder.
4. Major Uziel Gal – An Israel army who designed UZI (Israel) in the year 1950
5. Col. Calvin H. Goddard – Father of modern Ballistics
6. John C. Garand – Designed and invented the Semi-automatic U.S. Rifle
Cal 30 M1 garand
7. George Hyde – A well-known expert in the field of SMG (also known as
grease gun) developed in 1941 M3A1
8. Michael Kalashnikov – Designed the AK (Automatic Kalashnikova) 47
(Soviet Union) Adopted by the Russian Army in the year 1951
9. Horace Smith – Founded the great firm of Smith and Wesson and
pioneered in making breech loading rifles.
10. Uegene, Stoner – Designed the U.S. M16 Armalite under licensed by Colt
Company from July 1959 onwards.
11. L.C. Smith – Developed Shotgun bearing his name now the Ithaca gun
Company.
12. John T. Thompson – Developed in the course of WWW1 the Thompson
M1A1 and model of 1928 A1 (USA). Pioneered the making of Thompson
Sub-machine gun
13. Daniel B. Wesson – Associates of Horace Smith in the making of Revolver.
14. David “Carbine” William – Maker of the first had known CARBINE
15. Olive Winchester – One of the earliest rifle and pistol makers.

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE EVOLUTION OF FIREARMS

1242 A.D. Roger Bacon published the “De Mirabili Potestate Artis et Naturae”
(On the Marvelous Power of Arts and Nature) which noted BLACK POWDER
formula.
1498 INTRODUCTION OF THE RIFLING AND SIGHTS became better and breech
loaders were attempted although never succeeded yet even multi shot arms
due to lack of good ignition system.
• 1500’s The development of the Wheel Lock operates in the same principles
as the modern day cigarette lighter at mid of 1500’s SNAPHAUNCE was
developed.
• 1575 Paper Cartridge was developed Ball and powder charged were
wrapped in chemically treated paper to allow the carrying of numerous pre-
measured charges or pre-loaded rounds.
• 1750 The development of Breech-Loading firearms Leading to the making of
FERGUSON Rifle of Major Patrick Ferguson Collier Rifle, which is a flint lock
repeating rifle operated on a revolving principle and the HALL Rifle patented
in 1811 by COL. JOHN HALL and was the 1st breechloader adopted by the
U.S. Army.

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• 1805 The PERCUSSION SYSTEM – ALEXANDER JOHN FORSYTH discovered a
compound that would ignite upon blow that would ignite the powder
charge. In 1840, it replaces the flintlock ignition and was adopted in 1838 by
the British and 1842 by the American.
• 1835 The First Real Cartridge was developed “THE FLOBERT CAP” same as the
BB and was considered the forerunner of .22 short cartridge.
• 1835 SAMUEL COLT patented the first revolver and marketed in 1872, a
breech loading revolver.
• 1836 Pin Fire Cartridge was developed by LE FAUCHEUX A much real pin fire
cartridge was also developed in the year by HOUILLER.
• 1845 RIM FIRE CARTRIDGE, FLOBERT developed the BB (bullet Breech) cap,
which was considered the forerunner of the .22 cal. Cartridge. In the same
year, New HAVENS ARMS COMPANY owned by OLIVER F. WINCHESTER
through the effort of TYLER HENRY developed a .44 caliber rim fire cartridge
for HENRY RIFLE.
• 1846 SMOKELESS POWDER was discovered It was used in shotgun first in the
year 1854 by CAPT. ESCHULTZE of Prussian Army and in Rifle by the year 1884
by M. VIEILLE OF FRANCE.
• 1873 COLT PEACE MAKER MODEL 1873, .45 CALIBER the most famous revolver
in history and legend was manufactured.
• 1884 Automatic Machine Gun HIRAM MAXIM developed the first fully
automatic gun.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS:

Two General Classifications of Firearms (According to Interior Barrel

Construction)

1. Smooth Bore Firearms – Firearms That have no Rifling (lands and grooves)
inside their gun barrel. A. Examples: Shotguns and musket
2. Rifled Bore Firearms – Firearms that have rifling inside their gun barrel.
A. Examples: Pistols, Revolvers, and other modern weapons.

