CHANNEL-FORMING PROPELLANT COMPRESSION DIE AND METHOD

Abstract

One possible embodiment of the invention is a channel-forming propellant compression die generally comprising a die body having a cylindrical body that forms a centerline longitudinal body channel that continuously connects two open body ends; a compression plug that has a plug body forming a double open-ended plug channel, the compression plug adjustably connects to the centerline longitudinal body channel; a channel-forming plunger that movably located within the double open-ended plug channel; a spring that contacts one end of the channel-forming plunger, and a compression cap that removably attaches to unattached open plug end of the compression plug to adjust the tension of the spring acting upon the channel forming plunger.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may relate to firearm propellant compression dies that are used to compress a charge of firearm propellant within a firearm ammunition cartridge case. More particularity to those compression dies that can be used to further create a channel within the compressed propellant charge.

BACKGROUND

Within the field of firearm ammunition loading and reloading, there is generally a need to compress a charge of propellant, such as black powder or gunpowder (or a black powder substitute), as the propellant charge is initially placed within the metallic cartridge case. This compression generally increases the accuracy of the firearm operation (e.g., the predictability of the bullet's placement upon a selected target.) This propellant compression effect substantially originates in pre-metallic cartridge black powder firearms (e.g., such as flintlock, wheel lock, match lock, cap-and-ball firearms) when was found that the black powder load within the firearm should be compressed (e.g., by pressing the bullet or the bullet and patch combination against the propellant charge in the firearm) to substantially eliminate unwanted and dangerous spacing between propellant charge and bullet within the firearm chamber. Such unwanted spacing could otherwise could provide unwanted pressure gains within a loaded firearm chamber during ignition of the propellant charge or load resulting in a possible catastrophic, and sometimes deadly, structural failure of the firearm. This could be especially true for cap and ball revolvers wherein the walls of the cylinder chamber use to contain the propellant charge and bullet ball are much thinner than those of a rifle/musket. It was also further found that such propellant compression in metallic cartridges (by the use of black powder compression dies in ammunition loading) resulting in more uniform combustion of the propellant thus allowing the bullet to repeatedly hit a desired target in a more consistent and predictable manner.

Although the black powder/black powder compatible/substitute propellant metallic cartridge-based firearms have as a technology been substantially superseded by smokeless (e.g., nitrocellulose based) propellant metallic cartridge-based firearms, there may be seen a strong and increasing interest in black powder/gunpowder loaded metallic cartridge-based firearms. This interest is further accompanied by a drive by enthusiasts in the black powder firearm field to generally try increase the long range accuracy of such firearms, especially those used in competitions. While this need for increased distance and accuracy in black powder shooting may be assisted by the use of black powder compression dies, shooting enthusiasts continue to seek out new apparatuses and methods to further obtain these goals.

One possible means to this goal and others in the firearms field could be a channel-forming propellant compression die that provides a longitudinal centerline ignition channel within the propellant charge of a metallic ammunition cartridge as the propellant charge is substantially being compressed into place. Such a centerline longitudinal ignition channel could generally continuously connect to and generally open out upon the base of the cartridge case at the back opening of the primer pocket so that generally upon the primer activation (e.g., the primer being struck by a striker or firing pin) a resulting primer flash could be directed along a length of the ignition channel. In this manner, the directed primer flash, instead of just igniting the base of the compressed propellant, could be exposed to an internal length of the compressed propellant charge, leading to a more controlled and repeatedly uniform ignition of the propellant charge to substantially result in more consistent and predicable bullet-to-target delivery results.

