What does Terminal Ballistics study?

Terminal Ballistics focuses on the behavior and effects of a projectile, such as a bullet, when it strikes a target. This field of study examines how the projectile interacts with the target material, including the penetration, expansion, and damage caused upon impact. Understanding the actions of a round upon impacting a target is crucial for military and law enforcement applications, as it directly influences the effectiveness of ammunition in various scenarios.

The other options pertain to different aspects of ballistics. The trajectory of a bullet relates more to Internal Ballistics, which studies the bullet’s path while it is traveling through the firearm. The properties of different types of ammunition fall under the category of ammunition characteristics, which is important but distinct from Terminal Ballistics. The process of loading a firearm addresses operational readiness and handling rather than the effects of a bullet upon impact. Therefore, the emphasis on the impact of a projectile makes the correct answer specifically relevant to the study of Terminal Ballistics.