The device of the cartridge, weapons and everything connected with them can be called simple at first glance, if you do not delve into the principles of their work. Knowledgeable people understand how delicate and precise the mechanism works after the trigger has been pulled. If you are interested in this topic, read the article below.
History of Appearance
Initially, everyone who used firearms had to carry several attributes with them to make a single shot. The bullet and the powder container followed each other inseparably. 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 understand, it became very difficult to perform these manipulations in the wind or in the pouring rain. Therefore, firearms were considered extremely situational.
Then came paper cartridges. They already had gunpowder next to the bullet. To fire a shot, it was necessary to push the cartridge with a ramrod into the barrel. If such a design was invented back in the 16th century, thenit became widespread in the armament of different countries only by the 18th century. Most often, firearms were used by light infantry.
But the first unitary cartridge, combining a bullet and a primer with an igniter, appeared only in 1836. It was this model that was further modified and changed, adapting to various types of weapons.
Detailed device cartridge
Despite the small number of elements, the projectile for firearms has a rather subtle and complex trigger system. In addition, the modern variety of weapons leads to the fact that cartridges are needed in a variety of calibers. And yet, any of them includes the following details:
- propelling charge;
- throwing element;
- primer primer;
- sleeve.
But inside this list there may already be various modifications, which we will talk about later.
Propelling charge
This ornate phrase refers to the gunpowder inside the cartridge. But even this flammable substance can be of several types. Two are considered the main ones: mixed and nitrocellulose. They are also called smoky and smokeless.
Special substances that change its properties can be added to the composition of gunpowder. For example, in order to reduce the muzzle flash, flame arresters are introduced. These include potassium sulfate and potassium carbonate. But to increase the power add amplifiers. A prime example of such substances ishexogen, which makes the launcher, cartridge and bullet interact most intensely.
It is possible with the help of such impurities to change the burning rate of gunpowder, its density or the ability to ignite spontaneously.
Types of bullets
The projectile, 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;
- as intended;
- according to the shape of the front end;
- by type of firearm.
This diversity 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 projectile. It can be revolver, pistol, rifle bullets, as well as shot, buckshot, dowel and many others.
Their caliber is different: from 5, 35 to 32. This makes it clear how the design of the cartridge, caliber and many other factors are related.
Igniter
Without a spark in the gunpowder, the reaction necessary for a shot cannot occur. That is why the purpose and device of the cartridge are inextricably linked with the igniter primer. It is in this part of the cartridge that, under mechanical action, a flame arises in the same second, as a result of which the movement of the bullet towards the target begins.
Due to the nature of theircapsule structures can be divided into open and closed. The first ones are a little more simple, but no less effective. It is quite logical that the performance of the entire cartridge depends on the integrity of this part.
Sleeve
When you lower a cartridge into the trigger, the only thing you have direct contact with is the cartridge case. It is the link between all the other components.
The sleeve protects all the previously described elements from any external influence. Along with this, it allows, after a shot, gases from gunpowder to be distributed 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 may seem like a single whole, an object that does not have separate parts. Experienced military or forensic specialists will immediately name more than 10 parts of the cartridge case. Among them, you can hear such names as the body, the muzzle, the slope, the flute, the bottom, the ignition hole, the capsule nest and many others.
Modern technologies do 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, notched, silent, or even cartridges controlled by optical sensors. Their development is not a secret behind seven seals. So if you are interested in more detailsstudying this issue, you can visit frequent military exhibitions, where you will be told in detail about all the latest discoveries and achievements in this area.
