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Telling the difference between a bullet and projectile can sometimes prove difficult, especially if you're just getting into shooting as a hobby. There are quite a few factors that differentiate the two types of ammunition and there's obvious similarities.

What's the Difference Between Bullets & Projectiles

Keep reading to learn more about what exactly is a bullet and a projectile, along with what makes bullets and projectiles different from one another.

Bullet

The term "bullet" is typically used to describe the actual projectile that is fired from a firearm. The bullet is typically made of lead or a lead alloy, although other materials such as copper or steel may also be used. The bullet is typically the portion of the cartridge that is visible to the shooter before firing.

The shape of the bullet can vary depending on the intended use of the cartridge. For example, a bullet used for target shooting may have a different shape than one used for hunting. The shape of the bullet can affect the bullet's flight characteristics, including its velocity, trajectory, and accuracy.

Projectile

The term "projectile," on the other hand, refers to any object that is launched or thrown through the air. In the context of firearms, a projectile can refer to any object that is fired from a firearm, including bullets, shot, or other types of ammunition.

Unlike a bullet, a projectile can be made of a variety of materials. In addition to lead, copper, and steel, projectiles may also be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, or even wood. The shape of a projectile can also vary widely, depending on the intended use and the specific firearm.

Differences Between Bullets and Projectiles

While the terms "bullet" and "projectile" are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between these two terms. One of the primary differences is that a bullet specifically refers to the lead or lead-alloy projectile that is fired from a firearm. A projectile, on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any object that is launched or thrown through the air.

Materials

Another key difference between bullets and projectiles is the materials that they are made of. While bullets are typically made of lead or a lead alloy, projectiles can be made of a wide range of materials. This can include everything from plastic to rubber to wood, depending on the intended use of the projectile.

Shape

The shape of the bullet and the projectile can also vary widely. Bullets are typically designed to be aerodynamic, with a pointed or rounded nose and a tapered or streamlined shape. This is done to maximize the bullet's accuracy and velocity. Projectiles, on the other hand, can have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the intended use.

Fired

Another important difference between bullets and projectiles is the way that they are fired from a firearm. Bullets are typically loaded into a cartridge, which is then loaded into the firearm's chamber. When the firearm is fired, the primer ignites the gunpowder, which creates a high-pressure gas that propels the bullet out of the barrel.

Types of Firearms Used

Projectiles, on the other hand, can be fired from a variety of different firearms. Shotguns, for example, use shells that contain multiple projectiles, or shot, that are fired from the barrel. Other firearms, such as airguns, may use pellets or other types of projectiles that are not designed to be fired from a cartridge.

In general, there are quite a bit of similarities between the two and a lot of differences. When it comes to what they're made out of, bullets and projectiles are composed of very dissimilar materials, fired from various types of firearms, and shaped different. If you're looking to purchase bullets or projectiles used for making ammunition, look no further than Bitterroot Brass for your reloading supply needs.

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