Ammunition

Growing up I didn't learn about guns and I have just started learning now. One thing that often confuses me is ammunition.

The standard description of a bullet in caliber or mm refers to the diameter of the bullet. I know this, can convert between the two with paper and pencil, and have a conversion chart if I am too lazy. I also know the general difference between pistol and rifle cartridges.

However there's so much more that varies. Bullet diameter does not tell me what the mass of the bullet is, nor does it tell me anything about how much powder is propelling the bullet (something that matters when comparing say a .357 round with a .38 round). Also, bullet composition (jacketed or not?) and shape (hollow point, armor piercing/pointy, etc) confuse me a bit. The term "magnum" does as well; all I know is that it's "more powerful". But why? More powder? Longer bullet?

Does anyone know where I can get these kinds of details about ammunition?

It's amazing guns are considered nice toys up there...

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
Growing up I didn't learn about guns and I have just started learning now. One thing that often confuses me is ammunition.

The standard description of a bullet in caliber or mm refers to the diameter of the bullet. I know this, can convert between the two with paper and pencil, and have a conversion chart if I am too lazy. I also know the gener ...[text shortened]... der? Longer bullet?

Does anyone know where I can get these kinds of details about ammunition?

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
Growing up I didn't learn about guns and I have just started learning now. One thing that often confuses me is ammunition.

The standard description of a bullet in caliber or mm refers to the diameter of the bullet. I know this, can convert between the two with paper and pencil, and have a conversion chart if I am too lazy. I also know the gener ...[text shortened]... der? Longer bullet?

Does anyone know where I can get these kinds of details about ammunition?

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
Growing up I didn't learn about guns and I have just started learning now. One thing that often confuses me is ammunition.

The standard description of a bullet in caliber or mm refers to the diameter of the bullet. I know this, can convert between the two with paper and pencil, and have a conversion chart if I am too lazy. I also know the gener ...[text shortened]... der? Longer bullet?

Does anyone know where I can get these kinds of details about ammunition?

You guys have a lot to learn. Go to the library and study. That is what I did. You may log into Winchester or Remington to see about some external ballistics.

Originally posted by ivangrice
Once you've mastered ammunition you can then learn how to say "Make him squeal like a pig, pa!" in the correct accent, complete with the requisite "hur-huh, hur-huh" at the end.

I could show you a website, but I don't think you should be encouraged.

Perhaps you'd like to learn how to make bombs too, who knows.....

Originally posted by gambit3
You must be joking.

The best resource I've found was a Wikipedia article. DaemonSin, thanks for your input. The rest of you can suck my nuts.

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
The best resource I've found was a Wikipedia article. DaemonSin, thanks for your input. The rest of you can suck my nuts.

Originally posted by shavixmir
I know a film which mentions "full metal jacket", I believe that's an ammunition term.

Hope I've been of some help...