Term

Primer

A small impact-sensitive cap at the base of the cartridge that ignites the powder.

The primer is a metal cup containing a tiny amount of impact-sensitive compound. When the firing pin strikes it, it detonates and sends a flame through the flash hole into the powder, igniting the main charge. Primer types include Boxer (one flash hole, used in the US) and Berdan (two flash holes, common in Europe).

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