Here is a detailed description of six inert pistol calibres: .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP, 9mm, and .38 Special.
1. .44 Magnum
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 10.9 mm (0.429 inches)
- Case Length: 32.6 mm (1.285 inches)
- Overall Length: 41.5 mm (1.61 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass with a rimmed design.
- Bullet: Often a lead or jacketed hollow point.
- Headstamp: Typically marked with ".44 MAG".
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Usage:
- Firearms: Revolvers and carbines.
- Purpose: Hunting, self-defense, and target shooting.
- Inert Version: Devoid of primer and propellant, with a drilled-out case to signify deactivation.
2. .45 Long Colt
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 11.5 mm (0.452 inches)
- Case Length: 32.6 mm (1.285 inches)
- Overall Length: 40.6 mm (1.6 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass with a rimmed design.
- Bullet: Typically lead, sometimes jacketed.
- Headstamp: Often marked with ".45 COLT".
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Usage:
- Firearms: Revolvers and some lever-action rifles.
- Purpose: Cowboy action shooting, hunting, and self-defense.
- Inert Version: No primer or powder, often with a drilled case.
3. .357 Magnum
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 9.1 mm (0.357 inches)
- Case Length: 33 mm (1.29 inches)
- Overall Length: 40 mm (1.59 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass, rimmed.
- Bullet: Typically jacketed hollow point or soft point.
- Headstamp: Marked with ".357 MAG".
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Usage:
- Firearms: Revolvers and some rifles.
- Purpose: Self-defense, law enforcement, and target shooting.
- Inert Version: Inactive primer and no propellant, with case modifications to denote inactivity.
4. .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 11.5 mm (0.452 inches)
- Case Length: 22.8 mm (0.898 inches)
- Overall Length: 32 mm (1.275 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass, rimless with a slight taper.
- Bullet: Full metal jacket or hollow point.
- Headstamp: Typically marked with ".45 ACP".
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Usage:
- Firearms: Semi-automatic pistols and some carbines.
- Purpose: Military, law enforcement, self-defense, and sport shooting.
- Inert Version: Deactivated primer and no powder, sometimes with drilled or marked cases.
5. 9mm (Parabellum, Luger)
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 9 mm (0.355 inches)
- Case Length: 19 mm (0.754 inches)
- Overall Length: 29.69 mm (1.169 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass, rimless and slightly tapered.
- Bullet: Full metal jacket or hollow point.
- Headstamp: Often marked with "9mm" or "9x19".
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Usage:
- Firearms: Semi-automatic pistols and submachine guns.
- Purpose: Military, law enforcement, self-defense, and competition shooting.
- Inert Version: Inactive primer and no propellant, case may be drilled or marked for identification.
6. .38 Smith & Wesson
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Dimensions:
- Bullet Diameter: 9.1 mm (0.357 inches)
- Case Length: 29.3 mm (1.155 inches)
- Overall Length: 39 mm (1.55 inches)
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Appearance:
- Case: Brass, rimmed.
- Bullet: Typically lead or jacketed.
- Headstamp: Marked with ".38 SPL" or similar.
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Usage:
- Firearms: Revolvers, some carbines, and rifles.
- Purpose: Target shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement.
- Inert Version: No primer or powder, often with case modifications to indicate deactivation.
General Characteristics of Inert Rounds:
- No Primer or Propellant: Safe for handling and display.
- Markings: Often clearly marked or altered (e.g., drilled cases) to indicate they are inert.
- Uses: Training, educational displays, and collecting.
These inert rounds provide a safe way to study and display these common calibres without the risk associated with live ammunition.