Abstract: A modified cartridge assembly including a projectile having a gas generator proximate its aft end. The projectile includes an aft closure having a cavity filled with gas generating material. The gas generating material is ignited around the time the projectile exits the weapon's muzzle. The gas generating material then burns while the projectile is in flight, spewing pressurized gas into the wake region immediately behind the projectile. The pressurized gas reduces the projectile's base drag.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a shotshell comprises a casing defining an internal chamber, a plurality of first shot pellets within the internal chamber and a plurality of second shot pellets within the internal chamber. The first shot pellets comprise a first shape and the second shot pellets comprise a second shape that is different from the first shape.

Abstract: A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.

Abstract: A weapon (104) including a stock, a barrel assembly (105) slidably mounted on said stock whereby, on discharging said weapon, the barrel assembly (105) slidably recoils relative to said stock, and a damper (107) for decelerating the recoiling barrel assembly, wherein said barrel assembly (105) includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel (108) wherein each of said projectiles is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling said projectile from the barrel. Suitably the weapon further includes a breech block (109) which slidably recoils relative to said stock and a further damper (106) for decelerating the recoiling breech block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball cartridge (1) for a shotgun with an intermediate means (2) which can be built into a cartridge (20). The bullet (1) has a cylindrical free area (10) on the lower side thereof and the intermediate means (2) is embodied as a piston (21) on the end thereof facing the bullet (1) and the diameter thereof is adapted to the free area (10). In order to provide a solid link between the bullet (1) and the intermediate means (2), the bullet (1) is placed on the piston (21) or vice-versa and is pushed into the free area (10) and wedged during the piston (21) shot.

Abstract: A projectile in which the metallic base body itself is used as a ground wire and only the signal line is passed through the inside of the base body so that it is insulated by a suitable bore of the base body. The signal line is insulated from the ground wire by a coating of an electrically insulating material applied to the base body, before the signal line is introduced into the bore. The two ends of the signal line are provided with connecting contacts, which preferably can be screwed at least partially into the base body and are mounted in such a way that they are insulated from the base body. To allow contacting of the ground wire, which is formed by the base body itself, the front end and the rear end of the base body are provided with coating-free blind bores.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, wherein substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax, to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax, to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a frangible slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ammunition for hunting guns. The ammunition consists of a full-caliber or subcaliber bullet (2), of the type comprising a substantially rigid bullet body (6) and a deformable part, the deformable part consisting of an approximately cylindrical expansion ring (7), the rear part of which is fitted onto the front part of the bullet body (6). Application to small, medium or large caliber ammunition.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized projectile suitable for launching from a shotgun or similar weapon. The projectile may penetrate easily breakable materials but will not penetrate tougher materials. The projectile may be shot through an easily breakable surface to gain entry to a target location, but further penetration is inhibited. The projectile is equipped with an on board sensor. The halves of the projectile casing form a dipole antenna for transmitting information gathered by the on board sensor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a cartridge design that includes a bullet having a larger diameter than the 0.224 inch bullet currently included in the 223 Remington or 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and a case that has substantially the same base diameter as the case currently included in the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. The overall length of the disclosed cartridge is substantially similar to the overall length as the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge.

Abstract: A finless projectile provides improved ease of use, aerodynamics, muzzle velocity, drag, target, and excursion accuracy, structural integrity, terminal effectiveness and safety, at lower cost. The finless projectile includes a slug, a forward projectile body, an aft projectile body, an obturator, and a pad. The finless projectile is a full bore projectile that defines a hollow core, but does not include a sabot nor does it carry explosives. The finless projectile functions by kinetic energy transfer from the projectile to the target by deforming the target. The center of gravity of the finless projectile is forward of the center of pressure to provide static stability to the finless projectile.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets, particularly rocket propelled grenades (RPG's). The first step is to identify the firing of a missile by the use of sensors that give the approximate distance and bearing of the incoming missile. A non-lethal cloud of pellets is then launched from the target, which can be a building or vehicle or the like, in the general direction of the missile. The pellets are housed in a series of warhead containers mounted at locations on the target in various orientations. The warheads are triggered to fire a low velocity cloud of pellets toward the incoming missile. The pellets then collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, due to the relatively high velocity of the missile.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile carrier includes a base having a plurality of hinges, each hinge including a tab; and a payload case attached to the base, the payload case comprising a plurality of petaloid members, each petaloid member including an opening in a rear surface for insertion of a corresponding tab; wherein upon exiting a gun tube the petaloid members open and fold toward the base. Each petaloid member includes a lip on one edge and an undercut on another edge so that adjacent petaloid members form lap joints. The hinges are defined by zones of small cross-sectional area in the base.

Abstract: A detonator includes a pyrotechnic material and a first explosive. The pyrotechnic material ignites in response to a percussive impact, and the explosive detonates in response to the ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The detonator may include a plate, and the plate forms a projectile in response to energy released by the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to detonate an additional explosive. A passageway of the detonator may be located between these explosives, and the passageway may include a cross-sectional profile that substantially varies along a path between the explosives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing propellant charges (2) of multi-perforated stick propellant with maximized charge weights for sub-calibre, armour-piercing, high-velocity projectiles (3) , which are provided, for example, with six to eight, fixed stabilizing fins (5-10) . The invention also encompasses a multi-perforated stick propellant (11-12) intended for this purpose and a propellant charge produced from multi-perforated stick propellant according to the methods.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

Abstract: A non-lethal ammunition comprising a projectile having a nose component, a driving band adjacent the nose component, and a base component, wherein a densified material is used to control weight distribution of the projectile to improve flight, stability and delivered impact energy of the projectile and the nose component includes features to maximize impact surface area. The projectile is positioned within a shell having a high pressure and low pressure propulsion system which minimizes velocity variance of the projectile.

