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Forensic Ballistics
 
 
 
 
 
College of Criminal Justice Education
BS Criminology
 
 
 
 
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Module No. 6

Cartridge Case

1st Semester AY 2020-2021

Hilda B. Espadilla
Instructor III

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

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Table of Contents

Contents Page

TITLE PAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------- 3

INSTRUCTION TO THE USER ----------------------------------------------- 4

CHAPTER 6 –Cartridge Case

Lesson 1 – Definition of Cartridge Case----------------------------

Lesson 2 – Functions of Cartridge Case ---------------------------

Lesson 3 – Parts Of Cartridge Case ---------------------------------

Lesson 4 - Types of Cartridge Case ---------------------------------

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about ____________________________________.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning
experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

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Introduction

Cartridge cases are most commonly made of brass, although steel is also
widely used, and cases for shotgun pellets are made of brass and cardboard. The
cases of most military rifles and machine guns have a bottleneck shape, allowing a
small-calibre bullet to be fitted…
In the earliest days of small arms, cartridges began to evolve as an alternative
to the slower process of handling a powder flask for charging each shot. In a
rudimentary cartridge, a charge of black powder was measured into a thin paper or
linen tube that was slightly smaller than the bore.  A ball was then placed on top of
the powder in the tube and secured with glue or a string.
Early breechloaders incorporated a sharpened cutter blade atop the
breechblock. A paper cartridge was loaded, but when properly seated, stood slightly
out of the barrel. When the shooter closed the action, the cutter sheared off the rear
of the cartridge, exposing propellant to the flash hole. This eliminated misfires
caused by excess paper blocking the flame from the percussion cap.
The Burnside rifle used an unusual brass cartridge that was largely supported by
the breech rather than the barrel. A small covered hole in the base of the cartridge
received the blast from the percussion cap; the seal burned through, igniting the
powder charge. The Burnside cartridge walls were stiff and did not expand
sufficiently to seal the bore.
The true modern cartridge is flexible enough to expand under pressure and
completely seal the rear of the barrel, yet strong enough to remain intact at peak
operating pressure. Its diameter must be slightly smaller than that of the chamber to
keep the cartridge case wall expansion to a minimum. The length dimensions have to
match the chamber’s corresponding support surfaces so that the case can withstand
the blow of the gun’s firing pin.

CHAPTER 4

CARTRIDGE CASE

LESSON

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Understand the definition of cartridge case;
2. Differentiate and understand the functions, parts and types of cartridge;
and
3. answer the given exercises in the lesson.

Time Allotment: 2 hours

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Discussion:
Cartridge Case

Definition

Cartridge Case - is the metallic or non-metallic tabular container usually

made of brass (70% copper and 30%zinc); it is designed to unite the bullet, primer
and the gunpowder into one unit. It is also known as a shell or casing.

Traditionally, a cartridge case is made of brass although there are many

present day cartridges that are made of plastic, varnish steel, zinc-coated or even
chemically coated are t use.

Functions of the Cartridge Case

1. It properly locates the bullet relative to the bore of the firearm.

2. It is used to carry the means of ignnion.

3. It provides gas seals at the nieech against an unwanted escape of propellant gas
upon firing.

4. Serves as the waterproof container for the propellant or powder charge.

5. Acts as the insulator between the propellant and the hot walls of the chamber in a
rapid firing of firearms.

Figure 44. Various Types of Cartridge Cases

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 that part of the cartridge case designed to limit the forward movement of
the cartridge to the chamber.

3. Extracting grooves - is the circular groove near the rim of the shell designed for
automatic withdrawal of the case from the chamber.

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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 houses the gunpowder.

6. Shoulder - that part of the cartridge case which supports 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 to prevent the bullet from
being pushed 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
purposes: One (1) is to hold the bullet and prevent it from being pulled out from the
shell and Two (2) to offer resistance to the bullet out of the neck to ensure the
burning of the gun powder.

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

Figure 45. Parts of the Cartridge Case

Types of Cartridge Case

1. Straight type = a type of a cartridge case or shell which has a straight shell body
usually found on cartridge used in an automatic weapon.

2. Tapered type = a type of a cartridge case similar to a flower base. It is found in

caliber .22 magnum-jet.

3. Bottle-neck = a type of cartridge commonly found in am-munitions for rifles.

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Activity

Learning Check

I. What is a cartridge case or shell? 

II. What are the functions of a cartridge case?

III. Draw and label the parts of a cartridge case.

IV. Explain this module by using your video presentation with 5 mins to 10 mins
duration and send it to your assigned folder in FB page (Activity 6).

Reference:

Manlusoc, A. C. (2016). Forensic Ballistics. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

De Guzman, R.D., & Villacarlos M.B. (2017). Fundamentals of Forensic Firearms
Identification, 2nd Edition. Chapter House Publishing Incorporated.
Duyogan, Z. A. (2011). Forensic Ballistics, Guide for Criminal Lawyers, Police
Officers, Students and Reviewees, First Edition. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

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Congratulations for completing this module!

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development of West Philippines and beyond.

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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

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