Which part of ammunition ignites the powder?

Which part of ammunition ignites the powder?

• A. primer
• B. case
• C. powder
• D. projectile

Answer: (A)

The ignition source in ammunition is the primer. When the firing pin strikes the primer, its sensitive compound detonates, producing a small flame that travels into the powder charge. The powder then ignites and burns rapidly, creating high-pressure gas that propels the bullet down the barrel. The case simply holds all the components together; the powder is the propellant; the projectile is the bullet. In most cartridges, the primer is located in the base (center-fire) or the rim (rimfire), and its job is to provide the initial ignition for the powder.

The ignition source in ammunition is the primer. When the firing pin strikes the primer, its sensitive compound detonates, producing a small flame that travels into the powder charge. The powder then ignites and burns rapidly, creating high-pressure gas that propels the bullet down the barrel. The case simply holds all the components together; the powder is the propellant; the projectile is the bullet. In most cartridges, the primer is located in the base (center-fire) or the rim (rimfire), and its job is to provide the initial ignition for the powder.