A Summary of basic ballistics

 In this article, I will discuss the elements of ballistics; accuracy, recoil, trajectory, velocity, and wind drift. I’ll explore ammunition components and bullet construction. From there, I’ll explain load data and handloading; specifically, how to seat a primer. Lastly, ammunition safety and important factors in regard to this topic will be reviewed.

Accuracy elicited much discussion during the course; is gauging accuracy dependent on the shooter’s ability and knowledge of their weapon’s performance or is it solely a matter of a weapon’s consistency to place rounds in a certain group at a certain range. The material covered on this topic focused on the latter. My interpretation of accuracy is an ability; either by the shooter, weapon, or both, to “group” rounds within a certain area with consistency at a certain range. Recoil is the backward force created by the round as it is fired. This occurrence is the result of Newton’s third law of motion; “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” (The Physics Classroom, 2022) “Trajectory is the curved path the bullet takes from muzzle to target.” (Sparano, 1972, Pp. 42) Understanding of trajectory is extremely important for the shooter to place shots where they want them. There are several key factors that come into play when determining this path; gravity, bullet weight, air resistance and ballistic coefficient, temperature and atmospheric pressure, velocity, and wind drift. Velocity is the speed that a bullet travels and is measured in feet per second. How much the speed is reduced as it travels along its path is affected by some of the above-mentioned variables. Wind drift is the effect wind plays on the bullet along its trajectory. Wind speed and direction in relation to the bullet are main determining factors in drift; along with bullet weight and velocity. As you can see, there are many variables that must be considered when determining where a bullet will impact. 

A cartridge consists of four main components; the primer, case, powder, and bullet. (Sparano, 1972, Pp. 36-40) The primer is the “sparkplug” of the cartridge. It is the component that starts the ignition process when it is struck by the firing pin and the explosive compound is pinched against the “anvil.” The case acts as the housing for the other components and helps to seal the breech as the round is fired. The powder is the secondary combustive compound that when ignited by the primer, burns to create expansive gases that drive the bullet down the bore, out of the muzzle, and to the target. Lastly, the bullet is the projectile that is driven from the bore and eventually impacts a target. (Markwith, 2022)

Bullets can be constructed in several ways. One method of making a bullet is through a process called casting. This consists of melting down the material, usually lead but may include other metals, and pouring them into a mold of the specific shape desired. The second method is a process called swaging. This involves using equipment to form the bullet into its shape by using great pressure to move the materials within a die at room temperature. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; casting is usually cheaper, but swaging produces much higher quality bullets. 

Handloading consists of building your own cartridges by assembling the four previously discussed components. This process uses various pieces of equipment, but one of the main tools you’ll need is a press. This tool helps to assemble the components. Reloading manuals are also necessary to understand which component types work best together in certain combinations and which will be safe to use. It is important to record the effects of your combinations as well. Chronographs and other tools help you to verify these combinations’ performance. 

When constructing your cartridges, you want to ensure your primers are properly installed. Using the wrong primer for your cartridge can be detrimental to performance or potentially dangerous. Make sure you refer to reloading manuals to confirm the correct primer type and size. Double check that your primers are properly seated in the case head. A primer not thoroughly seated that sticks out from the case head can cause several issues including slam fires, chain fires, failure to cycle, etc.; depending on the firearm type. (Shell, 2016) 

Some safety precautions to consider when working with ammunition, include using the correct ammunition for the correct firearm. Firearms use specific calibers; using the wrong caliber can be dangerous or even deadly. Firearms are also designed for certain pressures. “Hot loads”, or loads operating at higher than usual pressures, run the risk of damaging the firearm and injuring yourself and bystanders. Ensure you are using ammunition that functions within the operational parameters of your weapon. When building your own cartridges, there are associated risks that go along with this process. Always use proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when working with equipment. Lead exposure can also be a concern depending on your level of exposure. Proper ventilation should also be considered. And as always, abide by all general firearm safety rules. 

Bibliography

Markwith, Steve. “What are the Basic Parts of Ammunition?” SHTF Blog. 2022. https://www.shtfblog.com/what-are-the-basic-parts-of-ammunition/. 

Shell, Bob. “Basics of Priming Brass Ammo.” AmmoLand.June 29th, 2016. https://www.ammoland.com/2016/06/priming-brass-ammo/#axzz7tnMh3hZM.

Sparano, Vin T. Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. 1972. Harper & Row. Pp. 36-43. 

The Physics Classroom. Newton’s Third Law. 2022.