What does the term 'bullet' specifically refer to?

The term 'bullet' specifically refers to the actual projectile that is shot from a firearm. In firearms terminology, the bullet is the part of the cartridge that is expelled from the barrel when the firearm is discharged. It is typically made of a lead core and may have a copper jacket or other materials, depending on its design and intended use.

Understanding this definition is crucial for differentiating between the components of ammunition. The bullet is distinct from the casing (the metal container), the primer (which ignites the gunpowder), and the gunpowder itself (the chemical substance that propels the bullet). Each of these elements plays a different role in the operation of a firearm, but the bullet specifically refers to the part that actually travels downrange when fired.