Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the flight stability of a bullet in subsonic flight. The bullet may incorporate features that impart additional angular momentum during flight. Helical fins may be configured such that laminar airflow over the bullet during flight increases rotational forces, thus increasing the angular momentum of the bullet and stabilizing it during flight. The fins may be self-forming during the use of the bullet or may be formed during manufacturing.

Abstract: A bullet (100), having: a main body (102) with a bore (106) bounded by a sidewall (124); an insert (104) that is disposed in the bore and that has longitudinal splines (460) configured to form a longitudinal flute (4620 in the insert and to provide radial support for the sidewall of the bore. A leading end (466) of the flute is open.

Abstract: A cartridge with an expanding bullet that has advantageous terminal effects over an extended range. The expanding bullet including a bullet body including a metal jacket extending from a tail portion to a nose portion and surrounding an interior solid core and defining a forward opening and interior cavity. A tip has an exterior surface substantially flush with an exterior surface of the metal jacket. The tip has a main portion forward of the opening and a tip retention portion that at least partially fills the interior cavity. In certain embodiments the tip retention portion includes one or more fluid entry facilitation means such as a fracture regions configured to, upon impact of the bullet with a target, fracture or deform to expose one or more fluid pathways into the interior cavity and to a forward facing interior surface for initiating expansion of the expanding bullet.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for an air gun includes a housing, a partition, a cap, at least one projectile, and at least one gas flow aperture. The housing defines an interior space. The housing has a rear portion and a forward portion. The partition is disposed in the interior space and engaged with the rear portion. The cap is releasably engaged with the forward portion. The at least one projectile is received in the interior space between the partition and the cap. The at least one gas flow aperture extends through the partition and provides a fluid flow path through which a pressurized gas provided by the air gun enters and pressurizes the interior space to propel the cartridge through a barrel bore of the air gun.

Abstract: A cartridge with an expanding bullet that has advantageous terminal effects over an extended range. The expanding bullet including a bullet body including a metal jacket extending from a tail portion to a nose portion and surrounding an interior solid core and defining a forward opening and interior cavity. A tip has an exterior surface substantially flush with an exterior surface of the metal jacket. The tip has a main portion forward of the opening and a tip retention portion that at least partially fills the interior cavity. In certain embodiments the tip retention portion includes one or more fluid entry facilitation means such as a fracture regions configured to, upon impact of the bullet with a target, fracture or deform to expose one or more fluid pathways into the interior cavity and to a forward facing interior surface for initiating expansion of the expanding bullet.

Abstract: A projectile is improved aerodynamically by cutting grooves having parabolic transitions between the depth of the groove and the bearing surface. An ejectable tip is attached to the leading edge of the projectile to facilitate greater ballistic coefficient during flight and improved expansion upon impact at a soft target.

Abstract: A cartridge casing having an open neck at one axial end and a closed rear portion at the other axial end to form an interior cavity for propellant. A projectile within the open neck to seal the cavity so the bullet is released when the propellant is primed and ignited. The projectile has a proximate end releasably secured within the neck of the casing facing the cavity and exposed to the forces generated by ignited propellant. The remote end of the projectile is formed by a lead core while the proximate end has a transverse surface and is at least partially formed of an amorphous metallic alloy having properties of bulk metallic glass (BMG). Liquid metal alloy can also be used at the interface of a propellant chamber in a bore of a cannon and a cartridge-free projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction method for improved tracer ammunition production. There is provided a method of forming a component for a round, said method comprising the step of causing said component to be drawn through at least one floating die.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a bullet having a first or proximal end, a second or distal end, and a curved circumferential feature formed between the proximal and distal ends of the bullet. The proximal end comprises a large meplat and a circumferential guidance feature. The circumferential guidance feature is configured to be operable with the rib of an ammunition magazine to help prevent binding and allow for normal alignment in the ammunition magazine. As a result, the bullet has more stability within the ammunition magazine, higher potential accuracy, and ability to have longer and heavier projectiles. The bullet further can be cast in a mold to form the bullet with the desired shape, including the circumferential guidance feature formed therein.

