Tracer bullet: purpose, device and features

The device of the standard cartridge is known to most men from school lessons on pre-conscription training. But the design, purpose and possibility of using bullets for special purposes still causes the majority of many questions. In this article, we'll talk about what a tracer bullet is used for, what is different from the usual one and what features it has. Also, we will answer the question whether such ammunition is available for use in pneumatic weapons.

Purpose

Tracer bullets appeared before 1914. Their main difference is that they leave behind a smoky or fiery trail and thus make it possible to adjust the shooting, which is of considerable use in repelling air attacks and shooting in the dark. At first, the tracer bullet left a visible trail of no more than 300-400 meters in length. However, in 1918 the visibility of the route was increased to one kilometer.

The device and the principle of operation

The tracer bullet contains inside itself a special tightly compressed composition that, when shot, ignites from the powder charge and, burning in the flight of the bullet, leaves behind a distinct bright trace, perfectly visible at any time of the day. Depending on the components and the preparation time of the mixture itself, the glow of the flight path can be yellow, green, crimson and orange. Typically, a domestic-produced tracer bullet contains an antimony-lead alloy in the form of a core from the front, and a tracer composition is pressed in the rear, pressed into several layers in a small glass. Foreign analogs have a similar, very similar to the device described above. Note that if instead of lead and antimony the core of the bullet is made of steel, then such a tracer bullet acquires armor-piercing properties.

Features

As the luminous composition burns out in flight, the weight decreases and the center of gravity of such a projectile shifts. This circumstance causes a significant increase in dispersion and makes the tracer bullet somewhat unbalanced. This leads to a loss of the accuracy of combat and a reduction in the breakdown effect. At the same time, such a projectile also has an igniting property. As a result of burning tracer aggressive chemical elements are released, which have a destructive effect on the barrel bore. Therefore, such bullets are practically not used in sniper rifles, and in the case alternate with the usual after every 4-5 pieces.

Tracer bullets for pneumatics

Holders of gas firearms are often interested in where you can buy ammunition in order to be able to shoot in the dark. Let's say at once: tracer bullets for pneumatic weapons are not manufactured, and therefore there is no point in looking for them in stores. Some people post online recipes, as they can be done by yourself. This option, in principle, though possible, at the same time is far from being safe. Instead of exposing yourself and your weapons to extra risk, it is better to purchase as an alternative bullets such as "Bleak" or "Combat". Despite the fact that during the flight they do not leave a trail behind them, when a target hits, a flash occurs, and thus you can correct your accuracy.