PRIMER

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An ignition component containing explosive mixture in a metallic cup, which provides a source of heat and flame when initiated.  Percussion primers utilize mechanical impact for initiation energy and may have an anvil in the cup or the anvil may be integral to the cartridge case. (See Boxer Primer and Berdan Primer.)  To a lesser extent, electrically-initiated primers have been used in sporting small arms ammunition and are currently used in some military small arms applications.