Which component is used to ignite the powder in a cartridge?

• A. Primer
• B. Powder
• C. Headstamp
• D. Rim

Answer: (A)

Ignition of the powder is done by the primer, a small explosive charge housed in the base of the cartridge. When struck by the firing pin, the primer detonates and creates a flame and pressure that immediately lights the powder inside the case. That quick ignition starts the propellant burning, producing high-pressure gas that propels the bullet down the barrel. The powder itself is the propellant that burns to provide the energy; headstamp is just identifying information on the base, and the rim is the edge of the case used for extraction (in rimfire designs, it can carry the priming material, but ignition is still accomplished by the primer). So the primer is the component that ignites the powder.