The device of the cartridge, weapons and everything connected with them can be called simple at first glance, if not to delve into the principles of their work. Knowledgeable people understand how subtle and precise the mechanism works after the trigger is pulled. If you are interested in this topic, read the article below.
Appearance story
Initially, all those who used firearms were forced to carry several attributes with them to carry out a single shot. A bullet and a container of gunpowder inherently followed each other. Separately, a certain amount of gunpowder was poured into the barrel, which had to be measured, and only then a bullet was laid. As you know, it became very difficult to perform these manipulations in the wind or in heavy rain. Therefore, firearms were considered extremely situational.
Then paper cartridges appeared. They already had gunpowder next to the bullet. To fire a shot it was necessary to push the cartridge with a ramrod inside the barrel. If such a design was invented back in the 16th century, then it was widely used in armaments of different countries only in the 18th century. Most often, firearms were used by light infantry.
But the first unitary cartridge, combining a bullet and a capsule with an igniter, appeared only in 1836. It was this model that was further modified and changed, adapting to various types of weapons.
Detailed cartridge design
Despite the small number of elements, the projectile for a firearm has a rather thin and complex fire system. In addition, the modern variety of weapons leads to the fact that ammunition is needed in a variety of calibers. And yet, any of them includes the following details:
- propelling charge;
- throwing element;
- igniter capsule;
- sleeve.
But inside this list there may already be various modifications, which we will talk about later.
Propellant charge
Such an ornate phrase is called gunpowder inside the cartridge. But even this flammable substance can be of several types. The main ones are two: mixed and nitrocellulose. They are also called smoky and smokeless.
Special substances that change its properties can be added to the composition of the powder. For example, in order to reduce the muzzle flame, flame arresters are introduced. These include potassium sulfate and carbonate. But to increase power, amplifiers are added. A vivid example of such substances can be called hexogen, which causes the launcher, cartridge and bullet to interact most intensively.
With the help of such impurities, the burning speed of the powder, its density or the ability to spontaneous combustion can be changed.
Types of bullets
The missile element, or, in other words, the bullet, has the greatest variety among all parts of the cartridge. Bullets can be classified according to several criteria:
- by weight;
- by caliber;
- by device;
- in form;
- by hardness;
- by appointment;
- in shape of the front end;
- by type of firearm.
Such a variety is quite natural, because the bullet itself appeared much earlier than the cartridge and is associated with a large number of firearms.
The main thing is to understand that each type of weapon requires the use of a certain type of missile element. This can be revolving, pistol, rifle bullets, as well as shot, buckshot dowels and many others.
Their caliber can be different: from 5.35 to 32. This makes it clear how much the device of the cartridge, caliber and many other factors are related.
Igniter
Without the occurrence of a spark in the gunpowder, the reaction necessary for the shot will not be able to occur. That is why the purpose and design of the cartridge are inextricably linked to the igniter capsule. It is in this part of the cartridge when a mechanical action occurs that flame arises that very second, as a result of which the movement of the bullet towards the target begins.
Due to the nature of their structure, the capsules can be divided into open and closed. The former are slightly simpler, but no less effective. It is logical that the integrity of this part depends on the integrity of this part.
Sleeve
When you lower the cartridge into the starter, the only element that you directly touch is the sleeve. It is the link between all other components.
The sleeve protects all the previously described elements from any external influences. Along with this, it allows, after a shot, to be distributed to gases from gunpowder in the right and safe direction for humans. According to their shape, the sleeves can be divided into several types:
- conical;
- cylindrical;
- bottle.
At the same time, only at first glance, to an ignorant person, this part of the cartridge can seem to be a single entity that does not have separate parts of the object. Experienced military or forensic experts immediately call you more than 10 parts of the sleeve. Among them you can hear such names as the body, dulce, ramp, flute, bottom, firing hole, capsule nest and many others.
Modern technology does not stand still. The cartridge device was no exception. Therefore, in the development of some countries there are such unusual specimens as arrow-shaped, perforated, serrated, silent or even cartridges controlled by optical sensors. Their development is not a secret behind seven seals. Therefore, if you are interested in a more detailed study of this issue, you can visit the frequent military exhibitions, where they will tell you in detail about all the latest discoveries and achievements in this field.