I would say the case/rifle is a "projector", on leaving the barrel the bullet is a projectile as it is being "projected" but before it is moving it is a bulletDemonic69 wrote:Surely it's only a projectile when it's fired? The case is technically a projectile, so it the rifle it's self. So before it's a projectile, it's a bullet.
pro·jec·tile
n.
1. A fired, thrown, or otherwise propelled object, such as a bullet, having no capacity for self-propulsion.
2. A self-propelled missile, such as a rocket.
adj.
1. Capable of being impelled or hurled forward.
2. Driving forward; impelling: a projectile force.
3. Zoology Capable of being thrust outward; protrusile.