Tracer ammunition (
tracers) are
bullets or
cannon caliber projectiles that are built with a small
pyrotechnic charge in their base. Ignited by the burning powder, the pyrotechnic composition burns very brightly, making the
projectile trajectory visible to the naked eye during daylight, and very bright during nighttime firing. This enables the shooter to make aiming corrections without observing the impact of the rounds fired and without using the
sights of the weapon.