What is a primary concern when inspecting ammunition for defects?

The primary concern when inspecting ammunition for defects is the presence of any deformation. Inspecting for deformation is crucial because any alteration in the shape or structure of the ammunition can lead to dangerous malfunctions when the ammunition is fired. Deformed rounds may not chamber properly or could misfire, which poses severe risks to the shooter and bystanders. Defects such as dents, bulges, or improperly seated primers can severely affect the reliability and safety of the ammunition.

While the appearance of packaging, rounding of edges, and consistency in weight might be considered during an inspection, they do not directly impact the ammunition's functionality as critically as deformation does. Packaging appearance may be relevant for identifying storage conditions or authenticity, rounding of edges could indicate damage but does not inherently affect firing, and weight consistency is important but typically indicates quality rather than immediate safety hazards like deformation does. Thus, focusing on deformation is paramount to ensure that the ammunition can be relied upon during use.