Firearm Basics | Parts of a Cartridge

Do you ever hear the term "bullet," when it really should be "cartridge"?

posted on April 10, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Frequently a cartridge is mislabeled a bullet, when in fact a bullet is only one component of the entire cartridge. This video will explain each of these cartridge components, and offer a better understanding of how to select the correct type of ammunition for your firearm.

Latest

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Drawing A Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Drawing A Pistol

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 1, 2026

It almost ended differently for a woman being violently abused by her spouse—until she was able to retrieve a handgun.

New Guns 2026: Davidson’s Exclusive Colt Python and Anaconda

The newest two Davidson’s Exclusive Colt revolvers are introducing the first round-butt grip frame and the only 2½” barrels in the Anaconda and Python lines.

Benelli Pro Staff Shooters Make Team USA for IPSC World Shoot

Heather Eckhardt and Ashlynne Thomas will head to the competition, which will take place in Corinth, Greece, September 20 to October 4. 

My Top Pet Peeves as a Female Hunter

These are the (mostly little) things that have bugged me over the years as a woman who hunts.

Coming Soon: Muddy’s Women's Camouflage Layering System

Designed around women's biomechanics, the systems are designed to deliver unrestricted mobility, lasting comfort and superior concealment in the field.

Houston, We Have NRA Members!

More than 73,000 members gathered in the country’s fourth most-populous city to celebrate their Second Amendment freedoms.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.