MAIN TYPES OF FIREARMS (ACCORDING TO THE CALIBER OF THE PROJECTILE

PROPELLED)
1. Artillery – Refers to those type of firearms that propels projectile with more
than one inch diameter A. Example – Cannons, Mortars and Bazookas:
2. Small Arms – Are firearms that propels projectile with less than one inch
diameter and it can be handled moved and operated by one man
(Examples: Machine gun, shoulder arms and handguns.)
a. Machine guns – Is a type of firearm that is primarily designed for military
use. Even in investigation of shooting cases done in the city, it is not
usual or common to encounter this type of firearm having been used. It
can be grouped in three (3) general types:
b. Sub Machine guns – Is a light portable form of machine gun utilizing a
pistol size ammunition having a shoulder stock that may or may not be
folded and designed to be fired with both hands.

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 3. SHOULDER ARMS – Are those types of firearm that were normally fired from
the shoulder.

1. Rifles – A shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile with more

accuracy through a long-rifled bore barrel usually more than 22 inches.
2. Carbine – A short barrel rifle with its barrel, rifle measuring not longer than
22 inches. It fires a single projectile through a rifle-bore either semi-
automatic or fully automatic for every press of the trigger.
3. Muskets – Is an ancient smoothbore and muzzle loading military shoulder
arms designed to fire a shot or a single round lead ball. (Chapter 8)
4. Shotgun – A smooth bore and a breech loading shoulder arms designed
to fire a number of lead pellets or a shot in one charge (FBA Manual)
- The Barrel construction of shotgun may also be found in the
different bore construction.
• Cylinder bore type – Which the bore size is the same throughout the barrel
• Choke bored gun – Designed with a diminishing or reducing bore diameter
type towards the muzzle. This type is designed to cause an effect to the
travel of the shots. It makes the shots travel longer before it spreads.
• PARADOX Gun – Still in a very rare occasions another type of shotgun can be
observed to be having rifling only a few inch from its muzzle points.

4. HANDGUNS/– Those type of firearms that are designed or intended to be

fired using one using one hand. (Pistols and Revolvers) pistols in the period.
The single shot pistols the semi-automatic and the revolving pistols now
known as the revolver.
5. REVOLVER – Is a type of firearm designed to position cartridge into position
for firing with the aid of a rotating cylinder serving as its chamber. There
are two types of revolvers according to its mechanical firing action:
1. Single action – A type of revolver that needs a manual cocking of the
hammer before squeezing the trigger and:
2. Double action – A type of revolver that does not need manual cocking.
Just press the trigger and it both cocked and released the hammer
causing a much faster firing.

TYPES OF FIREARMS (ACCORDING OF MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION)

1. Single shot firearms – Types of firearms designed to fire only one shot every
loading (Examples: single shot pistols, Revolvers and Shotguns.)
2. Repeating Arms – A type of firearms designed to fire several loads (shot) in
one loading (Examples: Automatic pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns.)
3. Automatic F/A – Type of firearms that constitutes a continuous firing in a
single press of the trigger and while the trigger is press. (Examples:
Machine guns and rifles)
4. Slide Action type – Types of firearms in which loading take place by back-
and-forth manipulation of the under/over forearms of the gun. (Examples:
shotguns and pistols.)
5. Bolt action type – Type of firearms in which reloading takes place by
manipulating the both back and forth. (Examples: Rifles, Shotguns and
machine guns.)

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 6. Lever action type – Loading takes place by lever actin on the firearms.
(Examples: Rifles and shotguns.

MISCELLANEOUS TYPES OF GUN

1. Cane gun knife pistols, cellphone gun, etc. – Devices principally designed
for other purpose to which a gun mechanism is incorporated also called
as FREAKISH GUN.
2. Flare Gun – Designed for tracing or sending signals or locating enemy
troops.
3. Freakish Gun – A tool in which firearm mechanism is attached to prevent
easy identification
4. Gas Gun – Generally referring to all gun designed from firing tear gas.
5. Harpoon guns Refers to a barbed spear in hunting large fish
6. Liberator – U.S. government made smooth bore gun used in Europe during
war designed to fire an automatic colt pistol cartridge caliber .45
7. Multi-Barreled gun – Refers to all types of gun containing a number of
barrels.
8. Paradox Gun – A type of gun which contains land and grooves a few
inches from the muzzle point.
9. Tools – Are those devices which resembles a gun designed but are
generally used for construction of furniture.
10. Traps – Refers to gun used for trapping animals that are fired to woods
11. Zip Gun – Refers to all type of homemade gun.

