Abstract: An improved tracer ammunition round and method of manufacturing the tracer ammunition is disclosed. Each round is fabricated by first providing an elongated hole in a cord of soft metal, filling the hole with a special pyrotechnic composition and then reducing the diameter of the cord to a desired size. The cord is then cropped into round size lengths and each length is treated to provide a shaped slug with a pyrotechnic column throughout its length. The shaped slugs are then inserted into the interior cavities of shaped metallic jackets and are secured therein by crimping. The pyrotechnic column is formed of zirconium powder, potassium perchlorate and a suitable binder. The ratio of the length of the column to its diameter is between five and two hundred and the diameter of the pyrotechnic column is between 0.025 inches and 0.035 inches.

Abstract: Plastic shrink tubes, when filled loosely with explosive powders, and sealed and heated to temperatures of about 300.degree. - 600.degree.F, will shrink and uniformly compress the powders contained therewithin along the length thereof to produce a powder of constant linear density useful in providing constant velocity detonations.