What happens during the internal phase of ballistics?

During the internal phase of ballistics, the focus is on the events that occur within the firearm from the moment the trigger is pulled until the bullet exits the muzzle. This phase covers the entire firing sequence involving the ignition of the propellant, the acceleration of the bullet within the barrel, and the forces acting upon it during this process.

The correct answer identifies that the bullet is propelled from the firing pin to the muzzle, which accurately describes what occurs internally. Once the trigger is activated, the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge, igniting the gunpowder. The rapidly expanding gases from the burning powder push the bullet down the barrel, propelling it until it reaches the muzzle. This process is critical as it sets the stage for the bullet's trajectory and performance during its flight.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different phases of ballistics. The action of the bullet exiting the muzzle describes the end of the internal phase and transitions into the external phase. When the bullet impacts the target, this is part of the terminal ballistics phase, which deals with what happens once the bullet reaches its target. Lastly, the bullet traveling toward the target is part of the external phase where the bullet is in flight after exiting the muzzle. Each