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Chapter 6

Cartridge Case

Definition
Cartridge Case - is the metallic or non-metallic tabular con-tainer usually
made of brass (70% copper and 30%zinc); it is de-signed 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, var-nish
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 fire-arm.

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

3. It provides gas seals at the preech 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.

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Figure 44. Various Types of

Cartridge Cases

Parts of the Cartridge Case

1. Base -the bottom portion of the cartridge case which con-tains the
head stamp marking on the base of the shell con-taining the
caliber,manufacturer and in some cases includ-ing 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.

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.

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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 cham-ber as well as
to prevent the bullet from being pushed down to the powder charge. In
some instance it is even being uti-lized 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 mix-ture to impart an
ignition to the propellant charge.

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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 usedin an automatic weapon.

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

caliber.22 magnum-jet.
3. Botype of cartridge commonly found in am munitions for rifles.

CHAPTER 6: CARTRIDGE CASE