What does the term 'nonferrous metals' imply?

The term 'nonferrous metals' refers specifically to metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron. This is a critical distinction, as nonferrous metals generally possess unique properties that differentiate them from ferrous metals, which are those that do contain iron. Nonferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, and zinc are valued for their resistance to corrosion, lower density, and non-magnetic properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including in firearms and ammunition.

In other contexts, while some nonferrous metals may exhibit resistance to rust, that characteristic alone applies to a broader range of materials and does not encapsulate the definition of nonferrous metals. Similarly, the idea that nonferrous metals include alloys or those with high iron content is inaccurate, as alloys can be both ferrous and nonferrous, but the defining factor for nonferrous metals is the lack of significant iron content. Thus, the definition of nonferrous metals is strictly linked to their composition of lacking iron.