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This is a much longer subject than we can address on WkliAnswers. There are BULLETS (the projectile portion of a cartridge) and there are CARTRIDGES (consisting of a cartridge case, primer, powder, AND bullet)

See if your library can get you a copy of Cartridges of the World. It is a good general introduction to the several thousands of different cartridges.

BULLETS can be categorized by shape and by composition. The first was the round lead ball used in muskets. Later this changed to a cylinder with a rounded nose, then a lead core surrounded by copper/nickel jacketing, then a pointed bullet (spitzer) and so on. There are "soft nosed" bullets with the lead core exposed at the tip, and bullets made of different materials- copper, bronze, plastic, etc.

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13y ago

What else can I help you with?