Abstract: A bullet has a cylindrical body portion and a conical tip monolithically formed with the body portion. The bullet is hollowed out to form an internal cavity. A sidewall defines the structure of the body portion and the conical tip. Bullet structure provides for a bore size, low weight, high velocity, and low recoil projectile having a full-bore size that does not have to expand to a larger diameter during firing in order to transfer its energy to a larger wound channel. In one embodiment, a plurality of recesses is provided on the body portion and extends through the sidewall. The recesses are disposed circumferentially in the radial direction and are offset longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the bullet. The internal cavity includes a plurality of trusses extending in a radial direction. Instead of or in addition to, the trusses, the wall of the internal cavity may include one or more ridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead-free projectile (5) having improved performance and intended for small-bore weapons, configured so that the quantity of toxic metal particles and gases which is formed by the friction between the projectile (5) and the inner side of the weapon upon firing of the projectile (5) is reduced, at the same time as the performance of the projectile (5) is improved or maintained.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet and high-speed method of manufacturing jacketed bullets are provided. The method includes the steps of providing tubing and inserting a wire into the tubing to form composite tubular stock. The inner surface of the tubing is bonded to the outer surface of the inserted wire to form bonded tubular stock. After the bonding step, an inner diameter of the tubing is substantially equal to the wire diameter such that, when viewed in section, the wire completely fills the tubing. After the bonding step, the bonded tubular stock is cut to form work-pieces of a desired length. The workpieces are then warm or cold forged to form jacketed bullets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile having a cylindrical hole (15) arranged at the nose as seen in the firing direction, said hole (15) extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis (12) of the projectile and a projectile nose (1) being inserted into this hole, wherein the longitudinal axis (12) of the projectile at the same time also forms the longitudinal axis of the projectile nose (1). In order that accelerated expansion of the projectile occurs when the projectile strikes a soft medium, it is proposed according to the invention that an open hollow channel (5) is introduced in the projectile nose (1) coaxially with the longitudinal axis (12), said hollow channel (5) extending from the front end (22) to the rear end (23) of the projectile nose (1), as seen in the firing direction, and a membrane (6) is arranged in the hollow channel (5), said membrane dividing the hollow channel (5) into two hollow-channel portions (5a, 5b).

Abstract: An armor penetrating round includes an elongated core portion (e.g., a hollow tool steel core) defining a front end, an aft end, and a central cavity which extends from the aft end toward the front end. The central cavity has (i) an aft cross-sectional diameter adjacent the aft end and (ii) a front cross-sectional diameter adjacent the front end, the aft cross-sectional diameter being larger than the front cross-sectional diameter. The armor penetrating round further includes a slug portion (e.g., a pre-compacted pellet of powdered metal) which is disposed within the central cavity adjacent the aft end, and an outer jacket (e.g., a copper jacket) which extends around the elongated core portion to operate as an interface between the armor penetrating round and a gun barrel when the armor penetrating round is fired through the gun barrel.

Abstract: A three component bullet with a core retention feature and a method of forming the bullet is described. The bullet can include a jacket surrounding a core and a locking band disposed around a circumference of the jacket and the core. The locking band can be received in a circumferential depression formed in the jacket and the core such as by compressing the core to cause the core and the jacket to expand radially fore and aft of the locking band. The circumferential depression can include shoulders that are in compressive engagement with the locking band to help secure the locking band in place. The circumferential depression can include an inwardly-extending annular band of jacket material which embeds itself into the core material with the result that the core is locked inside the jacket.

Abstract: Ammunition which includes a bullet having an effective caliber that is larger than its nominal caliber, comprised of a bullet body with a longitudinal cavity in the forward end, and one or more bores extending from the cavity to bore openings on the exterior of the bullet. In use, target media is gathered in the cavity and ejected under force through the bore openings, increasing the damage done by the bullet. Optional embodiments include filled, irritant payload, and jacketed embodiments.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet having a penetrator constructed of a hard material in line with a slug having a lower modulus. At least a portion of both the slug and the penetrator are then encased by a metal jacket. A plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially extending flutes are formed along the slug and possibly the penetrator. These flutes receive deformation of the jacket upon firing of the bullet into a rifled gun bore to thereby reduce friction between the bullet and the gun bore during operation.

