How does a bullet primer work?

Answer 1

A catridge primer is one of four components of a centerfire cartridge. The other components are the case, powder charge, and bullet. In reference to centerfire catridges, the primer is located in the center of the headstamp, and is the first "combustible" component in the firing series. Typically, the primer contains approximately 1 grain of propellent designed to "spark" when struck by the firing pin. The "spark" then travels down the flash hole of the catridge igniting the powder charge inside. As the powder charge burns, gasses build up and force the bullet to separate from the case, traveling down the barrel and ultimately out of the muzzle. Caution should be taken when handling or storing primers, as they are designed to ignite on impact, but can be activated by heat as well. Rimfire primers are a combustible material that are laid in the bottom of the case near the rim. The best explanation would be that the primer is on the opposing side of the headstamp, around the rim. They act in a similar manner and firing sequence of centerfire cartridges, except that they are activated by a striker surface hitting anywhere on the "rim" of the case. The striker typically strikes the rim at an angle causing a visible dent on the rim, hence rim fire. Shotgun shells work the same as centerfire cartridges, however their components are slightly different. They contain the primer, hull, powder charge, wad, and shot (or slug).