Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the students to modern ammunition manufacture and evolution. Students will be introduced to the manufacturing techniques and materials used in modern ammunition production and to the evolution of modern ammunition.
Course Expectations
- Each student is expected to be present, on time, and to participate in each given assignment.
- Classes will run from 08:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
- Audio Visual: Throughout the week, various videos of manufacturing will be shown (YouTube)
- Exams: There will be a written test (multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank) on Friday Afternoon
- Practical: No practical exercises
Paul Murphy
AFTE-FA
Course Logistics
Duration: 5 days
Hours: 40
Tuition: $1,000.00
Should be Able to Perform
At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:
- Describe the historical development and evolution of propellants from black powder to modern single and double smokeless propellants
- Describe the historical development of ammunition ignition systems
- Describe the historical development of ammunition
- Describe the components of ammunition
- Describe the various types of primers and their manufacturing processes
- Differentiate between the primer manufacturing process for rimfire and centerfire cartridges
- Describe the modern smokeless propellant manufacturing process
- Describe bullet manufacturing methods
- Define bullet jacket types and materials
- Describe the steps in cartridge case manufacture
- Describe the steps in the centerfire ammunition assembly process
- Describe the Shotshell manufacturing process
- Describe the shot pellet manufacturing process
- Describe the shotshell assembly process
- Describe the various ballistic testing methods
- Describe the reloading of ammunition process and how it can be used for Forensic Firearms Identification
Must Bring to Class
- Laptop computer with internet access. WiFi provided.
- Dress is business casual
- Pen and Notebook
Recommended Reading
- Barnes, F.C., “Cartridges of the World”, 2022, Gun Digest, 17th edition, Chapter 12, pp. 9-16.
- Henry, M.P., “The Evolution of Firearms and Calibers: From Inception to Modern Engineering”, 2024, Chapters 2, 7, and 20.
- Rosati, C., “Examination of four consecutively manufactured bunter tools”, AFTE Journal, Vol 32, No. 1, pp. 49-50, 2000
- Boelter, S., “Rifleman’s Guide to Rimfire Ammunition”, Zediker Publishing, 2006, pp. 13-28.
- Woodard, W.T., “Shooter’s Bible Guide to Cartridges”, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., 2011, Cartridge glossary pp. 7 – 23, and Chapter 29
- Priore, C.F. and Beuning, L., “Ammo Encyclopedia”, Blue Book Publications, 7th edition, 2022, Chapters 1 – 29, 58, 59, and 65-67