Such a channel-forming propellant compression die could comprise a die body, a compression plug, a channel-forming plunger, a coil spring and a compression cap. A standard die-locking ring could be adjustably affixed to a threaded exterior of the die body to help set and maintain the die body's position within an ammunition reloading press frame or other suitable type of machinery. The die body could form a double open-ended central longitudinal body channel that may have a threaded end. This threaded die body end may adjustably and removably receive the compression plug. The compression plug similarly could form a double-opened plug channel that may be removably received and could be captively held the channel-forming plunger. The spring may further bias the channel-forming plunger to move in one direction in the plug channel so that a portion of the channel-forming plunger could move and extend out of the plug body (and in some instances generally extend out of the die body.) The compression cap substantially holds the coil spring and channel-forming plunger within plug body. By changing the insertion placement of the compression cap relative to the compression plug, spring's compression and resulting bias upon channel-forming plunger may be adjusted. By changing the relation of the compression plug to die body, the overall movement of the plunger relative to the die body may also be adjusted. It should be further noted that the invention could also be used with non-black powder types of propellants to form channels in compressed non-black powder propellant charges in suitably formed rounds of firearm ammunition.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

to provide a compression die with an ignition channel-forming capability relative to the propellant charge placed with an ammunition cartridge;

the ability to form an ignition channel within a propellant charge of a metallic ammunition cartridge that will direct a primer flash to the propellant charge with greater ignition efficiency and greater firearm shooting accuracy;

provide a round of ammunition that has a more consistent ignition of its propellant charge;

the ability to compress a propellant charge of a metallic cartridge around a plunger to form an ignition channel within the propellant charge;

provide a round of ammunition with a centerline longitudinal ignition channel within its propellant charge;

the ability to provide more uninform ignition of an ammunition propellant charge of a metallic cartridge by directing a primer flash through an ignition channel formed within a propellant charge;

provide a round of ammunition having a firearm ammunition propellant charge with an ignition channel that has a better propellant ignition and burn than that of a similar round of ammunition lacking an ignition channel in its propellant charge;

the ability to provide a round of ammunition with greater range capability without increasing the size of the propellant charge;

to provide an ignition channel-forming compression die that can be used with a wide variety of firearm ammunition propellants; and

the ability to develop new types of ammunition rounds having a propellant charge with one or more ignition channel with more efficient ignition and burn of the propellant generally allowing lighter and smaller ammunition rounds having the similar performance to larger ammunition rounds lacking such propellant ignition channels.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention

One possible embodiment could be a channel-forming propellant compression die comprising a die body having that forms a centerline longitudinal body channel that connects two open body ends; a compression plug that has plug body forming a double open-ended plug channel, the compression plug forming a double open-ended plug channel, the compression plug attaching to the body channel, a channel-forming plunger that moves within the double open-ended plug channel; a coil spring that contacts one end of the channel-forming plunger to basis a portion of the channel-forming plunger to extend out of the plug channel, and an compression cap that removably attaches to the compression plug to adjust a biasing tension of the coil spring upon the channel-forming plunger.

Another possible embodiment could be a method of operating a channel-forming propellant compression die comprising the following steps: providing propellant channel-forming compression die having a die bodying containing a compression plug having a plug channel through which a channel-forming plunger can move, a spring that biases a portion for channel-forming plunger to extend out the plug channel; providing an ammunition loading press that can move a cartridge case relative to a die as held by the ammunition loading press; providing a cartridge case containing a propellant charge; attaching the metallic cartridge containing the propellant charge and the propellant channel-forming compression die to the ammunition loading press; moving the cartridge case containing the propellant charge into the channel-forming propellant compression die to move the channel-forming plunger into the propellant charge; and compressing the propellant charge around the channel-forming plunger to form an ignition channel.

Still yet another possible embodiment could be a combination of an ammunition loading press and a channel-forming propellant compression die comprising the propellant channel-forming compression die comprising a die body; a channel-forming plunger, a coil spring and an compression cap, the die body forms a double open-ended centerline longitudinal body channel that holds the compression plug, the compression plug forms a double open-ended plug channel that receives the channel-forming plunger, the coil spring biases the movement of the channel-forming plunger in one direction, the compression cap keeps the spring and the channel-forming plunger captive relative to the compression plug; and the ammunition loading press having a frame whose top adjustably supports the propellant channel-forming compression die, the bottom of the frame having a plunger movably traversing the bottom, one end of the plunger connecting to a lever, and a link movably attaches the lever to the frame, the plunger capable of moving at least a firearm cartridge case relative to the channel-forming propellant compression die.