Abstract: An armor penetrating round includes an elongated core portion (e.g., a hollow tool steel core) defining a front end, an aft end, and a central cavity which extends from the aft end toward the front end. The central cavity has (i) an aft cross-sectional diameter adjacent the aft end and (ii) a front cross-sectional diameter adjacent the front end, the aft cross-sectional diameter being larger than the front cross-sectional diameter. The armor penetrating round further includes a slug portion (e.g., a pre-compacted pellet of powdered metal) which is disposed within the central cavity adjacent the aft end, and an outer jacket (e.g., a copper jacket) which extends around the elongated core portion to operate as an interface between the armor penetrating round and a gun barrel when the armor penetrating round is fired through the gun barrel.

Abstract: Charged projectile assemblies include a housing and an electronic assembly configured to produce an electric field about at least a portion of the housing of the projectile. Cartridge assemblies for use with firearms include charged projectiles. Methods of charging a projectile include forming an electric field about at least a portion of a projectile and extending the electric field at least partially between a forward portion of the projectile and an aft portion of the projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile having a cylindrical hole (15) arranged at the nose as seen in the firing direction, said hole (15) extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis (12) of the projectile and a projectile nose (1) being inserted into this hole, wherein the longitudinal axis (12) of the projectile at the same time also forms the longitudinal axis of the projectile nose (1). In order that accelerated expansion of the projectile occurs when the projectile strikes a soft medium, it is proposed according to the invention that an open hollow channel (5) is introduced in the projectile nose (1) coaxially with the longitudinal axis (12), said hollow channel (5) extending from the front end (22) to the rear end (23) of the projectile nose (1), as seen in the firing direction, and a membrane (6) is arranged in the hollow channel (5), said membrane dividing the hollow channel (5) into two hollow-channel portions (5a, 5b).

Abstract: A three component bullet with an improved core retention feature and a method of manufacturing the bullet is described including a cylindrical jacket having an open end and a closed end containing a malleable metal core which is forced into a forming die having a bottleneck shaped interior resulting in a bottleneck shaped pre-form wherein the outside diameter of the open-ended forward portion of the jacket is smaller than the outside diameter of its closed rearward portion. The open end of the pre-form may be dropped through or forced through a malleable locking band of appropriate height, diameter and wall thickness.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet comprising a dense core of a first material substantially surrounded by and bonded to a jacket of a second material, wherein the thickness of the jacket varies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coating of a surface of a ceramic basic body with a titanium compound, comprising the steps of (i) providing a preformed ceramic material; (ii) at least one step of surface activation of said ceramic material using a plasma for plasma-chemical surface preparation wherein the plasma comprises high-energy ions; (iii) at least one step of applying a titanium compound bonding layer to said ceramic material by plasma-supported coating wherein the plasma-supported coating is performed in pulsed and/or non-pulsed fashion; (iv) at least one step of applying a functional titanium compound layer by pulsed plasma-supported coating. The invention also relates to novel compositions as well as uses of the novel compositions.

Abstract: Ammunition which includes a bullet having an effective caliber that is larger than its nominal caliber, comprised of a bullet body with a longitudinal cavity in the forward end, and one or more bores extending from the cavity to bore openings on the exterior of the bullet. In use, target media is gathered in the cavity and ejected under force through the bore openings, increasing the damage done by the bullet. Optional embodiments include filled, irritant payload, and jacketed embodiments.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet comprising a dense core of a first material substantially surrounded by and bonded to a jacket of a second material, wherein the thickness of the jacket varies.

Abstract: A method and device for fracturing a subterranean formation by projecting a bullet assembly into the formation and then reacting energetic material within the bullet assembly. The bullet assembly can be part of a charge device that is in a perforating gun. A delay fuse can be included so the energetic material reaction begins after the bullet assembly reaches the end of its travel in the formation.

Abstract: A three component bullet with an improved core retention feature and a method of manufacturing the bullet is described including a cylindrical jacket having an open end and a closed end containing a malleable metal core which is forced into a forming die having a bottleneck shaped interior resulting in a bottleneck shaped pre-form wherein the outside diameter of the open-ended forward portion of the jacket is smaller than the outside diameter of its closed rearward portion. The open end of the pre-form may be dropped through or forced through a malleable locking band of appropriate height, diameter and wall thickness.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet comprising a dense core of a first material substantially surrounded by and bonded to a jacket of a second material, wherein the thickness of the jacket varies.

