What term is used to describe the shape of the tip of ball ammunition that can affect chambering?

The shape of the tip of ball ammunition that can influence how it chambers is referred to as the ogive. The ogive is the curved portion of a bullet that transitions from the straight body to the pointed tip. This design is critical in ensuring that the bullet can smoothly transition into the chamber of the firearm, minimizing the risk of jams or misfeeds. A well-shaped ogive helps with aerodynamics and stability in flight, but its primary function in this context is related to how effectively the bullet can be fed into the chamber during firing.

In contrast, other terms have different meanings in the context of ammunition. The profile refers to the overall outline or design of the bullet, including its length and diameter, but does not specifically highlight the tip's curvature. The cross-section relates to a view of the bullet cut horizontally or vertically, which doesn’t describe the effect on chambering. Serration typically refers to a series of notches or grooves and is not related to the shape of a bullet tip or its chambering compatibility. Thus, ogive is the correct term as it specifically addresses how the contour of the bullet tip affects its feeding into the firearm.