ballistics

• What is the definition of ballistics?

  Ballistics is the science of the motion of the projectile and the conditions that affect their motion.
• Why is ballistics considered a science?

  It is an orderly arranged knowledge, which is a product of a series of experimentation, observation, and testing.
• What does motion refer to in the context of ballistics?

  Motion refers to the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it leaves the shell until it reaches its target or falls to the ground.
• What is a projectile?

  A projectile is any metallic or non-metallic ball which is propelled from a firearm.
• What are the three types of motion in ballistics?

  The three types of motion are direct motion, rotary motion, and translational motion.
• What is direct motion in ballistics?

  Direct motion is the forward motion of the bullet or shots out of the shell by the action of the expansive force of gases from burning gunpowder.
• What is rotary motion in ballistics?

  Rotary motion is the action of the bullet passing through a rifled bore barrel firearm which is either twisted to the left or to the right.
• What is translational motion in ballistics?

  Translational motion is the straight line movement where every part of the projectile follows a parallel path and no rotation takes place.
• What is the origin of the word "ballistics"?

  The word "ballistics" was derived from the Greek words "ballo" and "ballein," which literally mean "to throw."
• What is the significance of the Roman war machine called "Ballista" in relation to ballistics?

  The term "ballistics" is said to have been derived from the Roman war machine called "Ballista," which was used to hurl missiles or large objects at a distance.
• What are the branches of ballistics?

  • Internal/Interior Ballistics
  • Transitional/Intermediate Ballistics
  • External/Exterior Ballistics
  • Terminal Ballistics
  • Forensic Ballistics
  • Sub-branches: Shot Ballistics, Wound Ballistics
• What does interior (internal) ballistics study?

  Interior ballistics studies the motion of the projectile while it is still inside the firearm, from the breech to the muzzle.
• How long does the explosion of the bullet take in internal ballistics?

  The explosion of the bullet takes approximately 0.0002 seconds.
• How long does the bullet occupy the muzzle of the firearm?

  The bullet occupies the muzzle of the firearm for only 0.01 seconds.
• What are the conditions attributed to internal ballistics?


  1. Firing pin hitting the primer
  2. Ignition of the priming mixture
  3. Combustion of the gun powder/propellant
  4. Expansion of heated gas
  5. Pressure developed
  6. Energy generated
  7. Recoil of the gun
  8. Velocity of the bullet inside the barrel
  9. Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel

  10. Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the bullet
• What is the significance of the firing pin hitting the primer in internal ballistics?

  The firing pin hitting the primer initiates the ignition of the priming mixture.
• What is "Percussion action" in internal ballistics?

  Percussion action is the ignition of the priming mixture upon the striking effect of the firing pin.
• What is the composition of the priming mixture?

  The priming mixture is composed of KCLO3, sulfur, and carbon.
• What is recoil in the context of internal ballistics?

  Recoil is the equal and opposite reaction of the gun against the forward movement of the bullet upon explosion.
• What is the velocity of the bullet inside the barrel?

  The velocity of the bullet inside the barrel is the relative speed of the bullet per unit of time while it is still inside the barrel, expressed in feet per second.
• What is the definition of a misfire?

  A misfire is the failure of the cartridge to explode after the firing pin strikes the primer.
• What are some defects that can cause a misfire?

  Defects causing a misfire include a broken firing pin, loose firing pin, or lacking length in the firing pin.
• What is a hangfire?

  A hangfire is a delayed explosion of the cartridge after the firing pin strikes the primer.
• What are some defects that can cause a hangfire?

  Defects causing a hangfire include a wet priming mixture, improperly fixed anvil, or no vent or flash hole.
• What does transitional or intermediate ballistics study?

  Transitional ballistics studies the projectile’s behavior from the time it leaves the muzzle until the pressure behind the projectile is equalized.
• What is yaw in ballistics?

  Yaw is the unstable rotating motion of a bullet.
• What is tumble in ballistics?

  Tumble is the rotation of the bullet on its front side.
• What is wobble in ballistics?

  Wobble is the unsteady and uneven spin or rotation of a bullet, usually caused by insufficient twist in the rifle barrel.
• What does exterior (external) ballistics study?

  Exterior ballistics studies the attributes or movement of the projectile after leaving the gun muzzle until it hits the target.
• What are the primary factors that govern external ballistics?

  The primary factors that govern external ballistics are the weight and shape of the bullet.
• What are the components involved in external ballistics?

  1. Muzzle blast - noise created at the muzzle point of the gun.
  2. Muzzle energy - energy generated at the muzzle point measured in foot-pound.
  3. Trajectory - the parabola-like flight of the projectile.
  4. Range - the imaginary straight distance between the muzzle and the target.
  5. Velocity - the rate of speed of the bullet during its flight.
  6. Pull of gravity - the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth.
  7. Air resistance - the force of the air encountered by the bullet in its flight.
• What is trajectory in external ballistics?

  Trajectory refers to the parabola-like flight of the projectile from the time it leaves the muzzle until it hits the target.
• What is range in the context of external ballistics?

  Range refers to the imaginary straight distance between the muzzle of the gun and the target.
• What is effective range?

  Effective range is the maximum distance at which the bullet may reasonably be expected to travel accurately and kill a particular type of live target.
• What is maximum range?

  Maximum range is the farthest distance the bullet can travel.
• What is maximum effective range?

  Maximum effective range is the farthest distance that the bullet can inflict fatal injury.
• What is point blank range?

  Point blank range is a shot fired so close to the target that no sighting is necessary for effective aiming.
• What is velocity in the context of external ballistics?

  Velocity refers to the rate of speed of the bullet during its flight, usually expressed in feet per second.
• What are the typical velocities for different firearms?

  Typical velocities are: Revolver 600 ft/sec, Pistol 1,200 ft/sec, Rifle 2,500 ft/sec, Shotgun 3,300 ft/sec.
• What is the pull of gravity in external ballistics?

  The pull of gravity is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth's surface due to its weight.