How a cartridge is fired
Rifle bores have spiralled grooves cut into the entire length of the barrel (known as rifling), causing the bullet or projectile to spin, which stabilises it as it travels down the barrel.

Step 1: Cartridge is loaded into chamber.

Step 2: Action is closed, and the projectile is ready to be fired.

Step 3: Firing pin makes contact with the primer and ignites gunpowder, creating high pressure.

Step 4: Rapidly accumulating high pressure from the burning gunpowder pushes projectile out of the barrel.