Archives: Glossary

A device to measure quantities of powder volumetrically.

1. The machinery that produces Black Powder to the required geometry. 2. A manufacturing facility that produces powder, classically applied to Black Powder facilities but can be used for Smokeless Propellant manufacturing plants.

A balance or weighing instrument for accurately weighing powder charges.

Cartridges designed to accomplish mechanical actions. The cartridges consist of a shellcase and propellant that when ignited produces gases for inflation, linear or rotary motion, activate diaphragms, or project fastening devices. See also, Industrial Cartridge.

The improper firing of a cartridge or shotshell before the breech or action of the firearm is fully closed and locked into firing position.

For every caliber of metallic cartridge and the numerous bullet weights used in each, and for each shotshell gauge or bore, and the various shot weights loaded in each, a particular combination of components should be used. Collectively, the correct components for any given cartridge or shell may be referred to as the prescribed load.

In a gun or cartridge, the force imparted to various components that is developed by the expanding gases generated by the deflagration of the propellant when fired.

A barrel, typically heavy-walled, made in accordance with a standards-setting organization specifications, with appropriate features for the installation of instrumentation to measure pressure.

A graph of the relationship of chamber pressure to time or travel in a firearm when a cartridge or shell is fired.

The act of measuring the pressure generated in cartridges or shotshells contained in the chamber of a test barrel. See Pressure. See Average Pressure. See Pressure Barrel. See Chamber Pressure. See Pressure Curve.