reply to this classmates discussion post We have come a long way since, the first metallic cartridge, the .22 short, in 1857. Cartridge design and performance has continued to advance over the last century and a half, from black powder in the first metallic cartridges to smokeless and now to quick burning, clean high-pressure propellants. Many of today's cartridges were necked down or shortened from cartridges of the past. The modern bottled neck allows for greater powder capacity creating greater pressure resulting in improved ballistics. In my opinion the next big thing in ballistics will come from modern propellants. It seems as though they are always being improved upon. They burn cleaner and quicker producing a higher volume of pressure in the chamber. This creates increased velocity when the bullet leaves the muzzle, and also greater accuracy. A bottled neck would make a good cartridge for this round and definitely a polymer tipped and covered projectile. Metallic cartridges have been the staple of the industry, feeding firearms since the 1850's. I believe they will continue to dominate for a long time to come. There is, however, room for new growth. We are in the age of innovation. There are new technologies being tested. Experimental, 3D Polymer cased, ammunitions are being made. They're plastic cases are much lighter than the traditional brass casings and can withstand high pressure. If these new rounds prove successful it would be a great benefit to our military as well as law enforcement as they would be lighter in the field and able to carry more ammunition or