Final answer:
The basic component common to both cartridges and shotshells that either refers to a bullet or shot pellets is known as the 'projectile'. Projectiles are propelled towards a target when fired from a gun.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is projectile. In both cartridges and shotshells, the term projectile refers to the object that is propelled towards the target when the gun is fired. For cartridges, this is typically a bullet, which is a solid metal (often lead) projectile. In the case of shotshells, the projectiles are multiple small round pellets, commonly referred to as shot, which spread out after leaving the barrel. Both the bullet and the shot pellets serve the same purpose as the projectile component of their respective ammunition types. The projectile is distinct from the other components such as the primer (which ignites the powder), the case (which holds all components together), and the powder (propellant that, upon ignition, creates the pressure to expel the projectile from the barrel).
In cartridges and shotshells, the basic components include a primer, a case, a projectile (which can be either shot pellets or a bullet), and gunpowder.
Shot pellets are commonly used in shotshells, which are primarily used for shotguns. They are small, round pieces of lead or other materials that are dispersed when the shotgun is fired. On the other hand, a bullet is used in cartridges, which are primarily used for handguns and rifles. The bullet is a single projectile that is propelled out of the cartridge when the firearm is fired.