Ammunition Practice Test
Master ammunition fundamentals including calibre vs gauge, rimfire vs centrefire, cartridge components, magazine limits, and malfunction identification.
What are the four components of a modern firearm cartridge?
About the Ammunition & Cartridges Topic
Ammunition is a critical safety topic because using the wrong ammunition is one of the most dangerous mistakes a firearms owner can make. This topic covers the components of cartridges (case, primer, propellant, projectile), the differences between centre-fire and rimfire cartridges, shotshell components, calibre and gauge designations, and the legal requirements for ammunition storage. The CFSC and CRFSC exams test whether you can identify ammunition types, match them to the correct firearm, and understand what happens when ammunition is fired — including the difference between a hangfire (delayed firing), misfire (failure to fire), and squib load (partial firing).
This topic test contains 15 carefully written questions covering every aspect of ammunition & cartridges as tested on the CFSC + CRFSC exams. Each question includes a detailed explanation that references the official curriculum. The passing score is 80% — aim for 90% or higher to build a comfortable margin for the real exam.
Ammunition & Cartridges — Key Facts
The following reference table summarises the most important facts about ammunition & cartridges that appear on both the CFSC and CRFSC exams. Memorise these before your test date.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cartridge components | Case, primer, propellant (powder), projectile (bullet) |
| Centre-fire | Primer in centre of base; can be reloaded |
| Rimfire | Primer compound in rim; cannot be reloaded (e.g. .22 LR) |
| Shotshell components | Hull, primer, powder, wad, shot (or slug) |
| Calibre | Bore diameter in mm or inches (rifles/handguns) |
| Gauge | Shotgun measure — number of lead balls fitting bore that equal 1 pound |
| Data stamps | Stamped on barrel — calibre/gauge must match ammunition exactly |
| Ammunition storage | Cool, dry location; can be with non-restricted firearms; separate from restricted |
What to Expect on the Real Exam
On the actual CFSC + CRFSC written test, you will encounter multiple-choice questions about ammunition & cartridges. Here is what past exam-takers report about questions on this topic:
- Questions are presented in random order — they do not follow the textbook chapter sequence.
- Each question has four answer options (A, B, C, D). Only one is correct.
- There is no negative marking, so you should always select an answer rather than leaving it blank.
- Some questions use scenario-based formats ("You are at a range and X happens — what should you do?") rather than direct recall.
- Trick questions often use words like "always," "never," or "only" — read these carefully.
Study Tips for Ammunition & Cartridges
This topic carries significant weight on both the CFSC and CRFSC exams. Here are strategies to master it:
- ALWAYS match the ammunition to the data stamps on the firearm barrel. Using the wrong calibre can cause a catastrophic explosion.
- Know the difference between centre-fire and rimfire: centre-fire has the primer in the centre of the base and can be reloaded. Rimfire has primer in the rim and cannot be reloaded.
- A smaller gauge number means a LARGER bore. 12-gauge has a larger bore than 20-gauge. This is counter-intuitive and is often tested.
- Understand hang-fire vs misfire vs squib load procedures — hang-fire is the most tested (wait 60 seconds with muzzle pointed in safe direction).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent errors students make on ammunition & cartridges questions. Avoiding them can mean the difference between passing and failing:
Thinking higher gauge means bigger bore. It is the opposite: 12-gauge is larger than 20-gauge because fewer lead balls are needed to equal one pound.
Immediately opening the action after a misfire. With a hangfire (delayed ignition), you must wait 60 seconds before opening the action.
Thinking all ammunition with the same calibre number is interchangeable. Example: .308 Winchester and .308 Norma Magnum are NOT the same despite both being ".308".
Storing ammunition in hot or humid conditions. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent deterioration.
Related Topic Tests
After mastering ammunition & cartridges, strengthen your overall exam readiness by practising these related topics. We recommend completing all topic tests before attempting a full mock exam.
Ready for a Full Exam?
Once you are scoring 90%+ on topic tests, challenge yourself with a full-length timed mock exam.