Which of the following lists the parts of a rifle cartridge?

• A. Bullet, brass cap, smokeless powder
• B. Bullet, brass cap, smokeless powder, primer, head stamp
• C. Bullet, brass cap, smokeless powder, primer
• D. Bullet, primer, smokeless powder, head stamp

Answer: (B)

A cartridge is built from several parts that each have a job: the bullet is the projectile, the brass case (case) holds everything together and seals the chamber, the powder provides the energy when ignited, the primer ignites the powder, and the headstamp are the markings on the base that identify the manufacturer and caliber. In modern ammunition, smokeless powder is used as the propellant. The headstamp is important because it tells you who made the cartridge and for what firearm it’s intended. The option that lists all five parts—bullet, brass case, smokeless powder, primer, and headstamp—best represents the components of a rifle cartridge. Other options miss one or more parts or use nonstandard terminology like “brass cap.”