Yet still a further embodiment could a firearm ammunition comprising of a metallic cartridge case, a primer, a compressed propellant charge, and a bullet, the cartridge case has an open end leading to a hollow interior generally sealed by an enclosed end. The enclosed end further features a primer pocket that continuously connects to the hollow interior, the primer is located within the primer pocket to generally seal the enclosed end; the hollow interior contains a propellant that is compressed to form an ignition channel that generally continuously connects to the primer pocket with a projectile or projectiles generally sealing off the open end.

Still yet a further embodiment could be a method of operating a firearm ammunition comprising of the following steps: providing a firearm capable of shooting cartridge ammunition; providing at least one round of cartridge ammunition having a cartridge case holding a compressed propellant charge that forms a longitudinal centerline ignition channel, a primer and a bullet being fitted to the cartridge case to generally seal the compressed charge within the cartridge case; loading the one round of cartridge ammunition into the firearm; activating the firearm to detonate the primer; and causing the resulting flash from the detonated primer to feed into the longitudinal centerline ignition channel to ignite the propellant charge to propel the one or more projectiles out of the firearm.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially showing a perspective, disassembled cutaway view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is substantially showing another perspective, disassembled view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially showing a perspective assembled cutaway view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is substantially showing various views of one embodiment of the compression plug of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is substantially showing various views of one embodiment of the channel-forming plunger of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is substantially showing views of one embodiment of the compression cap of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a substantially showing an elevation cutaway view of the invention as attached to an ammunition reloading press.

FIG. 3A is a substantially showing an elevation cutaway view of the invention attached to an ammunition reloading press as the ignition channel is being initially formed.

FIG. 3B is a substantially showing an elevation cutaway view of the invention attached to an ammunition reloading press as the propellant is being compressed around channel-forming plunger.

FIG. 3C is a substantially showing an elevation cutaway view of the invention attached to an ammunition reloading press wherein the cartridge case with compressed propellant charge with formed ignition channel is being withdrawn from the channel-forming propellant compression die.

FIG. 4 is substantially showing a flow chart schematic for one possible method of use for the invention.

FIG. 5 is substantially showing a perspective cutaway of one embodiment of a round of ammunition with its compressed black powder propellant charge having an ignition channel.

FIG. 5A is substantially shown is substantially showing a perspective cutaway of one embodiment for a round of ammunition with its propellant charge of non-black powder type propellant having an ignition channel.

FIG. 6 is substantially showing a perspective cutaway of another embodiment of a round of ammunition with its black powder type propellant charge having an ignition channel filled with smokeless powder propellant.

FIG. 7 is substantially showing a perspective cutaway of one embodiment for a round of ammunition with its propellant charge having an ignition channel with the primer flash following the ignition channel.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention 10 could comprise a channel-forming propellant compression die 20; a method for its use 100; an ammunition round 300 whose propellant 312 has at least one formed ignition channel 316 and a method of igniting a firearm ammunition propellant 312 with an ignition channel 316 in a round of ammunition 300. The channel-forming propellant compression die 20 could be used to form firearm ammunition 300 utilizing black powder or black powder substitute or equivalent propellants 12. However, the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 could also be used with a firearm cartridge or be used to form a round of firearm ammunition utilizing various other types of firearm propellants. The channel-forming propellant compression die 20 could be used with smokeless powders, combinations of smokeless and black powder, and other firearm propellant and other firearm propellant combinations to make firearm ammunition and still be considered within the preview of the invention 10.

