FSC Ammunition Flashcards
7 cards from real CA-FSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 FSC Ammunition flashcards as text
What is a 'hangfire'?
Answer: A delayed ignition after the trigger is pulled, where the round fires seconds later
A hangfire is a dangerous delayed discharge where the round fires some seconds after the trigger pull; always keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds.
What is a 'squib load'?
Answer: An underpowered round that may lodge the bullet in the barrel
A squib load has insufficient powder, producing a weak or no-sound discharge that can leave the bullet stuck in the barrel — firing another round into a blocked barrel is extremely dangerous.
After a misfire, the correct procedure is to:
Answer: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction for 30 seconds before unloading
Because of the risk of a hangfire (delayed ignition), keep the muzzle pointed safely downrange for at least 30 seconds before carefully unloading the unfired cartridge.
What is a 'double charge' ammunition defect?
Answer: A case loaded with twice the intended amount of powder
A double charge occurs when a case is inadvertently loaded with twice the normal powder amount, creating dangerous overpressure that can destroy the firearm and injure the shooter.
What does an over-pressure ('+P') ammunition designation mean?
Answer: The ammunition is loaded to higher-than-standard pressure levels for increased velocity
+P ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard SAAMI specifications, producing greater velocity but also more wear on the firearm; only use in firearms rated for it.
If you hear or feel an unusual sound or recoil when firing, you should immediately:
Answer: Stop firing, keep the muzzle in a safe direction, and inspect for a squib or obstruction
An unusual report, recoil, or no recoil may indicate a squib load with a bullet lodged in the barrel — firing again into an obstruction can cause a catastrophic failure.
Ammunition that is the wrong caliber for your firearm can be dangerous because:
Answer: It may chamber and fire, causing dangerous overpressure or under-support of the case
Wrong-caliber ammunition may partially chamber and fire, creating extreme pressure in an unsupported area of the case, which can rupture and injure the shooter.