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The '''bolt weapon''' is the characteristic [[Imperial]] weapon type used most famously by the [[Space Marine]]s and [[Adepta Sororitas]]. They are also used in more limited numbers throughout the [[Imperium]]'s armed forces, and are popular with its enemies, particularly [[Ork]]s.{{Fn|2}} Bolt weapons are purposefully unsubtle weapons, with very obvious and bloody effects. The [[Leagues of Votann]] also use ''bolt weapons'' {{Fn|2}}.
Some models are designed specifically for normal humans which include smaller grips and lighter construction, though these variations are rarely as finely fashioned as Space Marine weapons. Many such weapons are ancient heirlooms and relics passed down through a family's generations. Cheap bolt weapon models can be found on black markets and backwater planets, but will often break down quickly because of the specialised nature of their ammunition.{{Fn|11a}}
==History of Bolt Weapons==
[[File:Heavy Bolter - Astartes MK IVc.jpg|right|thumb|Heavy bolter, with Belt Feed]]
Bolt weapons fire self-propelled mass-reactive munitions known as ''bolts'' at hypersonic velocities{{Fn|21}}<sup>[[Bolt weapon#Cased vs Caseless|[Conflicting Sources]]]</sup>, which are timed to explode just after penetration for maximum lethality. The standard bolt is .75 calibre with a super-dense metallic core and [[diamantine]] tip. Overall bolt ammunition is expensive and difficult to manufacture and the weapons themselves regularly require maintenance and rituals to appease their spirits, but they are no doubt terrifying and destructive weapons.{{Fn|11a}}
Each bolt is contained within a cartridge which includes a small conventional powder charge. When fired, this charge launches the bolt while simultaneously igniting its solid fuel propellant, which is timed to do so once it is clear of the barrel. The cartridge is then ejected, clearing the breech for the next round, while the bolt accelerates towards the target under its own power. This system helps alleviate the problem in using rocket-propelled munitions, as the gases are not trapped within the barrel and cannot cause problems due to over-pressure. The two-stage process also keeps the weapon's recoil to manageable levels, compared to conventional weapons of similar calibre.{{Fn|4}}
===Cased vs Caseless===
Even as of 2025, there has been somewhat of a longstanding conflict between Boltguns being cased or caseless.
In [[1st Edition]] (Rogue Trader) bolts are described as self-propelled explosives akin to small missiles. This by definition makes them [[Wikipedia:Caseless_ammunition#Internal-propellant_caseless_ammunition|Internal-propellant caseless ammunition]].{{fn|1b}} According to [[Liber Astartes (3rd Edition)]]{{fn|21}} as well as [[Liber Astartes (2nd Edition)]], bolt weapons fire caseless ammunition.{{fn|24}}
This is in stark contrast to the numerous depictions, statements, and portrayals of bolt weapons clearly ejecting spent cases:
*In [[The Flight of the Eisenstein (Novel)]], [[Kaleb Arin]] wears an engraved bolt shell case on a chain around his neck.{{fn|131}}
*[[Marksman's Honour]] medals are described and presented as being made from spent bolt shell casings fired by [[Roboute Guilliman]]
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==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Rogue Trader Rulebook]], **{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 121-122**{{Endn|1b}}: pg.277-278
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear]], pg. 21
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)]], pg. 11
