How to Identify Gun Cartridges
- 1). Look at the bottom of the cartridge. The bottom will be stamped with the respective cartridge caliber type around the primer such as .357 or 9 mm.
- 2). Identify the shape of the cartridge. The cartridge shape will indicate its use in either a rifle or pistol. Pistol cartridges are typically smaller than two inches and the brass casing is a straight cylinder shape. Rifle cartridges are much longer and have a concave upper portion on the end of the brass cylinder.
- 3). Identify the type of casing used for the cartridge. Brass or highly polished cartridges normally indicate new ammunition or high performance target ammunition with a high grain level of gunpowder. Matte finished, gray or aluminum cartridges normally indicate a practice grade ammunition or lower gunpowder grain level.
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