How to Identify Gun Cartridges

All weapons require specific calibration during the initial machining or "smithing" of their mechanical parts. The barrel is machined in accordance with the weight of the metal and the energy or shock that it must absorb when firing a round. Correspondingly, all weapons are designed to accommodate a specific gun cartridge. Some exceptions are a .357 caliber weapon that can normally support and adequately fire a .38 round. Typically only one caliber cartridge is used to fire in any given weapon. Identifying your gun cartridges is an essential aspect of owning and operating any firearm.

Instructions

1. Look at the bottom of the cartridge. The bottom will be stamped with the respective cartridge caliber type around the primer such as .357 or 9 mm.

2. Identify the shape of the cartridge. The cartridge shape will indicate its use in either a rifle or pistol. Pistol cartridges are typically smaller than two inches and the brass casing is a straight cylinder shape. Rifle cartridges are much longer and have a concave upper portion on the end of the brass cylinder.

3. Identify the type of casing used for the cartridge. Brass or highly polished cartridges normally indicate new ammunition or high performance target ammunition with a high grain level of gunpowder. Matte finished, gray or aluminum cartridges normally indicate a practice grade ammunition or lower gunpowder grain level.

Tips & Warnings

• Never point a weapon at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill. Always exercise extreme safety precautions when handling or operating firearms.

References

• 6mmBR.com: Competition Cartridges
• Gunbooksales: Cartridges for Collectors and Reloaders
• Quarry.Nildram.co.uk: A Primer on Cartridges