ball-cartridge
Definition
Noun: A ball-cartridge is a type of firearm ammunition consisting of a single projectile (the "ball") contained within a cartridge case, typically used in military or historical rifles. It is distinct from blank cartridges or shot cartridges, as it contains a solid bullet.
Usage Examples
- (Ammunition with a single projectile for live firing.)
- (Ammunition replicating original military rounds.)
Advanced Usage
- "Ball-cartridge" is often contrasted with "blank cartridge" (which contains only gunpowder and a wad, no projectile) and "shot cartridge" (used in shotguns, containing multiple pellets).
- For training exercises, the army uses blank cartridges, but for live fire, they switch to ball-cartridges.
Variants and Related Words
- Cartridge (n): a container holding a bullet, gunpowder, and primer, designed for use in a firearm.
- He inserted a fresh cartridge into the magazine.
- Ball (n): in firearms, a spherical or conical projectile; the bullet itself.
- The musket ball was made of lead.
- Ball ammunition (n): another term for ball-cartridge, emphasizing the projectile.
- The troops were issued ball ammunition for combat.
Synonyms
- Live round: a cartridge with a live projectile, as opposed to a blank.
- The range only allows live rounds for qualification.
- Service cartridge: a standard military ball-cartridge.
- The rifle was tested with a service cartridge.
Related Idioms
- "To fire a ball-cartridge": to discharge a firearm with live ammunition.
- The hunter fired a ball-cartridge at the deer. (He used a bullet, not a blank.)