Archives: Glossary

A projectile that is designed with a pointed profile.

The exact point on which the shooter aligns the firearm’s sights.

A front sight with flat sides and top.

Commonly used term for the propellant in a cartridge or shotshell.

A class of tools, such as nail drivers, that use the expansion of propellant combustion gases as their motive force.

A burn that may result from contact with hot powder particles or propellant combustion gases.

The speed with which a propellant burns inside a cartridge case. It is affected by both physical and chemical characteristics, as well as conditions under which the powder is burned.

The amount of powder by weight in a cartridge case or shotshell.

1. (Smokeless Propellant) The degradation of propellant from the decomposition of the explosive components of the propellant. This can be accelerated by improper storage conditions.
2. (Black Powder) The degradation of black powder typically caused by absorption of moisture from the air.

Residue left in firearms after firing, either from unburned propellant or its solid combustion products.