Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a muzzle loading firearm having a consumable cartridge case composed of a consumable solid material is set forth. The cartridge case including a central internal cavity, the cartridge case having a closed first end and a second end open to the central internal cavity for receipt of granular, explosive powder within the central internal cavity of the cartridge case and a bullet is secured to the closed first end of the cartridge case. The cartridge case is shaped and dimensioned for positioning within a bore of a rifle along with the bullet.

Abstract: A cartridge casing for rifles is made from a high strength aluminum alloy. A method for making such cartridge casing includes the steps of (a) forming a cylindrical blank from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength greater than 80,000 psi, and (b) rotating the blank at a rate greater than 500 rpm and forcing the blank into a die, the die having a bore with progressively reduced interior diameters which are less than the external diameter of the blank. In the method, the forcing of the blank into the die results in the finished cartridge casing having a distal end with an external diameter which is less than the external diameter of its proximal end.

Abstract: A cartridge casing for rifles is made from a high strength aluminum alloy. A method for making such cartridge casing includes the steps of (a) forming a cylindrical blank from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength greater than 80,000 psi, and (b) rotating the blank at a rate greater than 500 rpm and forcing the blank into a die, the die having a bore with progressively reduced interior diameters which are less than the external diameter of the blank. In the method, the forcing of the blank into the die results in the finished cartridge casing having a distal end with an external diameter which is less than the external diameter of its proximal end.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for large bore gun systems having an integrated retention assembly for maintaining propellant charges within the cartridge case. The cartridge case having an interior space for receiving propellant charges and an open proximate end through which the propellant charges can be fed. An insulating sleeve defining an interior channel is affixed to the cartridge case and extends out of the proximate end of the cartridge case. The interior channel serves as a chute through which propellant charges can be fed. After the propellant charges are loaded, the insulating sleeve is crimped closed to retain the propellant charges within the cartridge case. A closure plug can be inserted into the proximate end of the cartridge case after the insulating sleeve is crimped closed.

Abstract: A hybrid ammunition cartridge for a firearm is includes a substantially cylindrical casing defining a body portion having a neck at a forward end and a base at a rearward end, the base including a rim. A projectile is mounted in the neck. Brass is used in the casing at the neck to hold the projectile at the proper crimp. Brass is also used in the rim to house the primer and to provide a surface at which a hook or any suitable mechanism can be used to extract the cartridge from the firearm. The remaining body portion is then manufactured from a composite material having suitable mechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ammunition cartridge case that includes a sleeve, a base fixedly attached to the sleeve and a fiber reinforced polymer composite annulus that is at least partially within the base. In certain embodiments, the sleeve and the base are formed partly or entirely from a metal, for example steel or stainless steel. The base has a central aperture that affords for the annulus ring to fit within. The annulus is dimensioned such that it fits securely within the central aperture of the base and has a center aperture wherein a primer can be located. The annulus ring contains a volume of composite fibers ranging from 10 to 90 volume percent. The annulus isolates the primer from the cartridge case and thereby prevents galvanic corrosion between the primer and case. In addition, a metallic foil can be present between the annulus and the cartridge case in order to assure proper securement of the annulus therewithin.

Abstract: Ammunition casings are described that include a base, a body coupled to the base, and one or more patterns on the body.

Abstract: A cartridge for ammunition has a base with an axial end section. An annular wall extends from the enlarged outer peripheral lip section to an opposite end. The axial end section has a primer cavity therein and a radially outwardly extending peripheral extraction lip. An annular ledge is axially positioned at an inner end of said primer cavity and radially extends inwardly from said annular wall. A passage has a reduced diameter compared to the primer cavity and extends through the annular ledge. A main charge cavity is at an opposite side of the ledge from the primer cavity. A knurl section is on an outer surface of said cylindrical wall. A cartridge case is attached to the base about said knurl section.

