Abstract: A training ammunition cartridge comprises a projectile and a cartridge case with a pyrotechnic propellant. The projectile has a projectile body with at least one compartment therein forming a void and containing a material that transitions from a solid to a liquid after set-back and after exiting from a barrel of a gun. The void is of such configuration as to cause the liquid material therein to induce forces and moments that, after a period of stable ballistic flight, destabilize the projectile and shorten its flight. Alternatively, the projectile void contains a solid mass that is released to shift its position after set-back and after the projectile exits from the barrel of the gun, wherein the void is of such configuration as to cause the mass, upon shifting, to induce forces and moments that, after a period of stable ballistic flight, destabilize the projectile and shorten its flight.

Abstract: A training ammunition cartridge comprises a projectile and a cartridge case with a pyrotechnic propellant. The projectile has a projectile body with at least one compartment therein forming a void and containing a material that transitions from a solid to a liquid after set-back and after exiting from a barrel of a gun. The void is of such configuration as to cause the liquid material therein to induce forces and moments that, after a period of stable ballistic flight, destabilize the projectile and shorten its flight. Alternatively, the projectile void contains a solid mass that is released to shift its position after set-back and after the projectile exits from the barrel of the gun, wherein the void is of such configuration as to cause the mass, upon shifting, to induce forces and moments that, after a period of stable ballistic flight, destabilize the projectile and shorten its flight.

Abstract: A training ammunition projectile has a solid chemical component disposed in a base compartment that produces a gaseous visible plume after impact. The ammunition cartridge generates kinetic energy while propelling the projectile through a weapon barrel. This firing process imparts heat into a projectiles driving band. When the projectile is in flight, heat passes from the projectile's driving band into a compartment in the projectile housing the chemical component. When the component is exposed to increasing heat and low pressure, the it undergoes rapid sublimation. The projectile is configured with a vent opening in its base for emergence of the gaseous plume during flight. The opening is preferably capped to allow for stable storage and to prevent any gas from escaping until the projectile is fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to bullets having increased frangibility (or which can be easily fragmented) and to materials and processes for the manufacture of such bullets. The bullets of the present invention are typically made from copper or copper alloy powders (including brass, bronze and dispersion strengthened copper) which are pressed and then sintered under conditions so as to obtain bullets with the desired level of frangibility. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the bullets also contain several additives that increase or decrease their frangibility.