CFSC Ammunition and Safe Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the four main components of a modern firearm cartridge?
- Case, primer, propellant, and projectile (Correct answer)
- Barrel, trigger, stock, and magazine
- Case, barrel, projectile, and firing pin
- Primer, ejector, propellant, and casing
Correct answer: Case, primer, propellant, and projectile
A complete cartridge consists of the case, primer, propellant powder, and projectile (bullet) — all four components work together to fire the round.
Question 2: How can you distinguish a rimfire cartridge from a centerfire cartridge?
- Rimfire cartridges are always larger in caliber
- The priming compound in a rimfire cartridge is contained within the folded rim of the case (Correct answer)
- Centerfire cartridges have no separate primer
- Rimfire cartridges are used only in rifles
Correct answer: The priming compound in a rimfire cartridge is contained within the folded rim of the case
Rimfire cartridges have the priming compound built into the folded rim of the case, while centerfire cartridges have a replaceable primer in the center of the base.
Question 3: What is the most serious risk of using the wrong caliber ammunition in a firearm?
- The firearm will jam and require professional cleaning
- The ammunition will not fire, causing a simple misfire
- The firearm could catastrophically fail, causing serious injury or death (Correct answer)
- The firearm's long-term accuracy will decrease
Correct answer: The firearm could catastrophically fail, causing serious injury or death
Using incorrect ammunition can generate dangerous pressure levels far beyond design limits, leading to catastrophic firearm failure and severe injury or death.
Question 4: Where should ammunition be stored in relation to firearms according to Canadian safe storage best practices?
- In the same locked container as the firearm for convenience
- Loaded in the firearm for rapid access
- Separately from the firearm, also in a secured location (Correct answer)
- In an unlocked drawer near the firearm for quick retrieval
Correct answer: Separately from the firearm, also in a secured location
Storing ammunition separately from the firearm adds an additional layer of security, making unauthorized use even more difficult.
Question 5: What should you do if you notice a cartridge with a dented or deformed case before loading?
- Fire it quickly to clear it from your supply
- Return it to the box and use it at a later date
- Remove the bullet and dispose of the powder safely at home
- Discard it — never use damaged or deformed ammunition (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Discard it — never use damaged or deformed ammunition
Damaged or deformed ammunition should never be used, as it can cause dangerous malfunctions, hang-fires, or unpredictable pressure spikes.
Question 6: Which of the following types of ammunition is prohibited for civilian possession in Canada?
- Hollow-point pistol ammunition
- Full metal jacket rifle ammunition
- Armour-piercing ammunition (Correct answer)
- Lead round-nose handgun ammunition
Correct answer: Armour-piercing ammunition
Armour-piercing ammunition is prohibited under Canadian law; civilians cannot legally possess ammunition designed to penetrate body armour.
Question 7: What does 'caliber' refer to when describing firearm ammunition?
- The weight of the projectile measured in grains
- The length of the cartridge case in millimeters
- The diameter of the projectile or the bore of the barrel (Correct answer)
- The type of propellant powder used in the cartridge
Correct answer: The diameter of the projectile or the bore of the barrel
Caliber refers to the internal diameter of the barrel (bore) or the diameter of the projectile, typically expressed in inches or millimeters.
CFSC Ammunition and Safe Storage 2
What are the four main components of a modern firearm cartridge?