A
bullet is a
projectile propelled by a
firearm,
sling,
slingshot, or
air gun. Bullets do not normally contain
explosives, but damage the intended target by impact and
penetration. The word "bullet" is sometimes colloquially used to refer to
ammunition in general, or to a
cartridge, which is a combination of the bullet,
case/shell,
powder, and primer. This use of 'bullet', when 'cartridge' is intended, leads to confusion when the components of a cartridge are discussed or intended.