Which term refers to the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round (primer, powder charge, and bullet)?

• A. Headstamp
• B. Rim
• C. Case
• D. Bullet

Answer: (C)

The case is the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round—the primer, the powder charge, and the bullet. It forms the body of the cartridge, contains the propellant, tolerates the pressure when fired, and provides the mounting point for the bullet at the neck as well as the mechanism for extraction and cycling in the firearm. The other terms refer to different parts: the headstamp is the marking on the base identifying manufacturer and caliber, the rim is the edge at the base used for extraction in rimmed cartridges, and the bullet is the projectile fired from the gun.