Copyright International Ammunition Association, 2005-2010. All rights reserved.
Cartridge of the Month - ArchiveFor the current Cartridges of the Month visit us here: http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=cartridge-of-the-month
Learning about cartridges can be done several ways.
- You can look at drawings, which can be especially helpful when studying headstamp markings, or when precise technical measurements are needed.
- You can handle cartridges, gaining an appreciation for the size, and the material used, and the physical appearance.
- You can disassemble cartridges (if technically proficient and all appropriate safety precautions are followed) and gain further information on the type and amount of powder used, and the features of the bullet.
- However, one of the most interesting ways to learn about cartridges is to view actual examples that have been professionally cut open to reveal the inner details. These are often called "sectioned" or "cutaway" cartridges, and are often produced as training aids, forensic samples, or as salesman samples.
- A sectioned cartridge allows examination of the details of construction of the case and bullet, both the external appearance and normally hidden factors such as wall thickness, internal shapes, the appearance and amount of powder used, what type of primer is used and how the flash reaches the powder charge.
Disassembly or "sectioning" of ammunition requires considerable skill, a thorough understanding of the exact nature of the cartridge to be worked on, strict observance of all applicable safety precautions, along with patience and good judgment.
The IAA STRONGLY recommends that individuals not attempt to section or otherwise disassemble any ammunition. Leave that to the professionals. We recently heard of an individual attempting to section a cartridge which resulted in an accident which cost him several fingers and nearly his eyesight and life.
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!The IAA Journal often has photos of sectioned cartridges, but here you can see the details better in larger color images.
Each month we will add another Cartridge of the Month. In addition to a photos we will include some brief notes for identification of the cartridge and any special features. Each month's feature will open as a new page.
Cartridge of the Month (click on the month to open new page with that cartridge)
Copyright 2005-2010 by the International Ammunition Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised 26 December 2010