What does the firing pin strike to begin ammunition ignition?

It strikes the primer.

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  1. Wad
  2. Bullet
  3. Primer ✔

Why: Pulling the trigger releases the firing mechanism. The firing pin strikes the primer, and the primer ignites the powder.

Huh, didn't know that: Burning powder creates hot gases and rising pressure.

The dad joke
Why did the primer arrive first? It was ready to get things started.
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References

Answer: Primer. Pulling the trigger releases the firing mechanism. The firing pin strikes the primer, and the primer ignites the powder.

  1. IHEA-USA Education Standards: The Complete Guide www.ihea-usa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IHEAUSA_HunterEduStd_Comp_Digital-1.pdf
    Firing pin strikes the primer, which ignites the powder in the case
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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