What material is the 30 mm cartridge case made from?

The 30 mm cartridge case is primarily made from aluminum. Aluminum is chosen for its lightweight properties, which contribute to improved performance in various military applications, including aircraft operations. The use of aluminum helps to reduce the overall weight of the ammunition, allowing for an increased payload and better fuel efficiency in combat and tactical scenarios.

While brass is commonly used in many other types of ammunition due to its durability and resistance to corrosion, and steel can also be utilized in other military applications for strength and cost-effectiveness, aluminum’s unique characteristics make it the preferred material for the 30 mm cartridge case specifically. Plastic is generally not used for cartridge cases in this caliber due to concerns about strength and heat resistance under the stresses of firing.