Definition
Metallic cases hold ammunition components together and help seal breech-loading mechanisms, making them an important part of modern firearm systems.
A metallic case holds ammunition components in a more robust unit and plays an important role in sealing a breech-loading firearm. Various ammunition designs and conversions of older firearms in the mid-19th century helped bring it into use. The Allin conversions around 1866 are an example covered by the sources in this review, rather than the earliest invention of the metallic case.
Metallic cartridges and smokeless powder are separate technologies: early metallic ammunition could still use black powder. Metallic cartridges were also not a prerequisite for the earliest breech-loading firearms.
The Chinese term 定装弹 (fixed ammunition) has a broader scope than 金属定装弹 (metallic cartridges), so the two are not treated as interchangeable aliases. Dates for local implementation in China's modern ammunition manufacturing history require further evidence from factory histories, archives, or museum collections.
Principles and impact
Problems solved
- Improves the integrity of ammunition and the sealing and convenience of breech-loading systems.
Principles
- A metallic case holds the ammunition components and works with the corresponding mechanism to provide a seal.
Improvements
- Metallic cases improve ammunition integrity and help seal the breech.
Significance
- Helped standardize breech-loading firearm systems and make them practical.
History and applications
People
Not recorded
Organizations
Not recorded
Events
Conversions of older firearms and adoption of metallic ammunition in the mid-19th century
Applications
Ammunition for modern breech-loading firearms
Limitations
- Depends on the fit between the case, ammunition, and firearm mechanism; changing materials alone cannot ensure reliability.
Upstream and downstream relations
Upstream
No direct upstream relations recorded
Downstream
Sources: Henry Rifle, Model 1860