Ammunition or cartridge and cartridge
The base of the cartridge
malfunctions recovery
A. AMMUNITION/CARTRIDGE
Operational definition- is the round
inserted or chambered that is ready for
firing.
The term may also refer to a “single
round.”
Legally - refers to a complete unfired unit
consisting of a bullet, gunpowder,
cartridge case and primer or loaded shell
for use in any firearm (RA 10591).
RULE: every learner/shooter must have to
“use only the correct ammunition for their
gun.”
In order to know that you have the correct
caliber or type of ammunition to your gun, the
following must have to be observed or noticed
all the times:
a. Caliber designations for ammunition
can be identified at the base or head
stamp of the cartridge.
Head stamp - Numerals, letters and
symbols (or combination thereof)
stamped into the head of a cartridge
case to identify the manufacturer,
caliber, and gauge or give additional
information about the cartridge.
b. Most firearms have the ammunition
type stamped on the gun itself (often
on the barrel).
c. Ammunition type and caliber are
identified on the box and sometimes
on the base of the cartridge as well.
What are the three items to be checked that
you are using the correct ammunition for your
gun?
1. The barrel of the gun
2. The box of ammunition
3.
NOTE: Be aware that certain ammunition with
different designations may be compatible with
certain guns.
Examples:
a. .357 Magnum and .38 Special
b. 9mm Parabellum and 9mm Luger
What is cartridge gunpowder load?
- Refers to the amount or quantity of
gunpowder in a cartridge. A cartridge
labeled with “+P” or “+P+” means that
the cartridge is overload.
B. CARTRIDGE MALFUNCTIONS
- It is very important for tyro shooters or
learners to know and identify the
causes of these malfunctions.
- Identifying the causes and knowing
how to treat or recover from these
malfunctions will not hinder or stop the
shooter to continue in his firing
activity.
Types of Cartridge Malfunctions and its
treatment or solution:
1. Misfire – this is the total failure of the
cartridge to fire after the primer has
been struck by the firing pin.
2. Hangfire - the cartridge fails to fire
immediately or there is perceptible
delay in the ignition of the cartridge.
3. Squib load - Very dangerous because
a bullet is lodged in the barrel.
a. Underload cartridge (low GP
content)
4. Failure to Fire – This is caused by
failure to properly seat the magazine.
5. Failure to Extract or Double Feed
6. Failure to Eject/Stovepipe - In this
malfunction, the expended cartridge
case was not ejected or thrown away
from the gun.