As generally shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2, the propellant channel-forming compression die 20 could comprise a die body 22, a locking ring 24, a compression plug 26, a channel-forming plunger 28; a coil spring 30, and an compression cap 32. As substantially shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2, the die body 22 could be cylindrical to generally form a centerline longitudinal body channel 34 that connects a first open body end 36 and second open body end 38. The die body 22 could further have an external threaded portion 40 proximate to first open body end 36. The external threaded portion 40 could removably accommodated standard size locking rings 24 generally used for ammunition reloading dies. The external threaded portion 38 could also be removably received through the top 202 of an ammunition loading press frame 204 through of a standard threaded die aperture 206 (substantially shown in FIG. 3.) The locking ring 24 when used on the die body 22 (e.g., moved along the length of the external threaded portion 28) could fix or lock an operator-adjusted insertion depth of the die body 22 within the ammunition loading press frame 202 (substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C.) The locking ring 24 could be used to set the initial operational parameters of the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 relative to the cartridge case 302 (as substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C,) being worked upon by the channel-forming propellant compression die 20. A portion of the centerline longitudinal body channel 34 proximate to the second body open end 38 could be threaded to substantially allow the removable and adjustable attachment of the compression plug 26 to the die body 22.

As substantially shown in FIG. 2A, the compression plug 26 could have a generally cylindrical plug body 42 forming a double open-ended plug channel 44 continuously connecting a first open plug end 46 with a second open plug end 48. The plug body 42 could be further threaded on plug body exterior 43 proximate to the first open plug end 46 in a manner that generally allows the first open plug end 46 to be substantially inserted into the second body end 38 to generally allow the compression plug 26 to be removably inserted and adjustable attached to the die body 22. How far the compression plug 26 is set within the die body 22 could also be used to control how deep the first open plug end 46 will penetrate within cartridge case (e.g., this adjustment may allow for accommodation differing amounts [e.g., loads] of propellant charge 312 that are to be compressed-substantially shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C.) This setting could also be used control the protrusion and movement of the channel forming plunger 22 relative to the die body 22.) The second open plug end 48 could feature a knurled cap 52 that substantially allow the operator (not shown) to manipulate (e.g., thread) a depth of the compression plug 26 within the die body 22.

The plug channel's dimensions could allow for the first open plug end's circumference could be smaller than the second open plug's circumference so as to form a shoulder 50 within the plug channel 44. The plug channel 44 could be threaded proximate to the second open plug end 48 to allow the compression cap 32 to be removably inserted and adjustably attached to the plug body 42 and to generally seal the second plug end 48. The compression cap 32 could be used to generally hold the spring 30 and at least a portion of the channel-forming plunger 28 generally captive within the plug channel 44.

As substantially shown in FIG. 2B, the channel-forming plunger 28 could be a rod 54 with a disk end 56. The rod 54 could have a rod circumference that closely matches the circumference of the first open plug end 46 plug channel while disk end's circumference could closely match the larger second open plug end's circumference to allow the channel-forming plunger 28 to be movably received within the plug channel 42 in a manner that allows a portion of the rod 54 to movable protrude out of the first open plug end (e.g., and out of first body open end 36.) The disk end 56 may come to a rest upon the shoulder 50 to substantially prevent the channel-forming plunger 28 from totally leaving the plug body 42 through the first open plug end 46. The coil spring 30 (generally shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2) may also received through the second open plug end 48 to generally be held captive within the plug channel 44 as held between the disk end 56 and the compression cap 32 in a generally compressed manner to substantially bias the channel-forming plunger 28 towards the first open body end 36.

As substantially shown in FIG. 2C, the compression cap 32 could generally have a cylindrical shape with large cap end 58 being generally larger than the small cap end 60. The small cap end 60 could be suitably threaded to substantially allow the threaded end to removably engage the threaded portion of the plug channel 44 through the second open plug end 48. The larger cap end 58 could be knurled to allow easier operator manipulation (e.g., threading) of the compression cap 32. The depth at which the compression cap 32 is inserted within the plug channel 44 could be used to set the coil spring 30 compression and the resulting intensity of the coil spring's bias against the channel-forming plunger 28. This adjustment could possibly control how much force is exerted by the channel forming plunger 28 into the propellant 312 to form the ignition channel 316 (generally shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2.)

As substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 4, one possible process or method of operating the channel-forming propellant compression die 100 could start with the step 102, attaching the die wherein the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 could be attached to the top 204 of the frame 202 of an ammunition loading press 200. The depth of the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 passing into the top 204 of the frame 202 could be controlled by the locking ring 24. The compression cap's placement within the die body channel 34 can be adjusted for various propellant loadings (substantially shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) that can be contained within the cartridge case 302. The placement of the compression cap 32 within the compression plug's second plug end 48 could also be used to adjust the coil spring's tension/bias upon the channel-forming plunger 28. As this step is completed, the process 100 could proceed to step 104, operating the press.

In step 104, operation of the press, the cartridge case 302 containing measured of propellant charge 312 (e.g., a loosely placed) could be attached to a top of a plunger 208 traversing the bottom 210 of the frame 202. One end of the press's lever 212 is moved down (being attached by a link 214 to the frame 202 and attached by its other end to the bottom of the plunger 208) moving the plunger 208 along with the cartridge case 302 up towards the channel-forming propellant compression die 20. As the open end 304 of the cartridge case 302 is received within the first open body end 36 of the channel-forming propellant compression die 22, a portion of the rod 54 moves into the cartridge case 302 through the open end 304. As this step is substantially completed, the process 100 could proceed towards step 106, inserting the rod into the propellant charge.

In step 106, inserting the rod into the propellant charge, as the cartridge case 302 is further received within the channel-forming propellant compression die 20, the rod 54 makes contact with the propellant charge 312. If the propellant charge 312 poses resistance to the rod 54 movement, the coil spring bias may further assist the propulsion of the rod 54 through the propellant charge 312. As the rod 54 hits the base of the cartridge case 302 after penetrating propellant charge 312 and initially forming the ignition channel 316 (as the cartridge case 302 moves further into the die), the base of the cartridge may move the rod back into the compression plug against the bias of the coil spring. As step 106 is substantially completed, the process 100 may proceed onto step 108, compressing the charge.

In step 108, compressing the charge, as the cartridge case 302 continues to be further driven into the channel-forming propellant compression die 20, the first plug end 46 of the compression plug makes contact with the top of the propellant or powder charge 312. As the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 begins to compact the propellant charge 312, the propellant charge 312 compresses around the rod 54 to substantially form the centerline longitudinal ignition channel 316. When the movement of the lever 212 cannot move the cartridge case 302 any further into the channel-forming propellant compression die 20, then based on initial adjustments made to the channel-forming propellant compression die 20 when placed on the frame 202 by the operator, the compression of the propellant charge 312 within the cartridge case 302 can be considered completed. As step 106 is substantially completed, the process 100 could proceed to step 110, withdrawing the cartridge.

In step 110, withdrawing the cartridge, the lever 212 can be moved in the opposite direction to move the plunger 208/cartridge case 302 down and away from the channel-forming propellant compression die 20. As the rod 54 is removed from the now compressed propellant charge 302, the formed ignition channel 316 is exposed as the channel forming plunger 28 is removed from the compressed charge 312. If additional compressed, channel formed propellant cartridge cases are desired, the process 100, can proceed back to step 104.

If additional compressed, formed channel propellant-filled rounds of firearm ammunition are not desired at this time, the propellant channel-forming compression die 20 could be changed out for other ammunition loading dies (e.g., bullet-seating die, bullet-crimping die, and the like) (not shown) to further complete the assembly of the round of firearm ammunition 300 as is readily known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

As substantially shown in FIG. 5, the finish round of ammunition 300 could comprise a cartridge case 302 of a cylindrical body denoting a hollow interior 306. An open end 304 of the cartridge case 302 could generally connect the hollow interior 306 to the case's exterior. The enclosed end 305 may generally enclose that end of the cylindrical body with the exception of an open ignition (e.g., primer) pocket 308 that through a pocket opening 309 may otherwise also continuously connects the hollow interior to the case's exterior. A propellant igniter means 310 for igniting the propellant (e.g., a primer or other suitable device) may be placed and be held by the open ignition pocket 308 to generally seal the enclosed end 305. The hollow interior 306 may contain a propellant charge 312 (e.g., black powder) that has a double open ended ignition channel 316 that generally continuously a first channel open end 317 to a second channel open end 319. The first channel open end 317 could open upon and connect to the open ignition pocket 308.