AMMUNITION (LEGAL DEFINITION)

- Refers to loaded shell for rifles, muskets, carbine, shotgun,
revolvers and pistols form which a ball shot shell or other missiles
maybe fired by means of gun Powder or other explosive. The
term also includes ammunition for air rifles as mentioned
elsewhere in the code. (Chapter VII, Sec. 290 of NIRC as well
Sec. 877 RAC)

AMMUNITION (TECHNICAL DEFINITION)

- Refers to a group of cartridge or to a single cartridge. Cartridge
is a complete unfired unit consisting of bullet (ball) primer (cap)
cartridge case (shell) and gunpowder (propellant).

ORIGIN
- The word CARTRIDGE was derived from the Latin word “CHARTA”
meaning a paper
- The French word “CARTOUCHE” meaning a rolled paper. The
only indicates that the first type of cartridge was made up of a
rolled paper. It was about the turn of the 16th century that the
term “cartridge” comes to use.

GENERAL TYPES OF AMMUNITION

1. Dummy (used as a model and made of rubber)
2. Drill ammunition (without gun powder)

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 3. Blank ammunition (without bullet)
4. Live ammunition

CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGE
1. According to the Location of the Primer
a. Pin-Fire -Is a type of cartridge in which the ignition cap (primer) is
concealed inside the cartridge case and has a pin resting upon it.
b. Rim-Fire – Is a type of cartridge in which the priming mixture is located
at the hollow rim of the case can be fired if the cartridge is stuck by the
firing pin on the rim of the case (cavity rim)
c. Center fire – refers to a cartridge in which primer (ignition cap) is
centrally placed in the base of the cartridge case and the priming
mixture is exploded by the impact of the firing pin and with the support
of the anvil.

2. According to Rim Diameter

a. Rimmed Case type – Rim bigger than the Body
b. Semi-Rimmed type – Body is bigger than the rim
c. Rimless type – No rim
d. Rebated type – Refers to the cartridge with rimless pattern but which
has a rim diameter smaller than the body.
e. Belted type – A cartridge with a prominent raise belt around its body
just in front of the extraction groove.

3. According to Caliber – Caliber in cartridges in inches and their

approximate equivalent in mm and use:

Inches MM.
Cal. .22 About 5.59 mm – used in revolver, pistol and rifles
Cal. . 25 About 6.35 mm- used in pistol and rifles
Cal. . 30 About 7.62 mm – (mauser) – for carbines and other rifles
Cal. . 30 About 7.63 mm – (luger)
Cal. . 32 About 7.65 mm for automatic pistol and revolvers
Cal. . 380 About 9 mm – used for pistols
Cal. .357 Used in magnum .357 revolvers
Cal. . 45 About 11 mm – used in automatic pistols
Cal. . 50 Used in .50 cal. Machine guns

SHOTGUN CARTRIDGE
- It refers to a complete unit of unfired cartridge consisting of the
pellets, primer, case, wads and gunpowder.

GAUGE OF SHOTGUN
- Compared with other types of firearms, shotgun has very unique
characteristics in term of its diameter designation both for tis
firearm and cartridge use. The unit of measurement used in
shotgun is expressed in GAUGE. This is determined by the number
of solid lead balls of pure lead, each with diameter of the barrel
that can be prepared from one pound of lead. At present the
10-gauge shotgun is considered with the biggest diameter while

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 the .410 as the smallest one. Listed below are the equivalents of
diameter in gauge to inch.
GAUGE INCH
10 .775 INCHES
12 . 729 INCHES
16 .670 INCHES
20 615 INCHES
28 550 INCHES
.410 .410 INCHES

TYPES OF SHOTS
1. Soft or Drop Shots – made by pure or nearly PURE LEAD to which a small
amount of arsenic has been added to make it take on the form of a
spherical drop as if falls down the shot tower. This type is easy to deformed
or flattened, loose their velocity quicker low penetrating power and string
out more.
2. Chilled or Hard Shot – Is a type of shot with small amount of antimony
mixed with lead to increase hardness. It does no deform easily, better
pattern less string and more uniform velocity and penetration.
3. Coated or Plated Shot – Also called as “LUBALOY” shot. A chilled shot
coated with thin copper through electroplating design for greater
strength and elasticity great resistance to deformation and leading and
better pattern.
a. Buck Shot – A large size lead shot for used in shotgun

