As artillery and guns have advanced over the centuries, the ammunition for the respective weapons has more than kept pace. Back in the 15th century when guns and ammunition were both in their infancy, almost all guns fired either balls, stones or shot. However, much time and money has been spent developing ammunition, to the extent where today there is a vast array ranging from the simple to the very sophisticated.
Ammunition for rifles and hand guns (small arms ammunition) varies greatly in size and application but most at least work on the same basic principles. There are four main components: the cartridge case, which houses the other three components, is a steel or brass cylinder. The second component, the primer, is a small amount of high explosive in a cap in the cartridge base. The propellant, typically nitro glycerine or nitro cellulose (or a combination of the two) is ignited by the flash caused when the firing pin strikes the primer. This then forces the fourth component, the bullet, out of the barrel.
The bullet can vary, but a standard version consists of a lead or mild steel core, enclosed in a steel or brass ball. A variation on this is the armour piercing bullet, which is similar in design but has a hard core, often made of tungsten carbide. Also used are incendiary bullets, which burst into flames on impact and are designed to set fire to their target. Tracer bullets contain chemicals designed to burn whilst the bullet is in flight. This is useful (especially at night) to help gunners to adjust their aim whilst still firing.
The somewhat larger ammunition used in tanks falls into two main categories. The first is the high velocity type which simply uses its speed to do the damage. It is made of extremely hard solid metal, such as tungsten, and crashes into its target with such force that it can pierce armour. The second type has an explosive charge which detonates as it hits its target. These tend to travel at much lower velocities but are still armour piercing. However, the latter, because of its low speed is less effective over long range or against fast moving targets.
