Ammunition

A close up of 0.50 Caliber (12.7 mm) Browning Ball M33 Ammunition loaded onto a Browning M2 HB 0.50 caliber heavy machine

Battery Rodgers magazine

US Army 53437 091014-A-8267F-221

Inspecting Cases

Mk211 Raufoss

Ammunition refers to the material fired, scattered, dropped, or detonated from any weapon. Ammunition is both expendable weapons (e.g., bombs, missiles, grenades, land mines) and the component parts of other weapons that create the effect on a target (e.g., bullets and warheads). Nearly all mechanical weapons require some form of ammunition to operate.

Types of Ammunition

Ammunition comes in a great variety of sizes and types and is often designed to work only in specific weapons systems. Below are some common types of ammunition:

Small Arms Ammunition

Small arms ammunition, or cartridges, are used in a variety of firearms ranging from pistols to rifles and shotguns to heavier automatic weapons sometimes called machine guns. The components of ammunition intended for rifles and handguns are typically a bullet, a case, primer, and propellant.

Artillery Shells

Artillery shells are large caliber projectiles fired from artillery pieces. Artillery ammunition is categorized by size, function (e.g., anti-tank, fragmentation, illumination), and type of projectile (e.g., explosive, smoke, or incendiary).

Mortar Bombs

Mortar bombs are fired from a mortar, a short, smoothbore gun designed to fire shells at high angles. Mortar bombs can be high-explosive, smoke, illumination, or practice rounds.

Rockets and Missiles

Rockets and missiles are self-propelled projectiles used in warfare. Rockets are typically unguided, while missiles are guided in flight towards a target. They can be launched from aircraft, ships, submarines, and land-based platforms.

Grenades

Grenades can be thrown by hand or projected by a launcher attached to a rifle. They can be explosive, smoke, incendiary, or chemical in nature.

Land Mines

Land mines are explosive devices concealed under or on the ground and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, ranging from combatants to vehicles and tanks, as they pass over or near the device.

History

The history of ammunition can be traced back to the invention of gunpowder in 9th century China. The development and improvements in gunpowder led to the creation of the first firearms. Ammunition has evolved significantly over the centuries from simple metal ball projectiles to the complex and sophisticated designs used in modern warfare.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing of ammunition involves several complex processes including the making of the case, primer, propellant, and projectile. The quality of ammunition is critical for the safety and performance of the weapon system it is designed for.

Safety and Transportation

Ammunition must be stored and transported in accordance with strict regulations to prevent accidents. Proper storage involves keeping ammunition in a cool, dry place away from any potential sources of ignition. Transportation of ammunition often requires special packaging and handling to ensure safety.

Environmental Concerns

The use of ammunition has environmental impacts, including lead contamination and the potential for unexploded ordnance to remain in the environment long after conflicts have ended. Efforts are underway in many parts of the world to address these concerns through the use of less toxic materials and the clearance of unexploded ordnance.

Ammunition Resources
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