Abstract: In various embodiments, a projectile includes a projectile body including a tail portion, a nose portion, a barrel engaging portion between the nose portion and the tail portion, and a metal jacket that defines an exterior of the projectile that surrounds an interior solid core. In one or more embodiments the projectile includes one or more circumferential grooves defined in the interior core portion, each of the one or more circumferential grooves covered by and positioned adjacent to the metal jacket and within the barrel-engaging portion. In various embodiments, during firing of the projectile, the one or more circumferential grooves define a void that allows material of one or more of the metal jacket and interior solid core to displace into the void for reduction in radial stiffness to the projectile in the barrel engaging portion.

Abstract: A method to form a disposable compressed gas cartridge, wherein the method provides a steel sheet, and using sequentially (N) progressively longer dies forms from the steel sheet a vessel comprising a cylindrical wall, a closed end, and an open end, wherein the cylindrical wall comprises a body diameter, and wherein (N) is greater than equal to 5. The method then heats a first portion of the vessel at an annealing temperature, wherein that first portion includes the open end and a portion of the cylindrical wall adjacent the open end. The method then uses sequentially (M) tubular dies to form a cartridge neck by progressively narrowing the first portion of the vessel from the body diameter at a distal end of the first portion to an open end diameter at the open end to form an empty gas cartridge, wherein the body diameter is greater than a neck diameter.

Abstract: The present invention in some aspects is directed to small arms ammunition and programmed upset characteristics thereof imparted to them using lasers. More particularly, the invention relates to ammunition and methods of making ammunition having predetermined patterns of engraving and/or cutting or hardening and/or annealing imparted into the forward portion using a programming laser system adapted for treating projectiles to effect predetermined and consistent upset configurations. Lasers may be used in forming steps of the bullet core to provide petaling or other performance objectives before or after jacketing or without jacketing.

Abstract: A part of a cover is pressed radially into a circumferential groove contour in a projectile body by a preferably rigid die, which need only be moved axially and which is provided with a special outer contour. An outer contour should be matched to the groove contour or vice versa, so that the material of the cover that is formed radially by the forward-moving die can be pressed into the groove contour of the projectile body, and the cover no longer has any degrees of freedom after the forming, so that it is secured with respect to the tracer or the like. The cover is preferably a cover ring.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a cost effective method of manufacturing bullets or projectiles for use in firearms which are identifiable after firing and undergoing damage from striking targets. The mass production of large quantities of low cost ammunition makes adoption of a requirement that projectiles be so identifiable unlikely unless manufacturing methods and costs are not substantially disrupted. The method envisioned produces projectile bodies from rod or wire stock by parting slugs, piercing recesses, inserting tags and swaging a projectile body with a wholly or partially encased identification with indicia. The stock may be extruded around premade identification tags. The tags may have repeated indicia in each projectile and some indicia may be accessible from the outside of a completed round of ammunition. The swaging process retains the identification tags which are protected by the body of the projectile for recovery after the projectile is used.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a cost effective method of manufacturing bullets or projectiles for firearms which are identifiable after firing and undergoing damage. The mass production of low cost ammunition makes adoption of a requirement that projectiles be so identifiable unlikely unless manufacturing methods and costs are not substantially disrupted. The method envisioned produces projectile bodies from rod or wire stock by encasing identification tag material, and swaging a projectile body with a wholly or partially encased tag with indicia. The stock may be extruded around premade identification tags or a recess may be reverse extruded in each slug. The tags may have repeated indicia in each projectile and some indicia may be accessible from the outside of a completed round of ammunition. The swaging process retains the identification tags which are protected by the body of the projectile for recovery after the projectile is used.

Abstract: A method of making an ammunition article and associated ammunition article is provided. The ammunition article is interchangeable with standard ammunition articles and to operate in standard chambers of standard weapons systems and of the type having a casing including a sidewall that defines a casing volume within. The method includes determining a desired propellant charge volume for a given ammunition article, determining a thickness of the casing sidewall such that the casing volume substantially corresponds to the desired propellant charge volume, and forming the casing having the determined thickness.

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: 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: A three component bullet with an improved core retention feature and a method of manufacturing the bullet includes 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, 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 non-rigid locking band. A relatively tight-fitting punch enters the open end of the pre-form, to radially swell the core and subsequently portions of the jacket fore and aft of the non-rigid locking band, thereby securing the non-rigid locking band in place. An inwardly-extending annular band of jacket material embeds itself into the core material to lock the core inside the jacket.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to reloading kits containing a packaged high-density metal-filled polymer composition that is moldable and used in producing lead-free or “green” bullets for individual firearms. Such kits and compositions may be used by individuals in their reloading process.

Abstract: A low-cost, reduced friction expanding bullet with an improved core retention feature and a method of manufacturing the bullet is described wherein a cylindrical jacket containing a compacted malleable metal core having an open end and a closed end 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 and wherein a transition shoulder separates the two diameters. The pre-form is then placed in a profile die wherein a base punch exerts an axial force against said pre-form which axially collapses a portion of the jacket wall forward of the transition shoulder subsequently forcing said portion of the jacket wall radially inwardly providing a reduction in bearing surface and forming an internal core-locking radius while at the same time forming an ogival bullet nose.

