What does the term 'bullet' refer to in ammunition?

The term 'bullet' specifically refers to the projectile portion of a cartridge. In firearms terminology, the bullet is the part that is expelled from the firearm when the trigger is pulled, and it travels down the barrel and toward the target. The bullet is designed for accuracy and lethality, depending on its intended use—whether for hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense.

Understanding the components of ammunition is crucial for anyone handling firearms. The bullet itself is just one portion of the cartridge, which also includes the cartridge casing, gunpowder, and primer. Each component plays a distinct role in the functioning of a firearm, but the bullet's role as the projectile is unique, as it is what actually impacts the target.

In the context of the other choices, the cartridge casing holds all the components together, and the gas produced when the gunpowder is ignited contributes to the force that propels the bullet. The primer is a small component that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin. Understanding these distinctions is essential for safe and effective firearm usage.