BULLETS
- The word “BULLET” was derived from French word “BOULLETE”
which means a small ball. This term is generally used when we
are referring to projectile fired from any small arms, which has a
variety of form, especially during the earlier history. In a more
technical sense bullet refers to a metallic or non-metallic
cylindrical ball propelled from a firearm it is sometimes called as
SHOTS OR SLUGS.
- BULLETS have various types depending upon their specific nature
and purpose. In general bullet can be classified as either LEAD
OR JACKETED.
• GENERAL TYPES OF BULLETS
1. Lead type – Is a type of a bullet that is basically composed of lead metal.
It’s used was due to its density having a good weight is a small size and
easy for casting.
2. Jacketed type – Is a type of bullet consisting of the regular lead core
coated with a copper alloy in order to prevent lead fouling of the barrel
and is generally used in pistols and other high-power guns.

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ACCORDING TO THEIR MAXIMUM EFFECT TO THEIR TARGETS
1. Ball type – Is a type of bullet which is intended for anti-personnel and
general use
2. Armor piercing – Is a type of military bullet designed to penetrate light
steel armor. Its mechanical construction makes it capable of penetrating
through some light vehicles.
3. Explosive bullet – Is a small bullet containing a charge of explosive which
will detonate on impact.
4. Incendiary bullet – Type of military bullet used to cause fire in a target
generally designed to use by aircraft armament in order for the fuel tanks
to ignite.
5. Tracer bullet – A type of military bullet capable of leaving visible marks or
traces while in flight giving the gunner the chance to observe the strike of
the shot or make adjustments in the event of a miss.

CARTRIDGE CASE
- Is the metallic or non-metallic tubular container usually of brass
(70% copper and 30% zinc) designed to unite the bullet primer
and the gunpowder into one unit. It is also known as shell or
casing
• FUNCTION OF THE CARTRIDGE CASE

FORENSIC 6 – FORENSIC BALLISTIC S.Y. 2023 – 2024 PAGE NO. 21

 - It locates the bullet properly relative to the bore of the firearm
- It is used to carry the means of ignition
- It provides gas seals at the breech against an unwanted escape
of propellant gas upon firing.
- Serves as waterproof container for the propellant or powder
charge
- Acts as the insulator between the propellant and the hot walls of
the chamber in a rapid firing of firearms/
-

PARTS OF THE CARTRIDGE CASE

1. Base – The bottom portion of the cartridge case which contains the head
stamp marking on the base of the shell (containing the caliber
manufacturer) and in some cases including the date trade name and
batch number.
2. Rim – Is the part of the cartridge designed to limit the forward movement
of the cartridge to chamber
3. Extracting grooves – Is the circular groove near the rim of the shell
designed for automatic withdrawal of the case from the chamber.
4. Primer pocket – Is that part of the shell which provides the means for the
primer to be put in the central position. Its function is extended to (a) hold
the primer in place (b) to provide means to prevent the escape of gas (c)
to provide solid support for primer anvil.
5. Body – Is the cylindrical part of the shell which house the gunpowder
6. Shoulder – That part of the cartridge case which support the neck of the
cartridge which is evident in a bottleneck type.
7. Cannelure – Is the cylindrical groove in the outer surface of the cartridge
case designed to secure the shell to the chamber as well as prevent bullet
from being push down to the powder charge. In some instance it is even
being utilized for identification
8. Neck – Is that part of the shell which is actually occupied by the bullet. This
is obvious in a bottleneck type of shell but not with the straight type.
9. Crimp – Is the cylindrical groove on the mouth of the shell designed for
two purpose One (1) is to hold the bullet and prevent it from being pull out
from the shell and Two (2) to offers resistance to the bullet out of the neck
to ensure burning of the gun powder.

FORENSIC 6 – FORENSIC BALLISTIC S.Y. 2023 – 2024 PAGE NO. 22

 10. Vent or Flash hole – Is the hole at the bottom of the primer pocket as the
passage way for the priming mixture to impart an ignition to the
propellant charge.