Abstract: A projectile is provided with a projectile tip having enhanced aerodynamic properties to improve accuracy of the projectile. The tip has a body having a base or lower end, an upper end and a curved, side wall between its upper and lower ends that defines an ogive tip length. The tip is received with a projectile jacket and also can have a series of aerodynamic features formed in its body to modify air flow about the body of the projectile in flight.

Abstract: An improved pistol bullet comprises a jacket having a generally cylindrical body portion and a tapering nose portion; a first material disposed in the tapering nose portion of the jacket, and a second material, having a higher density than the first material, disposed in the jacket behind the first material.

Abstract: Ammunition having an integrally formed, polymeric casing is provided. Plastic casings for ammunition may be made using injection molding processes for combat ammunition, target ammunition and blanks. The casings, in one embodiment, include a hollow tubular member with an open end and a closed end having an aperture for a primer cap. The base of the casing includes a conical shape within the tube that narrows toward the base. An annular groove and an annular rim are disposed about an outer periphery of the base. Plastic casings may be utilized for ammunition cartridges used in pistols, rifles and shotguns, and are lighter and less expensive to manufacture than traditional brass casings. Further, the polymeric casings may include any desired colorants to distinguish different calibers of ammunition by color, and the spent casings may be recyclable.

Abstract: A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body.

Abstract: A bullet for use with a small caliber rifle comprises a jacket and a lead core provided within the jacket. The jacket is drawn from a copper alloy material. A bearing surface portion of the jacket has a nominal thickness less than about .010? and the copper alloy material of at least the bearing surface portion of the jacket has a nominal hardness that is substantially greater than an as-drawn hardness of the copper alloy material of the bearing surface portion of the jacket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bullet shell for hunting guns, preferably those having barrels with “rifled choke” rifling. The shell comprises a bullet made of a solid material and a thin-wall plastic envelope. On its surface, the bullet has a trapezoidal groove delimiting nose and heel portions of the bullet. The envelope enclosing the bullet is made of identical longitudinal halves having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface matching with the surface of the bullet. A peripheral flat collar of a width of b and a height of b1=0.5b is provided at the bullet nose portion end surface. The collar passes into a taper boring with an apex angle ?=120±5°, and the envelope protrudes by b2=b1 beyond the plane of the bullet collar. The bullet shell offers improved longitudinal stability when shooting through minor obstacles (bushes, grass) and improved grouping of up to 60 mm at 100 m.

Abstract: A jacketed projectile having one-piece steel core provides good performance regarding chamber pressure, barrel wear and accuracy by separating the jacket from a central tapered portion of the core by providing an encircling air gap that facilitates engraving of the jacket during firing.

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 jacketed bullet comprising a dense core of a first material substantially surrounded by and bonded to a jacket of a second material, wherein the thickness of the jacket varies.

Abstract: Ammunition having an integrally formed, polymeric casing is provided. Plastic casings for ammunition may be made using injection molding processes for combat ammunition, target ammunition and blanks. The casings, in one embodiment, include a hollow tubular member with an open end and a closed end having an aperture for a primer cap. The base of the casing includes a conical shape within the tube that narrows toward the base. An annular groove and an annular rim are disposed about an outer periphery of the base. Plastic casings may be utilized for ammunition cartridges used in pistols, rifles and shotguns, and are lighter and less expensive to manufacture than traditional brass casings. Further, the polymeric casings may include any desired colorants to distinguish different calibers of ammunition by color, and the spent casings may be recyclable.

Abstract: A decelerating apparatus includes a sleeve having a forward end and a rear end. A plurality of helical grooves formed in the sleeve. Each helical groove begins at the forward end of the sleeve and has a depth that decreases from the forward end of the sleeve towards the rear end. The depth of each helical groove at the forward end of the sleeve is large enough so that the helical groove cuts completely through the sleeve at the forward end. The plurality of helical grooves define deformable petals therebetween.

