Shell Case

(1) Artillery shell case, part of an artillery shell. It is a thin-walled metal vessel intended for a charge of powder, auxiliary parts (such as an anticopperplater and a flash hider), and a means of ignition (capsule); it also seals the gases in the process of firing. In one-piece cases, the case is made integral with the projectile (bullet), charge, and means of ignition.

(2) The case of a rifle cartridge, which is a miniature version of an artillery case. A shell case, a powder charge, and a bullet fixed at the neck of the case make up a rifle cartridge. Cartridge cases for sporting purposes are made of metal or cardboard.