Abstract: Firearm projectiles and methods of manufacturing firearm projectiles from a supply of clad wire. In some embodiments, the clad wire is manufactured as electrical wire, such as copper-clad steel wire. Bullets and shot, as well as methods of forming bullets and shot, from clad wire are disclosed.

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 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 part of a cover is pressed radially into a circumferential groove contour in a projectile body by a preferably rigid die, which need only be moved axially and which is provided with a special outer contour. An outer contour should be matched to the groove contour or vice versa, so that the material of the cover that is formed radially by the forward-moving die can be pressed into the groove contour of the projectile body, and the cover no longer has any degrees of freedom after the forming, so that it is secured with respect to the tracer or the like. The cover is preferably a cover ring.

Abstract: A non-white dry marking projectile having a pigment charge containing tinted titanium dioxide and powdered pigment and process for production thereof is disclosed.

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: A bullet includes at least a mid core and a rear core in tandem alignment. The hardness of the mid core is greater than the hardness of the rear core. A jacket envelops both the mid core and the rear core. The jacket has a generally cylindrical sidewall, which is in contact with the mid core, and a boat-tail, which is in contact with the rear core. The rear core is substantially contained within the boat-tail. The mid core and the rear core may be substantially lead-free. In one embodiment, the bullet includes a front core in tandem alignment with the rear core and in contact with a nose portion of the jacket. In another embodiment, the mid core extends from the nose portion of the bullet to the boat-tail.

Abstract: A bullet includes at least a mid core and a rear core in tandem alignment. The hardness of the mid core is greater than the hardness of the rear core. A jacket envelops both the mid core and the rear core. The jacket has a generally cylindrical sidewall, which is in contact with the mid core, and a boat-tail, which is in contact with the rear core. The rear core is substantially contained within the boat-tail. The mid core and the rear core may be substantially lead-free. In one embodiment, the bullet includes a front core in tandem alignment with the rear core and in contact with a nose portion of the jacket. In another embodiment, the mid core extends from the nose portion of the bullet to the boat-tail.

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 frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for manufacturing ammunition labeled with a sequence of characters which allows identification multiple data items, being said sequence of characters (1) laser-engraved, in one or more components of said ammunition, affording positive identification upon retrieval of an engraved component of said ammunition, even if it is already spent.

Abstract: A method of making a projectile, and the resulting projectile, comprising providing a nose, providing a body, and incorporating within the body incendiary materials mixed into a metal binder, the metal binder comprising a metal or non-steel alloy of density greater than approximately 5 g/cm3 and a melting point of less than approximately 395 degrees C.

Abstract: Bullets, including lead-free bullets with frangible cores, are described herein. In some embodiments, a bullet includes a jacket having an inner surface defining a cavity having an open end and a closed end. The bullet also includes a lead-free core positioned within the cavity and extending from the closed end to a first intermediate portion of the cavity. The core includes a plurality of particles that are compacted within the cavity to form the core. The bullet also includes a seal positioned within the cavity and extending from the first intermediate portion to a second intermediate portion of the cavity. The seal abuts the inner surface of the jacket, thereby substantially sealing off the core within the cavity. The bullet may also include a polymeric tip having a forward portion projecting forward from the open end and a rearward portion extending rearward into the cavity.

Abstract: A projectile core is provided formed from a carrier and a colorant. The carrier and colorant are mixed into a core mixture, which is formed into a predetermined core shape. The core mixture is cured until substantially firm, such as by drying, heating or freezing. An outer layer may be formed adjacent the surface of the projectile core by heating. An outer coating may also be applied to the projectile core. A method of forming a projectile core comprises: (a) mixing a carrier and a colorant to form a core mixture; (b) forming the core mixture into a predetermined core shape; and, (c) curing the core mixture until a substantially firm projectile core is formed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to gas-tightly join a jacket to a core of a hard core jacketed bullet comprising an illuminant composition in the area of the hole of the bore in the core to accommodate the illuminant composition. Said aim is achieved by pressing the material (15) of the bottom (11) of the jacket (4), which is displaced when the hole (10) is formed, against the wall of the hole by means of a reshaping process in the area of the hole (10).

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, where substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload, where the slug container is configured to retain a solidified frangible payload as the frangible slug until impact with a solid object.

Abstract: A jacketed bullet has a core of a dense metal or metal alloy, an inner jacket at least partially surrounding and bonded to the core; and an outer jacket at least partially surrounding the inner jacket and core.