Abstract: An austenitic stainless steel ammunition cartridge includes an outer region and a base, wherein the outer region is about 50%-80% of the thickness of the base, which serves to minimize the sidewall ironing required to form the cartridge. The cartridge blank can be formed by spin forming, compression forming, grinding, or a combination thereof. Tooling to form the insert can include at least a pair of blocks and inserts, at least one insert defining a centrally positioned aperture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a modular cartridge system for firearms. The system includes a plurality of cartridges that each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile coupled to the case. Each cartridge of the system includes base and rim dimensions that are functionally equivalent to each other, projectile diameters that are variable between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches, and case lengths that are variable between 0.500 inches and 2.000 inches.

Abstract: A cartridge case for a firearm is formed to contain a .338 caliber bullet. The case includes a cylindrical body portion with a central aperture in the head end for receipt of a primer and a cartridge extraction groove formed around the periphery of the body portion adjacent the head end. A frusto-conical shoulder portion tapers radially inwardly from the body portion and a generally cylindrical neck portion extends longitudinally from the shoulder portion. The length of the body portion is approximately 1.8813 inches and the outside diameter of the body portion at the shoulder portion is 0.5709±0.0059 inches. The length of the shoulder portion is 0.2727 inches. The length of the neck portion is 0.3381 inches and the outside diameter of the neck portion is 0.3669 inches. The case encloses a volume designed to receive an amount of propellant in a range of 82.0 grns to 97.8 grns.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A modified 40 mm grenade round designed to breach doors without throwing a substantial amount of shrapnel into a building's interior. The modified round includes a standoff device located on its forward end. The standoff device detonates the explosive charge within the projectile before the nose of the projectile actually strikes the target. This early detonation throws a pressure wave again the door's exterior, forcing the door inward. Shrapnel produced by the detonation remains primarily outside the door. Thus, the modified projectile is able to blow open a door without throwing a significant amount of shrapnel into a building's interior.

Abstract: A rifle or handgun cartridge is formed to have an overall length of about 2.260 inches, or 57.4 millimeters. The shell case has a case length between 1.550 inches and 1.650 inches and a neck forming a mouth for a standard .224 caliber bullet. The shoulder adjoining the neck widens from the neck to a diameter of between 0.400 inches to 0.415 inches, and preferably 0.4059 inches. The adjoining shell body forms the main powder chamber for receiving an explosive charge. A head adjoins the shell body and forms a base of the shell case. The head has a primer pocket formed therein communicating with the main powder chamber through a vent hole formed between the primer pocket and the main powder chamber.

Abstract: A reduced signature weapon cartridge is provided which, when fired, produces little or no muzzle blast or noise signature. In particular, a reduced signature weapon cartridge of the present invention comprises a movable piston disposed within the cartridge, disposed in between the high pressure chamber and the projectile. When fired, propellant gases rapidly force the piston forward within the cartridge case, thereby launching the projectile at a subsonic velocity, thereby eliminating the conventional noise signature associated with supersonic velocities. Thereafter, the propellant gases are slowly released from the cartridge case via perforations formed within the piston, grooves formed in the periphery of the piston, or via a gap between the piston and cartridge wall, thereby reducing or eliminating the conventional muzzle blast.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A seal is provided that restricts movement of adjacent parts when in a high pressure environment while allowing relative movement of adjacent parts when in non-high pressure environment.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.

Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.

Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ammunition cartridge case that includes a sleeve, a base fixedly attached to the sleeve and a fiber reinforced polymer composite annulus that is at least partially within the base. In certain embodiments, the sleeve and the base are formed partly or entirely from a metal, for example steel or stainless steel. The base has a central aperture that affords for the annulus ring to fit within. The annulus is dimensioned such that it fits securely within the central aperture of the base and has a center aperture wherein a primer can be located. The annulus ring contains a volume of composite fibers ranging from 10 to 90 volume percent. The annulus isolates the primer from the cartridge case and thereby prevents galvanic corrosion between the primer and case. In addition, a metallic foil can be present between the annulus and the cartridge case in order to assure proper securement of the annulus therewithin.

