Tapering (firearms)

[1][2][3][4] 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.

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

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.