As substantially shown in FIG. 5A, a round of firearm ammunition 300 could comprise a non-black powder propellant charge 318 that is compressed to form an double open ended ignition channel 316 generally continuously connecting a first channel open end 317 and a second channel open end 319. The first channel open end 317 is generally located to substantially open up upon the primer pocket 308 so that an ignition flame or other such ignition means could be generally directed from the primer pocket into the ignition channel. In one version, the second channel open end 219 could open up upon and be enclosed by the base of the bullet 314. In another version, the second channel open end(s) 319 could open up upon and not be sealed by the base of the bullet 314. That could provide an area that allows for a flashover from the ignition (e.g., primer) flash 322 to occur the top of the propellant charge (e.g., a propellant charge end that is distal or opposite from a propellant charge end proximate to the primer pocket) thereby further altering the ignition pattern for the propellant of the round of ammunition as desired. In firearm ammunition embodiments using multiple ignition channels, such bullet spacing could provide for the continuously connection of the second channel open ends 319 whereby flashovers from the ignition flash 322 from the connected second channel open ends 319 could ensure more reliable and sometimes faster propellant ignition.

As substantially shown in FIG. 6, one possible other ammunition embodiment of the invention 10 could be a mixed composition charge round of ammunition 300 having black powder or black powder substitute formulation (e.g., Hodgdon's Pyrodex) compressed with its ignition channel 316 filled with non-black powder type propellant 318. Under very controlled and very limited circumstances with very experienced, knowledgeable and capable shooting personnel, such a mixed composition round may be used in black powder cartridge-based firearms to obtained greater performance than could be obtained by an all-black powder or black powder substitute formulation. The inventor warns however that such a mixed composition round may have much higher than normally expected operating pressures for such a firearm. If such a round is not carefully and judicially used, this use could lead to the destruction of the firearm being used to shoot the mixed composition round with resulting harm and/or death to individuals that are proximate to the firearm so being used.

As substantially shown in FIG. 7, could be one possible process for how a round of firearm ammunition 300 with a propellant charge 312 having at least one ignition channel 316 could work. The firearm ammunition 300 could be loaded into a firearm 400 and locked within a chamber 410 by a bolt (not shown.) of a firearm 400. A striker or firing pin 420 held by the bolt could contact the primer 310 to activate (e.g., detonate) the primer 310. The resulting ignition flash 322 from the primer activation could travel from the open ignition pocket 308 (e.g., primer pocket) through a primer opening 309 into the hollow interior 306. The ignition flash 322 could then enter the ignition channel 316 through the first channel open end 317 to substantially travel the length of the ignition channel 316 igniting the propellant charge 312. In this manner, the more of the propellant charge is simultaneously ignited (e.g., ignites more efficiently) than if the ignition flash 322 has just ignited just the base of the propellant charge 312.

Conclusion

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

As generally disclosed in the specification and drawings, the invention could comprise of a channel-forming propellant compression die for firearm ammunition loading and/or reloading to and a method of operation. The invention can compress a wide variety and sizes of propellant charges (e.g., as generally contained in a cartridge case) around the channel-forming plunger that has penetrated the particular propellant charge to substantially form a centerline longitudinal ignition channel in the propellant charge. This ignition channel generally opens up over the opening of the primer pocket. In this manner, the compressed propellant charge's formed ignition channel will direct a primer flash to the internal length of the propellant charge with the resulting propellant ignition providing greater ignition efficiency; more consistent propellant ignition; greater ballistic range for the same amount of propellant charge and increased repeatable ballistic accuracy.

