Abstract: A nipple for use in firearms employing percussion caps. The nipple includes an elongate body adapted at one end to receive a percussion cap, and adapted at its opposite end threadably to engage the ignition chamber housing of a firearm. A passage extending axially through the nipple includes a cylindrical primary section communicating with the cap-receiving end of the nipple, and a cylindrical constriction section communicating with the opposite end of the nipple body. These two sections intersect planar end faces of the nipple body substantially normal thereto. A cone-shaped section interconnecting the primary and constriction sections is dimensioned to have a greater volume and a lesser axial dimension than the constriction section.

Abstract: A detonator having an open-ended metal jacket containing a small explosive charge remotely ignited through a pair of wires extending through one end of the jacket. The explosive charge projects toward one end of the jacket thereby forming an air gap between the explosive charge and the jacket. The air gap absorbs and attenuates the explosive shock so that relatively thin jacket walls are of sufficient strength to withstand detonation of the explosive charge, thereby making the detonator incapable of causing bodily injury. The detonator can be used to ignite a detonating cord by inserting the cord through the open end of the jacket into a jacket cavity until the explosive core of the cord contacts the projecting charge with the casing of the cord occupying the air gap to enclose the explosive charge.

Abstract: Gas-forming deflagrating compositions which produce relatively low peak pressures and impart high velocity to projectiles are formed by incorporation of from about 1 to about 25 percent of water in an oxidizer-fuel mixture.