Ballistic Terminology

Basic terminology of ballistics is important. Bullets, Cases, Primers, etc can be confused an misinterpreted by many.

The Cartridge is a unit composed of the bullet, case, primer, and propellant.  Cartriges are also referred to as rounds or ammunition (ammo).

The primer is the round button on the bottom of the cartridge that is contacted by the firing pin of the firearm.

The case is the brass or aluminum body that contains the everything, including the bullet, primer, and propellant, and fits into the firing chamber of the firearm.

The propellant is the explosive gunpowder that explodes to move the bullet forward.  It is carefully metered to create an explosion that will not harm the firearm, while providing maximum power to the projectile exiting the firearm.

The bullet is the actual metal that leaves the gun after pulling the trigger.  Bullets are composed of lead, lead alloy, copper, or several other materials depending upon the manufacturer.  Bullets come in many different shapes and sizes.

The most common bullet is the Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet which is a round-nosed projectile covered with a thin layer of copper known as a “jacket.”  This layer allows the bullet to travel down the bore at a higher velocity than with pure lead bullets.

The second most common bullet type is a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP), which expand upon impact.  This action allows for a larger damage area and limits the penetration into objects beyond the intended target.  Jacketed Hollow Point is the most common self-defense ammunition.

Dummy rounds that do not fire can be used to practice operating the firearm without the wasted ammo, noise, and safety issues associated with target practice.

Bullets are not cartridges, just the piece that leaves the barrel of the firearm.

.50 Caliber Ricochet

I recently saw a video on Youtube that shows what is supposedly a .50 caliber ricochet.  I have no background on who did this video or if it is fake or not, but I think it would be very difficult to stage.

It is amazing to see that he didn’t get hurt.  It is unbelievable that it could have enough energy to come all the way back at him, and do so in such a straight vector.

Another good example to show a safety lesson.  A paper target with a heavy earthen backdrop is the safest way to target practice, and this is another demonstration to this fact.

Don’t Overlook the Weight

One of the things to consider when purchasing and outfitting a firearm are its weight.  The final weight after ammo and addons must be carefully considered for those that will be carrying the completed weapon.  It is easy to be at a show or gunshop and think that a weapon is lightweight.  But by the time ammo is loaded up, and additional features are added on, the weapons can quickly gain weight.

The carry time will help determine allowable weight.  If a pistol or shotgun is used only around the house, heavy units will not be a problem.  But if a weapon is being carried for long periods of time, it can quickly become unweildy.  Hunting rifles and shotguns that are used on foot as opposed to sitting must be comfortable to carry and still be quickly brought up to shoot.

A pistol that is being carried for self defense must have a holster that will handle its’ weight.  The holster must be strong enough and must be able to distribute the weight across the area of carry.  An Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster that is holding a heavy weapon could put undue stress on that side of the body, and on that side of the clothing.  Accidental appearance of the weapon could happen if one side of the waistband is overloaded.

The weight of weapons can be minimized by carefully selecting a weapon after very carefully considering the intended use of them.  Consideration must be made for personal comfort and operation under fatigue.

Weapons can be lower in weight by using shorter barrels, lower ammunition counts, and lightweight stocks and specialized alloys for the weapon itself.  These will have other affects on firearm performance, but can be good tradeoffs depending upon the intended application of the firearm.

Firearms Safety

Firearms safety is one of the vital considerations we all need to make to protect ourselves, family, and neighbors.  Handling practices, storage, and control of the weapon are of utmost importance.

Handling all weapons, wheather it be knives or guns, must be taken very seriously.  Considering the direction of the muzzle of pistols must be a constant awareness.  Using built-in safeties is important, but ALL firearms must be always considered ready to fire.  All firearms must be handled as if they are ready to fire, whether you are pulling the trigger or not.

Storing of firearms must be taken seriously to consider all possibilities for detection of unauthorized users.  Whether it is by children or theives, the wrong people may get your gun.  Care should be taken to ensure very good security and very good concealment.

Personal safety during practice is also important.  Eye protection is vitally important.  Metal and chemicals are flying, and they do not belong in a person’s eyes.  Ears need to be protected to ensure hearing loss is minimized.  Skin must be protected from chemicals, burns (including sun), and bruising.

Most people take safety very seriously, and hopefully you are one of them.  But watch out for the next guy.  Keep aware of situations where somebody else is not as safe and may harm you.  Whether it is at the range, on the street, or in a home, the other guy is what you cannot control.

Second Amendment

Here in the United States, the right to “Keep and Bear Arms” is an American tradition that is guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.  These rights have been defended for since the founding of the USA.

Education of uninformed Americans is important.  Whether they are city dwellers that do not hunt, or youngsters that haven’t studied the Declaration of Independence, people need to be informed about firearms and the American right to keep and use them.

Different states and regions have different laws and rules about guns.  Even localities can restrict the use and carry of loaded firearms.  The states retain their rights to have their own rules and laws.  The Constitution was designed that way.  The Constitutional Framers did not mean for the federal government to have control over these gun rights.  The states are supposed to be independent and set their own rules and regulations for gun ownership and carry.  This can prove frustrating when considering the interstate reciprocity laws, but it allows for the citizens of the states to control their own outcome.