Abstract: A diffusion alloyed iron powder is provided wherein tungsten W is bonded to the surfaces of the particles of an iron or iron-based powder, and wherein the diffusion alloyed iron powder comprises by weight-%: 30-60 W, with the balance being essentially only iron and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bullet shell for hunting guns, preferably those having barrels with “rifled choke” rifling. The shell comprises a bullet made of a solid material and a thin-wall plastic envelope. On its surface, the bullet has a trapezoidal groove delimiting nose and heel portions of the bullet. The envelope enclosing the bullet is made of identical longitudinal halves having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface matching with the surface of the bullet. A peripheral flat collar of a width of b and a height of b1=0.5b is provided at the bullet nose portion end surface. The collar passes into a taper boring with an apex angle ?=120±5°, and the envelope protrudes by b2=b1 beyond the plane of the bullet collar. The bullet shell offers improved longitudinal stability when shooting through minor obstacles (bushes, grass) and improved grouping of up to 60 mm at 100 m.

Abstract: A casing for warhead components, and a warhead including such a casing. The casing includes a laser sintered material. The laser sintered material may include metal powder such as aluminium powder and binder particles. The casing may be include a lacquer coating, and optionally an outer lining. A warhead including the casing.

Abstract: Rifle bullet for hunting purposes, with a jacket of a lead-free soft ductile material and a core, connected to the jacket, made from a material softer than the jacket. The aim of the invention is to improve the bullet to provide a persistent cut of hair and bleeding at the point of entry, mushrooming in a controlled manner with considerable cross-sectional enlargement, whilst only marginally breaking up with a high residual weight (90% and more). The rifle bullet has a thinly-jacketed bullet tip and has a marked sharp edge at the transition point of the jacket on the bullet tip to a substantially thicker-jacketed tail section. The rifle bullet is internally provided with a circumferential channel reducing the wall thickness of the jacket at said point, filled with the core material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun projectile is disclosed which includes an aeroshell having a substantially flat surface extending along the length thereof. The substantially flat surface is configured to increase the lift-to-drag ratio of the projectile during reentry. The projectile also includes an armature integrated into the aeroshell substantially near the center-of-gravity of the projectile, and a plurality of extendable flaps attached to the aeroshell. The flaps are capable of stabilizing the projectile during an unguided portion of its flight and maneuvering the projectile during a guided portion of its flight.

Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a precision-machined outer component having a generally cylindrical body, a tip at the forward end of the body, a base at the rear end of the body, and a precision-machined cavity machined into the outer component. A precision-machined inner component is pressed into the cavity. The outer component includes a homogenous material that is softer than firearm barrel steel. The inner component includes a material having a higher density than the outer component and a higher density than an armor plate, such as solid tungsten, tungsten carbide and potential some Nanotechnology materials such as NanoSteel™. A cap may be attached to the outer component to seal the inner component inside the cavity. The cavity can be machined from the front or rear end of the outer component. The cap fits into the rear of the projectile or may be a bullet tip. The cavity and the inner component may be cylindrical or tapered.

Abstract: This invention relates to ammunition. More specifically, this invention is related to rimfire ammunition cartridges with heeled bullets, such as .22 long rifle ammunition cartridges. The invention extends to a heeled bullet for use in such ammunition.

Abstract: This invention relates to ammunition. More specifically, this invention is related to rimfire ammunition cartridges with heeled bullets, such as 0.22 long rifle ammunition cartridges. The invention extends to a heeled bullet for use in such ammunition.

Abstract: A method for geometrically enhancing of the flight of a projectile fired from a weapon to an intended target, including development of a flat annular face on the outermost end of the ogive portion of the projectile, such flat annular face being oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to, and concentric with, the longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and further including extraction of extraneous material from the meplat cavity of the projectile while establishing at least a void volume within the meplat cavity which is substantially concentric with the longitudinal centerline of the projectile and of substantially uniform size and geometry from projectile to projectile. Geometric alteration of the wall thickness of the flat annular face also may be provided. An enhanced projectile and a round of ammunition are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of an ammunition projectile having enhanced properties relating to delivery of the projectile along its flight path from a weapon to, and upon striking, a target by reason of the formation of a meplat cavity in the leading end thereof which, from projectile to projectile, exhibits a uniform size, uniform geometry and which is free of extraneous material, and which is concentric with the centerline (spin axis) of the projectile. A round of ammunition is disclosed.