In firearms,Tapering refers to components that narrow down, similar to that of a conical fashion hence the name taper.[1][2][3][4]

Barrels

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Tapered barrel of a cannon.

In barrels, this centralises mass to the operator. Not only to reduce weight from the muzzle but also to increase accuracy/acquisition and stabilise the balance handling of the weapon. Also the fact that chamber pressures are higher at the rear of the barrel.

Rifling

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Tapered bore.

In rifling, a Tapered bore/Conical bore is where the caliber narrows off to increase velocity of the round.

Cartridges

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Tapered rifle cartridge.

In cartridges, this usually helps in chambering/unloading the weapon. This differs than shouldering/bottlenecking[5] as this only refers to the case head of the cartridge that holds the projectile, whereas tapering usually refers to the angled sides of the cartridge.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "British Cannon Design 1600 - 1800".
  2. ^ Tony DiGiulian. "Definitions and Information about Naval Guns". NavWeaps. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  3. ^ "Naval Gun Barrel Construction".
  4. ^ "The 24 Pounder Cannon".
  5. ^ Cartridges and Firearm Identification By Robert E. Walker. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 978-1-4665-0206-2 Ammunition Cartridges Page 47