Cartridge case

For rifles and handguns it is usually a metal cylindrical tube, normally made of brass but sometimes of steel. It holds the bullet at the neck, the propellant charge inside, and the primer in its base. The outer circumference of the base of the cartridge case normally has a groove and rim to assist in extraction from the weapon after firing.Adapted from National Rifle Association of America’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) Glossary, http://www.nraila.org/glossary.aspx?s=Glossary&st=&ps=.

For shotguns the case is usually of paper or plastic with a metal head and is more often called a ‘shell’.NRA-ILA Glossary, http://www.nraila.org/glossary.aspx?s=Glossary&st=&ps=.

Caseless ammunition does not have a metal case to contain the propellant.Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) Glossary, http://www.saami.org/Glossary/.

Last updated on: 01 February 2014