PRIMER (Also Called CAP/Percussion ignition) – Is the ignition system of the

cartridge used in a center fire type containing a highly sensitive chemical
compound that would easily ignite or bursts into flame when struck by the
firing pin it may either be BERDAN or BOXER type. It is also known as the
percussion cup.
• Berdan – Is a type of primer construction which was designed in 1860 by
Colonel Hiram S. Berdan of the U.S. ordinance department
• Boxer – On the other hand was developed by Colonel Edward M. Boxer of
the royal laboratory at woolwich arsenal in the year 1866

FORENSIC 6 – FORENSIC BALLISTIC S.Y. 2023 – 2024 PAGE NO. 23

PARTS OF THE PRIMER
1. Primer cup – Is the brass gilding metal cup which contains the priming
mixture the disc and the anvil.
2. Priming mixture – Is the highly sensitive chemical compound which ignites
by the mechanical blow of the firing pin. It is also called as percussion
powder.
3. Anvil – Is that portion of the primer which provides solid support and
absorbs the blow of the firing pin causing friction that would initiates
ignition
4. Disc – Is a thin paper or foil which is pressed over the priming mixture in
order to protect it from moisture attack

GUN POWDER
- Is that mixture of chemical of various composition designed to
propel the projectile by means of its expansive force of gas
when burned
- Two of the most popular individual whose name is always
attached to gunpowder discovery were ROGER BACON and
BERTHOLD SCHWARTZ. Let’s take a short description of how their
names are always mentioned in the history.

• ROGER BACON – (1242 A.D.) a Franciscan monk who wrote the “DeMirabili
Potestate Artis et Naturae” (On the Marvelous Power of Art and Nature)
including an anagram.

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• BERTHOLD SCHWARTZ – (Whose real name was CONSTANTIN ANKLITZEN) a
mysterious monk of FREIBURG who according to legend that is supported by
an engraving dated 1643 while experimenting on some powder in a cast iron
vessel he ignited a charge and thus blew off the Lid and from this deduced
the principle of containing a charge in a tube and propelling a shot
(Encyclopedia of ammunition)

BLACK POWDER
– The oldest known explosive was initially made form saltpeter (75%)
charcoal (15%) and sulfur (10%0
- These problems in the used of black powder was later remedied
with the introduction of the smokeless powder. According to
Harrison
- Captain E. Schultze of the Prussian Army made the 1st successful
used of smokeless powder in shotgun in the year 1864.
- (Although historically nitroglycerine compound was first
discovered in 1846). The basic ingredient used for smokeless
powder is a nitrocellulose that was first produced by adding a
nitric acid to cellulose fiber.
- Later M. Vieille of French developed the smokeless powder for
rifle in th year 1884 and named it “POUDRE B” taken after Gen,
Boulanger’s name.
- In 1887 ALFRED NOBEL invented a smokeless powder with
nitroglycerine (40% and nitrocellulose (60%) as the main
composition and called it BALLISTITE
- In Great Britain they utilized picrid acid in addition to cellulose
powder which they called “LYDDITE” and in Germany TNT (Tri-
nitrololeune) was the one used more powerful than picric acid
but much difficult to detonate.
- Also in the year 1889 Prof. Abel a British War dept. Chemist
developed “CORDITE” a smokeless powder with same
composition as Nobel in the form of cords or sticks. And in early
1890’s smokeless powder had replaced black powder and
became uniformly used worldwide by the year 1900.

Smokeless gunpowder, also known as smokeless powder, is a type of propellant

used in firearms and artillery. Unlike traditional gunpowder (black powder),
which produces a significant amount of smoke when ignited, smokeless powder
burns more cleanly, generating less visible smoke. This improvement has several
advantages, including reduced obscuration on the battlefield, less fouling in
firearms, and improved accuracy.
The primary components of smokeless powder typically include nitrocellulose
(also known as guncotton) and nitroglycerin. These chemicals are combined
with stabilizers, deterrents, and sometimes other additives to create a stable and
efficient propellant.

FORENSIC 6 – FORENSIC BALLISTIC S.Y. 2023 – 2024 PAGE NO. 25

There are different types and formulations of smokeless powder, each designed
for specific applications and firearm types. They are classified into two main
categories: single-base and double-base powders.
Single-base powders: These consist mainly of nitrocellulose and may contain
small amounts of stabilizers and deterrents. Single-base powders are commonly
used in rifles and handguns.
Double-base powders: These powders incorporate both nitrocellulose and
nitroglycerin. The addition of nitroglycerin provides more energy and can result
in higher velocities. Double-base powders are often used in applications where
increased performance is required, such as certain magnum cartridges.

Smokeless powder has largely replaced black powder in modern firearms due
to its cleaner burn, better performance, and reduced fouling. It comes in various
granulations and shapes, allowing it to be tailored for specific cartridges and
firearms.
It's important to note that the handling, storage, and use of any type of
gunpowder require strict adherence to safety guidelines and regulations to
prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

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