Casing vs. Cartridge — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
A casing is the outer shell of a bullet, while a cartridge is a complete unit of ammunition, including the bullet, casing, powder, and primer.
Difference Between Casing and Cartridge
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A casing is a cylindrical component that houses the gunpowder in a round of ammunition. It is typically made of brass, steel, or aluminum and forms the structure that holds the primer at one end and the bullet at the other. A cartridge, on the other hand, is the entire assembly of ammunition. It includes the bullet (the projectile), the casing (which holds the powder), the gunpowder (which provides the propellant force), and the primer (which ignites the gunpowder).
Casings are often reusable in handloading, where shooters refill and reuse them to create new cartridges. This process involves cleaning the casings, inserting new primers, adding gunpowder, and seating new bullets. Cartridges, however, are typically single-use and are discarded or collected for reloading after being fired.
While casings can sometimes be found discarded at shooting ranges, they are only a part of the spent ammunition. Cartridges, when purchased, are ready-to-use complete units of ammunition, making them essential for shooting.
A casing is the outer shell that holds the components of ammunition, while a cartridge is the complete, ready-to-fire unit that includes the bullet, casing, gunpowder, and primer.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Outer shell housing the gunpowder
Complete unit of ammunition
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Components
Holds primer and bullet
Includes bullet, casing, powder, and primer
Material
Typically brass, steel, or aluminum
Various materials for different parts
Reusability
Often reusable in handloading
Generally single-use
Function
Contains explosive force
Ready-to-fire ammunition unit
Compare with Definitions
Casing
Contains the primer and the bullet.
Reloading involves cleaning and inspecting the used casings.
Cartridge
Ready-to-fire assembly.
The soldier carried extra cartridges for his weapon.
Casing
Essential for the structure of ammunition.
The casing's integrity is vital for safe firing.
Cartridge
Complete unit of ammunition.
The hunter loaded cartridges into his rifle before heading out.
Casing
Made of materials like brass or steel.
Steel casings are less expensive but not as reusable as brass.
Cartridge
Comes in various sizes and types.
Handgun cartridges differ significantly from rifle cartridges.
Casing
A cover or shell that protects or encloses something
A waterproof casing
Cartridge
A cylindrical, usually metal casing containing the primer and charge of ammunition for use in a firearm.
Casing
The frame round a door or window.
Cartridge
Such a casing fitted with a bullet.
Casing
An outer cover
A shell casing.
A tire casing.
Cartridge
A similar piece of ammunition, such as a shotgun shell.
Casing
The frame or framework for a window or door.
Cartridge
A case filled with high explosives, used in blasting.
Casing
A metal pipe or tube used as a lining for a water, oil, or gas well.
Cartridge
A small modular unit designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment
An ink cartridge.
A disposable cartridge of caulking compound.
Casing
A membranous case, often made of animal intestine, used to contain sausage or other processed meat.
Cartridge
A removable case containing the stylus and electric conversion circuitry in a phonograph pickup.
Casing
A narrow passage for a rod or cord, as in a curtain or the waistband of a garment, made by folding over a small strip of fabric at its edge along its width and sewing it in place.
Cartridge
A case containing magnetic tape in a reel; a cassette.
Casing
That which encloses or encases.
Some people like to split the casing of a sausage before cooking so it doesn't burst.
Cartridge
A case containing a ribbon in a spool, for use in printers and electric typewriters.
Casing
(architecture) The decorative trim around a door or window.
Cartridge
A lightproof case with photographic film that can be loaded directly into a camera.
Casing
(oil industry) A metal pipe used to line the borehole of a well.
Cartridge
(firearms) The package consisting of the bullet, primer, and casing containing gunpowder; a round of ammunition.
Casing
The state of letter case across a whole phrase or whole lines of text; the collective state/arrangement of uppercase and lowercase letters.
The replacement string should have the same casing as the matched text.
Cartridge
(by extension) A prefabricated subassembly that can be easily installed in or removed from a larger mechanism or replaced with another interchangeable subassembly.
Casing
Present participle of case
Cartridge
(computing) A vessel which contains the ink or toner for a computer printer and can be easily replaced with another.
Casing
The act or process of inclosing in, or covering with, a case or thin substance, as plaster, boards, etc.
Cartridge
(computing) Magnetic tape storage, used for storing (backup) copies of data.
Casing
An outside covering, for protection or ornament, or to precent the radiation of heat.
Cartridge
(computing) A removable enclosure containing read-only memory devices, used for rapid loading of software onto a home computer or video game console.
Casing
The housing or outer covering of something;
The clock has a walnut case
Cartridge
(obsolete) A small paper package, e.g. in an old book about making printer's type: After all the type has been cast: "The Boy will paper up each sort in a cartridge by itself".
Casing
The outermost covering of a pneumatic tire
Cartridge
A complete charge for a firearm, contained in, or held together by, a case, capsule, or shell of metal, pasteboard, or other material.
Casing
The enclosing frame around a door or window opening;
The casings had rotted away and had to be replaced
Cartridge
Ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet; fired from a rifle or handgun
Casing
Outer shell of a bullet.
The casing was found at the scene, providing a clue to the type of firearm used.
Cartridge
A light-tight supply chamber holding the film and supplying it for exposure as required
Casing
Houses gunpowder in a round of ammunition.
The brass casing was shiny and well-polished.
Cartridge
A module designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment;
He loaded a cartridge of fresh tape into the tape deck
Cartridge
An electro-acoustic transducer that is the part of the arm of a record player that holds the needle and that is removable
Cartridge
Includes bullet, casing, powder, and primer.
The cartridge was inspected for any defects before use.
Cartridge
Designed for use in firearms.
Different firearms require specific cartridge sizes.
Common Curiosities
What is a casing in ammunition?
A casing is the outer shell that houses the gunpowder, primer, and bullet.
What components make up a cartridge?
A cartridge includes a bullet, casing, gunpowder, and primer.
Are cartridges single-use?
Generally, yes, cartridges are single-use and discarded or collected after firing.
What materials are casings typically made from?
Casings are usually made from brass, steel, or aluminum.
What is handloading?
Handloading is the process of reusing casings to create new cartridges by adding new primers, powder, and bullets.
Do all firearms use cartridges?
Yes, most modern firearms use cartridges as ammunition.
Why is the casing important?
The casing contains the explosive force and directs the bullet when fired.
Can casings be reused?
Yes, casings can be reused in handloading by cleaning and refilling them.
What safety measures are needed when handling casings?
Proper inspection for damage and cleaning are essential to ensure safe reuse.
What happens to the casing after a cartridge is fired?
The casing is ejected from the firearm and can be collected for reloading.
How does a cartridge function?
A cartridge functions as a complete unit of ammunition, ready to be fired in a firearm.
What is the role of the primer in a cartridge?
The primer ignites the gunpowder, causing the explosion that propels the bullet.
Can you buy casings separately?
Yes, casings can be purchased separately, especially for handloading purposes.
How do cartridges differ between firearms?
Cartridges vary in size, shape, and power to fit specific firearms and uses.
Is there a difference between brass and steel casings?
Yes, brass casings are generally more durable and easier to reload than steel casings.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
