Abstract: A primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-toxic heavy-metal-free priming mix and a method of forming same, designed especially for industrial shotshells and other shotshells having abnormally heavy charges of propellant in an effort to qualify for heavy duty assignments such as the need to break up cement which has set up within a cement kiln and impedes the operation of the kiln. The mix is characterized by the inclusion of a secondary highly shock-sensitive explosive, PETN, in unusually large amounts such as 13-17% by weight of the mix as well as equally large amounts of powdered aluminum, as a fuel. This combination, supported by potassium nitrate and ferric oxide as primary and secondary oxidizers, respectively, proves to be highly effective. Each of the components, namely DDNP, PETN, tetracene, glass, powdered aluminum, potassium nitrate, ferric oxide, and gum tragacanth is non-toxic and heavy-metal-free.

Abstract: A lead-free, heavy-metal free rim-fire priming composition consisting essentially of diazodinitrophenol (DDNP) as a primary explosive, a low percentage of a secondary sensitization explosive (tetracene), with a high percentage of abrasive (ground glass) and a very low percentage of an effective lead-free, heavy-metal-free oxidizer. A strong binder is added to aid in the installation and retention of the composition within the rim of the casings. A dye is also included for the sole purpose of facilitating visual inspection within the casing after installation of the composition within the rim. The high percentage by weight of the ground glass (46-60%) in combination with DDNP is of principal importance. The preferred mix is comprised of 29.8% of DDNP, 4.0 tetracene, 57.0% ground glass, and 7.5% potassium nitrate with 1.5% gum tragacanth added as a binder and 0.2% Prussian Blue as a dye.

Abstract: A lead-free centerfire primer which, when fired, is devoid of serious toxic effects, and is characterized by the use of 5-20%, by weight, of barium nitrate as its oxidizer, in combination with 24-40% by weight of a primary explosive, 4-10% by weight of a sensitizer, 20-30% by weight of a nitrated ester, 4-10% by weight of an abrasive sensitizer, 4-7% by weight of a fuel, and 0.8-2.0% by weight of a binder.

Abstract: A lead-free rim-fire primer mix which utilizes cupric azide, a highly sensitive chemical, as the primary explosive in lieu of lead styphnate. The cupric azide is mixed with carefully selected proportions of nitrocellulose, tetracene, fine particles of ground glass and a binder, typically gum tragacanth. When mixed in the proper proportions, this mix has the required sensitivity, stability, and non-hygroscopicity for regular commercial rim-fire ammunition. The tetracene is not required as a sensitizer, but is used as an ignition aid. The preferred range of percentages are 10-36% by weight of cupric azide, 5-10% by weight of tetracene, 15-30% by weight of nitrocellulose, 20-50% by weight of glass, and 1-2% by weight of a suitable gum.

Abstract: An improved non-toxic primer which is devoid of metallic oxidizing compounds and of hygroscopic compounds and is comprised of 30-75% by weight of at least two percussion-sensitive compounds selected from a group consisting of a diazo, a triazole, and a tetrazole compound mixed with approximately 10-30% by weight of a suitable propellant, and a frictionator comprised preferably of approximately 12% by weight of calcium silicide and 8% by weight of fine particles of glass. The glass preferably has a particle size of dimensions less than 0.0021". The primer provides improved propellant ignition, non-toxic ignition products, improved ballistic data, and greatly minimizes misfires.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer composition for center-fire cartridges which provides improved ballistic data and is void of metallic oxidizing compounds. It is comprised of a mixture of about 10-30% by weight of nitrocellulose and/or a double based propellant such as Hercules Fines, approximately 30-75% by weight of two percussion-sensitive compounds such as DDNP and tetracene, and approximately 10-30% by weight of calcium silicide. The mixture provides improved propellant ignition and non-toxic ignition products, and minimizes misfires in that it contains no hygroscopic compounds.

Abstract: A single-piece plastic shotshell casing and method of making same comprising softening one end portion only of a tube of uniformly biaxially oriented high density polyethylene sufficiently for forming and until a dollup is formed, then telescoping only a portion of the dollup into the rigid sidewalls of the tube, and then forming the dollup into a substantially thickened integral transverse base section constituting a head with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and the rigid sidewalls terminating a substantial distance inwardly from the outer end of the base section.

Abstract: A single-piece plastic shotshell casing and method of making same comprising softening one end portion only of a tube of uniformly biaxially oriented high density polyethylene sufficiently for forming and until a dollup is formed, then telescoping only a portion of the dollup into the rigid sidewalls of the tube, and then forming the dollup into a substantially thickened integral transverse base section constituting a head with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and the rigid sidewalls terminating a substantial distance inwardly from the outer end of the base section.

Abstract: A single piece plastic shotshell comprising a tube of high density polyethylene which is uniformly biaxially oriented to a substantial degree throughout its length and has side walls of constant internal diameter, thickness, molecular orientation and physical strength, the tube having a substantially thickened integral transverse base section formed of a compressed length of the tube at one of its end portions with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and telescoped within said end portion of the tube. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single piece plastic shotshell comprising a tube of high density polyethylene which is uniformly biaxially oriented to a substantial degree throughout its length and has side walls of constant internal diameter, thickness, molecular orientation and physical strength, the tube having a substantially thickened integral transverse base section formed of a compressed length of the tube at one of its end portions with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and telescoped within said end portion of the tube. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell are also disclosed.