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: A pellet for a sporting rifle or a sporting gun includes a body and a tip that are joined together. A lower portion of the body includes a first internal cavity, and a head of the body includes a second internal cavity. The tip includes an upper part ending in at least one vertex and a lower part, the upper and lower parts being joined at their bases. The lower part of the tip is received in the second internal cavity. A portion of the head may be crimped around the tip to hold the tip inside the second internal cavity of the body. An outer hoop may be formed on the tip, and the portion of the head that is crimped may be crimped above the hoop to securely hold the tip in the body.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production of a jacketed penetrator having a tungsten, tungsten alloy or depleted uranium core and a metallic jacket, which process comprises placing the core inside the jacket and explosively welding the jacket on the core.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to gas-tightly join a jacket to a core of a hard core jacketed bullet comprising an illuminant composition in the area of the hole of the bore in the core to accommodate the illuminant composition. Said aim is achieved by pressing the material (15) of the bottom (11) of the jacket (4), which is displaced when the hole (10) is formed, against the wall of the hole by means of a reshaping process in the area of the hole (10).

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.

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.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass., such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A powder-based core having an outboard end, for a gun ammunition projectile, comprising a compressed quantity of a first powdered metal having a first melting point and a first density, and a second powdered metal having a melting point lower than the melting point of said first metal and a second density which is less than the density of said first metal, and a quantity of said second metal in solid form integrally formed with said outboard end of said core. A projectile formed from the core is disclosed.

Abstract: A plated hallow point bullet has a metallic plating which completely encapsulates a metallic core. A core precursor is formed having a nose compartment. A metallic coating is applied to the precursor to completely encapsulate the precursor. The coated precursor is mechanically deformed without breaching the coating.

Abstract: A shot pellet that, has an inner core of a material such tungsten carbide, that is coated with a layer of bismuth. This coating is molecularly bonded to the tungsten carbide and is not an alloy. The unique properties of the shot pellet allow its density to be tailored. Under this process, the effective density of the pellet can be made to be identical to lead for direct replacement in current lead loading formulations. Additionally, the density can be made to be lower than lead for shotguns requiring low barrel pressures, or higher than lead for enhanced energy transfer while maintaining the other advantages of the instant invention.

Abstract: A powder-based projectile useful in the manufacture of gun ammunition comprising a jacket having an inner volume which is tapered from a maximum diameter adjacent the open end of the jacket to a minimum diameter adjacent the closed end of the jacket and a core formed outside the jacket and having a complementary tapered geometry with respect to the inner volume of the jacket. Projections from the outer surface of the core are embedded within the inner wall of the jacket to enhance the spin stability of the jacket/core combination and to enhance the frangibility of the projectile upon it striking a target. A method for the manufacture of the projectile is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ammunition article, includes forming a projectile of an ammunition article at a first station of an apparatus, transporting the projectile within the apparatus to a second station of the apparatus, and injection molding at the second station a cartridge casing body of the ammunition article around at least a portion of the projectile. An apparatus for making an ammunition articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shot pellet that, has an inner core of a material such tungsten carbide, that is coated with a layer of bismuth. This coating is molecularly bonded to the tungsten carbide and is not an alloy. The unique properties of the shot pellet allow its density to be tailored. Under this process, the effective density of the pellet can be made to be identical to lead for direct replacement in current lead loading formulations. Additionally, the density can be made to be lower than lead for shotguns requiring low barrel pressures, or higher than lead for enhanced energy transfer while maintaining the other advantages of the instant invention.

Abstract: A shot pellet that, has an inner core of a material such tungsten carbide, that is coated with a layer of bismuth. This coating is molecularly bonded to the tungsten carbide and is not an alloy. The unique properties of the shot pellet allow its density to be tailored. Under this process, the effective density of the pellet can be made to be identical to lead for direct replacement in current lead loading formulations. Additionally, the density can be made to be lower than lead for shotguns requiring low barrel pressures, or higher than lead for enhanced energy transfer while maintaining the other advantages of the instant invention.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core 96 formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket 10. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end 14 and a closed end 16. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface 20 of the closed end 16 of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern of indentions 22 which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.

Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.

Abstract: A method of forming a gun ammunition projectile 52 including a leading end defined by an ogive 53 including the steps of admixing a quantity of a first powdered metal having a first melting point and a first density, with a quantity of a second powdered metal having a second, and lower, melting point and a second, and lesser, density, pressing a quantity of the admixed metal powders into a self-supporting compact having at least an outboard end disposing the compact in a cup-shaped jacket, heating the compact in the jacket, in a vertical attitude, to a temperature of at least the melting point of the second metal but less than the melting point of the first metal, for a time sufficient to result in a liquefied portion of the second metal migrating to and accumulating at the one outboard end of the compact.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core 96 formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket 10. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end 14 and a closed end 16. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface 20 of the closed end 16 of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern of indentions 22 which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a soft point bullet and the bullet resulting there from. The method comprises forming a bullet core of a first material plated with a second material; providing a cavity in one end of the plated core of preferably polygonal shape and positioning a shaped blank of plating material into the cavity; and forming the core into the final bullet size and shape by extruding the core into the cavity to form the bullet nose and encapsulate the shaped blank within the bullet.