Abstract: Disclosed are processes for loading a cartridge such as a shot shell with a shot load and a charge of buffer material. The processes employ a tube that is coaxially aligned with the axis of the cartridge case or shot cup, the tube having an outer diameter that closely fits into the inner diameter of the cartridge case or shot cup. Shot and buffer material are loaded, the leading edge of the tube is inserted to a sufficient depth to cause at least a portion of the shot load and buffer material to rise into the inner volume of the tube, and the tube removed. The insertion-removal cycle effects the efficient mixing of the shot and the buffer material and can be repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: Described are spherical projectiles such as used in birdshot, buckshot, or single ball spherical projectiles, including slugs, muzzle loading projectiles, or any close-to-bore diameter projectile, that is auto-segmenting or self-segmenting upon impact with a target. The projectile or shot disclosed herein retains its shape and structure during flight until impact with soft tissue, whereupon its individual sections separate or segment in a controllable manner, each portion of the projectile imparting or depositing a high amount energy to the tissue and target. The auto-segmenting spherical projectiles can be frangible or non-frangible. This disclosure also provides cartridges such as shotshells that are loaded with the projectiles described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for loading a cartridge such as a shot shell with a shot load and a charge of buffer material. The processes employ a tube that is coaxially aligned with the axis of the cartridge case or shot cup, the tube having an outer diameter that closely fits into the inner diameter of the cartridge case or shot cup. Shot and buffer material are loaded, the leading edge of the tube is inserted to a sufficient depth to cause at least a portion of the shot load and buffer material to rise into the inner volume of the tube, and the tube removed. The insertion-removal cycle effects the efficient mixing of the shot and the buffer material and can be repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: Described are spherical projectiles such as used in birdshot, buckshot, or single ball spherical projectiles, including slugs, muzzle loading projectiles, or any close-to-bore diameter projectile, that is auto-segmenting or self-segmenting upon impact with a target. The projectile or shot disclosed herein retains its shape and structure during flight until impact with soft tissue, whereupon its individual sections separate or segment in a controllable manner, each portion of the projectile imparting or depositing a high amount energy to the tissue and target. The auto-segmenting spherical projectiles can be frangible or non-frangible. This disclosure also provides cartridges such as shotshells that are loaded with the projectiles described herein.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to cartridges for use in projectile-launching devices, such as ammunition cartridges, flare cartridges, and the like, including components of the cartridges, and methods for their manufacture. For example, the cartridges of this disclosure can be ammunition cartridges such as shotshell cartridges, which include an obturating medium which functions to seal the compressed but expanding hot gases and can be used without a pre -formed gas seal.