Abstract: A pusher plate assembly for launching a projectile includes a pusher plate, a pressure seal circumferentially extending about the pusher plate, a cage extending from an aft side of the pusher plate, and a plurality of propellant portions disposed in the cage. A projectile system includes a launching tube, a projectile disposed in the launching tube, a pusher plate assembly disposed between an aft end of the projectile and the launching tube, a fuze, a charge igniter operatively associated with the fuze and the plurality of propellant portions, and a retainer disposed within the launching tube proximate a mouth of the launching tube. The pusher plate assembly includes a pusher plate, a pressure seal circumferentially extending about the pusher plate to seal an annulus between the pusher plate and the launching tube, a cage extending from an aft side of the pusher plate, and a plurality of propellant portions disposed in the cage.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge case (2) and ammunition round (1) primarily for electrothermal and/or electrothermochemical weapon systems, which round comprises the said cartridge case. According to the invention, the casing (10) of the cartridge case comprises or consists of one or more insulated or insulating shells, layers or surfaces (11, 12, 13) for, at least electrically, insulating the casing of the cartridge case from the barrel (14) of the weapon system and also preferably from at least the bottom (16) and/or firing device (5) of the ammunition round as well, but preferably also from the rest of the ammunition round, when the round is used, and also preferably from at least the bottom and/or firing device of the ammunition round as well, but preferably also from the rest of the ammunition round, when the round is stored and handled.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for an electrical discharge weapon having at least one dart positioned within a dart chamber in the housing. The cartridge has at least one adjustable barrel for selection between close and extended ranges and a joint and port for adjusting pressure in the barrel. In another form the cartridge has two fixed barrels and a retractable deflection ramp for selection between close and extended ranges.

Abstract: A projectile, (Cruise Munition Detonator Projectile or CMDP), can be fired from a tank, modified grenade launcher or gun using a laser range finder, radar or manual input (dialer or keypad) range selector. The CMDP will prevent, neutralize and eliminate enemy close infighting. The CMDP can defend aircraft against SAM, shoulder launched missiles, and air-to-air missiles. The CMDP will travel a predetermined programmed distance and detonate in front of or behind, over or beside, or in the mist of a target. The CMDP allows small forces to strategically neutralize larger forces with devastating effect. The CMDP is a force multiplier and an anti-personnel weapon.

Abstract: A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell and shooting a projectile are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge includes a tubular blank having a tail section in a shape of tail fins; a cap mated to a front section of the tubular blank; a solid core in a shape of a rod inside the tubular blank between the front and tail sections; and a casing having a propellant therein, the casing mated to the tubular blank. The core optionally includes an aerodynamic needle extending beyond the front portion. A portion of the aerodynamic needle inside the core is shaped as a spring. A muzzle wad and a washer are in contact with the muzzle wad and with the aerodynamic needle. The aerodynamic needle includes a portion embedded in the core that is shaped as a spring. The core includes a front portion and a rear portion, and a diameter of the front portion is larger than a diameter of the rear portion and is substantially equal to a diameter of the tubular blank. The cap can be conically shaped, round shaped, or can have a blunt front end, or can be shaped as two conical sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A cup and plug assembly of a base for a polymer based ammunition cartridge case body includes a cylindrical sleeve joined to the base. The base includes a plug molded over a cup. The cup includes a first annular cup portion extending in a first direction from a web formed therein and a second annular cup portion extending in a second direction from the web opposite to the first direction. The plug having a first annular portion that completely encompasses an outer circumferential surface of the cup and a second annular portion that extends from the first annular portion. The second annular portion of the plug completely covering an inner surface of the first annular cup portion of the cup. The cup preferably being formed from a metal or a suitable non-metal and the plug being formed from a suitable polymer that is injection molded over the cup.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a relatively straight-walled portion and a shoulder portion for housing a quantity of propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses. The cartridge body cavity is sized and configured to contain a sufficient quantity of propellant such that igniting the propellant causes formation of a propellant plug having a diameter that is approximately the diameter of the bullet, and wherein the propellant plug shears free from unburned propellant that is disposed adjacent the relatively straight-walled body portion.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a relatively straight-walled portion and a shoulder portion for housing a quantity of propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses. The cartridge body cavity is sized and configured to contain a sufficient quantity of propellant such that igniting the propellant causes formation of a propellant plug having a diameter that is approximately the diameter of the bullet, and wherein the propellant plug shears free from unburned propellant that is disposed adjacent the relatively straight-walled body portion.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a rimmed metal case having a body portion having a rim and a cylindrical wall portion adjacent to the rim. The body portion has dimensions corresponding to a 22 Long Rifle specification. The case has a tapered shoulder portion contiguous with the first portion, and a neck portion contiguous with the shoulder portion and a defining a mouth. The mouth closely receives a bullet having a diameter less than .22 caliber, and the case has a length significantly greater than 0.66 inch. The case may be formed with a neck that is relatively short compared to the body portion and overall length, to provide improved cartridge trajectory performance.

