In the context of ammunition, the term refers to a unit of weight, specifically 1/7000th of a pound. It measures the mass of the projectile, typically the bullet, and also may be used to indicate the weight of the powder charge within a cartridge. For example, a common 9mm bullet might weigh 115 grains, and a .223 Remington cartridge may contain 25 grains of gunpowder.
The mass of the projectile and the amount of propellant are critical factors in determining the bullet’s velocity, trajectory, and overall performance. Selecting a bullet of appropriate mass for a given application is vital for achieving desired results in terms of accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer to the target. Historically, this unit of measure has been fundamental in ballistics and firearms development, providing a standardized way to quantify these crucial components.