Bullet

This article is about the firearm projectile. For other uses, see Bullet (disambiguation).
7.5×55mm Swiss full metal jacket, armor piercing, tracer, and spitzer projectiles. The three bullets on the right show cannelure evolution
Schlieren image sequence of a bullet traveling in free-flight, demonstrating the air pressure dynamics surrounding the bullet

A bullet is a kinetic projectile, a component of firearm ammunition that is shot from a gun barrel. They are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax; and are made in various shapes and constructions (depending on the intended applications), including specialized functions such as hunting, target shooting, training, and combat. Bullets are often tapered, making them more aerodynamic. Bullet size is expressed by weight and diameter (referred to as "caliber") in both imperial and metric measurement systems.[1] Bullets do not normally contain explosives[2] but strike or damage the intended target by transferring kinetic energy upon impact and penetration.

  1. ^ "What is Caliber? Bullet Sizes Explained". thefirearms.guide. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  2. ^ Swift, B; Rutty, GN (2004). "The exploding bullet". J Clin Pathol. 57 (1): 108. doi:10.1136/jcp.57.1.108. PMC 1770159. PMID 14693853.