Abstract: A shell for bullets of automatic or semiautomatic firearms with inertial closure, comprising a hollow cylindrical body which is closed, at one of its axial ends, by a head and is adapted to accommodate a bullet at the opposite axial end, the head being centrally provided with a cap that accommodates the primer. At least the portion of the shell which is extracted from the firing chamber when the fired bullet leaves the barrel is provided with reinforcement means to prevent accidental bursting of the shell at the end of the firing action and when the extraction of the shell from the firing chamber begins.

Abstract: Passive coatings accelerate burning at interfaces between rapidly burning propellants and thermally conductive or endothermic inert surfaces. The coatings, useful in firearm cartridges, firearm chambers, and solid rocket motors, reflect infrared energy from the combustion gases to reduce heat loss to the case or chamber and to accelerate ignition of the propellant. The reflective coating has a thermal breakdown temperature higher than the propellant ignition temperature. Firearm cartridges and chambers may have radial shoulder configuration that focuses a shockwave below a bullet base to reduce heat loss to the bullet and support bullet retention in the neck for a longer period of time.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and cover by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: An ammunition article includes a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a first end and a second end, and a projectile attached to the first end of the cartridge casing body. The cartridge casing body is molded around at least a portion of the projectile. A molded plastic base for an ammunition article, a molded plastic blank cartridge, and a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a pronged web are also disclosed.

Abstract: A short-action firearm has a chamber and bolt assembly with unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the chamber has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the chamber, of no more than about 3.5. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the chamber has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.

Abstract: A short-action firearm cartridge has unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the cartridge case has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the case, of no more than about 3.5. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the case has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.

Abstract: A low observable, brass ammunition cartridge casing with an exterior surface having a colored coating which renders the cartridge casing low observable. The colored coating may be deposited onto the exterior surface by various processes, such as electroplating, chemical deposition, and spray painting. The colored coating may be selected from a variety of different colors such as, black, olive green, silver, brown, tan, gray, and white. The colors are typically obtained using conventional pigments and colorants, such as metal oxides. The brass casing exterior surface may be roughened to reduce the gloss or sheen of the casing on the colored coating. The invention includes ammunition cartridges containing a low observable brass casing described above.

Abstract: A short-action firearm cartridge has unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the cartridge case has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the case, of no more than about 4.2. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the case has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.33.

Abstract: A low observable, brass ammunition cartridge casing with an exterior surface having a colored coating which renders the cartridge casing low observable. The colored coating may be deposited onto the exterior surface by various processes, such as electroplating, chemical deposition, and spray painting. The colored coating may be selected from a variety of different colors such as, black, olive green, silver, brown, tan, gray, and white. The colors are typically obtained using conventional pigments and colorants, such as metal oxides. The brass casing exterior surface may be roughened to reduce the gloss or sheen of the casing on the colored coating. The invention includes ammunition cartridges containing a low observable brass casing described above.

Abstract: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a sheeting of plastic material 21 which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.

Abstract: A short-action firearm has a chamber and bolt assembly with unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the chamber has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the chamber, of no more than about 4.2. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the chamber has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.33.