Which term describes a cartridge with primer but no powder?

Which term describes a cartridge with primer but no powder?

• A. Squib
• B. Pip
• C. Hangfire
• D. Misfire

Answer: (B)

A cartridge with primer but no powder is called a pip. The primer ignites, producing a small flame, but there’s no main propellant charge to create the gas pressure needed to move the bullet. So you get a little pop or a sharp click rather than the expected recoil and bullet discharge. This term distinguishes it from other issues: a squib has powder present but not enough to push the bullet out, so the bullet may stall in the barrel; a hangfire is a delayed ignition after the primer fires; and a misfire is a general failure to fire when the round is intended to ignite. In this context, the defining feature is primer presence without any powder.

A cartridge with primer but no powder is called a pip. The primer ignites, producing a small flame, but there’s no main propellant charge to create the gas pressure needed to move the bullet. So you get a little pop or a sharp click rather than the expected recoil and bullet discharge.

This term distinguishes it from other issues: a squib has powder present but not enough to push the bullet out, so the bullet may stall in the barrel; a hangfire is a delayed ignition after the primer fires; and a misfire is a general failure to fire when the round is intended to ignite. In this context, the defining feature is primer presence without any powder.