Claims

1. A channel-forming propellant compression die comprising:

(A) a die body that is cylindrical and further forms a centerline longitudinal body channel that continuously connects a first open body end to a second open body end;

(B) a compression plug that has a plug body forming a double open-ended plug channel that continuously connects a first open plug end to a second open plug end, the compression plug adjustably connects to the centerline longitudinal body channel;

(C) a channel-forming plunger that moves within the double open-ended plug channel;

(D) a spring that is removably received within the double open-ended plug channel to contact one end of the channel forming plunger; and

(E) a compression cap that removably attaches to the compression plug to adjust the tension of the spring upon the channel forming plunger.

2. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the double open-ended plug channel further forms a shoulder that prevents the channel-forming plunger from passing entirely through double open-ended plug channel.

3. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 2 wherein the one end is disk-shaped so as to come to rest upon the shoulder to prevent the channel forming plunger from entirely leaving the double open-ended plug channel.

4. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the one end is moveably held captive within the double open-ended plug channel.

5. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the tension of the spring upon the channel forming plunger is adjusted to assist the movement of the channel forming plunger through a propellant charge that is held in a firearm ammunition cartridge.

6. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the placement of compression plug relative to the die body adjusts to both a depth to which the first open plug end will penetrate within a firearm ammunition cartridge case and a range of movement for the channel forming plunger relative to the die body.

7. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the channel-forming plunger moves within the double open-ended centerline longitudinal body channel.

8. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 7 wherein the channel-forming plunger moves past the first open body end.

9. The channel-forming propellant compression die of claim 1 wherein the centerline longitudinal body channel is threaded to mate and removably connect to a threaded exterior of the plug body.

10. A round of firearm ammunition comprising:

(A) a firearm ammunition cartridge forming a hollow interior that continuously connects an open cartridge end to an enclosed end;

(B) an ignition means for igniting a propellant charge, the ignition means being supported by the enclosed end;

(C) the propellant charge forming an ignition channel; and

(D) a bullet sealing the open cartridge end to encapsulate the propellant charge within the hollow interior.

11. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 10 wherein the ignition channel is a double open ended ignition channel continuously connecting a first channel open end and second channel open end.

12. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 11 wherein the second channel open end is not enclosed by the bullet.

13. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 11 wherein the second channel open end is sealed by the bullet.

14. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 11 wherein the second channel open end is distal from the enclosed end.

15. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 11 wherein the first channel open end is proximate to the ignition means.

16. The round of firearm ammunition of claim 15 wherein an ignition flash created by the ignition means can reach and enter into the first channel open end.

17. A method of operating a firearm ammunition comprising the following steps:

(A) providing a firearm capable of shooting cartridge firearm ammunition;

(B) providing at least one round of firearm cartridge ammunition comprising a cartridge case containing a propellant ignition means for igniting a propellant charge, the propellant charge forming an ignition channel and a bullet that connects with the cartridge case to encapsulate the propellant charge with a hollow interior of the case;

(C) loading the one round of cartridge ammunition into the firearm;

(D) using the firearm in a manner that activates the propellant ignition means; and

(E) causing the propellant ignition means to create an ignition flash.

18. The method of operating a firearm ammunition of claim 17 wherein the causing the propellant ignition means to create an ignition flash further comprises step of directing the ignition flash into the ignition channel.

19. The method of operating a firearm ammunition of claim 17 wherein the causing the propellant ignition means to create an ignition flash further comprises a step of the passing of the ignition flash only through the channel open end that is proximate to an enclosed end of the cartridge.

20. The method of operating a firearm ammunition of claim 17 wherein the causing the propellant ignition means to create an ignition flash to feed into the longitudinal centerline ignition channel further comprises a step of passing the ignition flash through both channel open ends of the ignition channel.