Figure 49 shows the 30-caliber incendiary aircraft ammunition as compared with a .30-caliber service cartridge. It will be noted that the only difference in size is the flat-nose bullet.

The effect of this flat nose is to increase the destructive power of the pojectile since a much larger hole is formed than the ordinary pointed this the incendiary effect is enhanced, as in the case of the projectile striking the tank there would be greater liability of igniting the gasoline than if only a small hole were formed.

It is possible for a sharp-pointed incendiary bullet to pass completely through a tank of gasoline without igniting the contents.