What distinguishes a live round from a spent cartridge?

• A. A live round contains the primer only.
• B. A live round contains propellant and a primed explosive; a spent cartridge has expended components and carries less risk.
• C. A spent cartridge contains propellant and a primed explosive; a live round has expended components and carries more risk.
• D. A live round is identical in hazard level to a spent cartridge.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a live round is a complete cartridge with energy ready to be released: it has both the propellant charge and a primer that’s primed and capable of initiating that charge. When struck, the primer explodes and ignites the propellant, producing gas that pushes the bullet out of the barrel. A spent cartridge, on the other hand, has already gone through that process—the propellant has burned and the primer has detonated—so no usable energetic components remain. What’s left is the case and any residue, which is far less hazardous than a live round.