Abstract: A cartridge is described having a cartridge casing (1) and having a propellant cup (4), which is inserted in the cartridge casing (1), receives a sub-caliber projectile (5) in a formfitting manner, and is manufactured from plastic, and which separates the projectile (5) from the propellant charge in the cartridge casing (1) and has axial separation points (15) along its jacket (10). To ensure an advantageous length for the projectile, it is suggested that the propellant cup (5) have at least one pocket (9), extending in a cavity between the projectile (5) and the cartridge casing (1) and/or in a cavity of the projectile (5) and open toward the base (2) of the cartridge casing (1), for receiving a part of the propellant charge.

Abstract: This invention relates to ammunition. More specifically, this invention is related to rimfire ammunition cartridges with heeled bullets, such as .22 long rifle ammunition cartridges. The invention extends to a heeled bullet for use in such ammunition.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting munitions exposed to high ambient temperatures. The munition includes a casing having a nose end and an opening in the nose end; a lifting plug disposed in the opening in the nose end, the lifting plug including a bore therethrough; and a seal disposed in the bore in the lifting plug, the seal comprising an ionomer. The munition may further include a fuze well disposed in the casing, the opening in the nose end leading into the fuze well; and a second seal disposed in the fuze well. The seals will rupture and vent the munition's explosive to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A pellet for at least one of a compressed gas and spring operated weapon includes a forward head portion and a cylindrical rearward tail portion which is disposed about a common centerline with the head portion and which has an air pocket formed therein. A frustoconical middle portion connects the tail portion to the head portion. The pellet design is adaptable for use with various commonly available caliber weapons.

Abstract: A weapon (104) including a stock, a barrel assembly (105) slidably mounted on said stock whereby, on discharging said weapon, the barrel assembly (105) slidably recoils relative to said stock, and a damper (107) for decelerating the recoiling barrel assembly, wherein said barrel assembly (105) includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel (108) wherein each of said projectiles is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling said projectile from the barrel. Suitably the weapon further includes a breech block (109) which slidably recoils relative to said stock and a further damper (106) for decelerating the recoiling breech block.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a centerfire rifle cartridge with a case having a head having a rim, a body extending from the head to a tapered shoulder, and a neck extending from the shoulder and defining a mouth receiving a bullet. The body has a straight external surface free of a protruding belt, and has a maximum diameter sized to closely fit for operation within a standard action of magnum width. The cartridge has an overall length sized to closely fit for operation within a standard action such as a short action or a long action.

Abstract: A bullet for a firearm includes a rear unit that comprises substantially a solid structure. Additionally, the bullet includes a front unit separate and discrete from the rear unit. The front unit defines a cavity and at least a portion of the rear unit is secured in the cavity of the front unit.

Abstract: An ammunition system for a rapid fire gun. The ammunition system includes a bullet having a tip that is stored in a retracted position and during flight is deployed to create an aerodynamic shape. Another aspect of the ammunition system is that the bullet has a cylindrical body having a first length in storage and a second longer length after ignition of the propellant.

Abstract: A method for geometrically enhancing of the flight of a projectile fired from a weapon to an intended target, including development of a flat annular face on the outermost end of the ogive portion of the projectile, such flat annular face being oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to, and concentric with, the longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and further including extraction of extraneous material from the meplat cavity of the projectile while establishing at least a void volume within the meplat cavity which is substantially concentric with the longitudinal centerline of the projectile and of substantially uniform size and geometry from projectile to projectile. Geometric alteration of the wall thickness of the flat annular face also may be provided. An enhanced projectile and a round of ammunition are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of an ammunition projectile having enhanced properties relating to delivery of the projectile along its flight path from a weapon to, and upon striking, a target by reason of the formation of a meplat cavity in the leading end thereof which, from projectile to projectile, exhibits a uniform size, uniform geometry and which is free of extraneous material, and which is concentric with the centerline (spin axis) of the projectile. A round of ammunition is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for refining or otherwise processing tungsten alloys, including ferrotungsten powder and articles formed therefrom, and methods for detecting the presence of the same. The methods include at least one of magnetically-separating and particle-size-separating ferrotungsten or ferrotungsten-containing powder. In some embodiments, powder may be separated to remove fine particles, and optionally to separate the remaining particles into fractions containing selected particle size distributions. The powder additionally or alternatively may be separated into at least magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. In some embodiments, portions of two or more size and/or magnetism fractions are mixed to provide a ferrotungsten-containing feedstock. Selected fractions resulting from the size and magnetism separation steps may be utilized to provide a ferrotungsten-containing feedstock from which articles are produced and which may include additional components.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge includes a tubular blank having a tail section in a shape of tail fins; a cap mated to a front section of the tubular blank; a solid core in a shape of a rod inside the tubular blank between the front and tail sections; and a casing having a propellant therein, the casing mated to the tubular blank. The core optionally includes an aerodynamic needle extending beyond the front portion. A portion of the aerodynamic needle inside the core is shaped as a spring. A muzzle wad and a washer are in contact with the muzzle wad and with the aerodynamic needle. The aerodynamic needle includes a portion embedded in the core that is shaped as a spring. The core includes a front portion and a rear portion, and a diameter of the front portion is larger than a diameter of the rear portion and is substantially equal to a diameter of the tubular blank. The cap can be conically shaped, round shaped, or can have a blunt front end, or can be shaped as two conical sections.

Abstract: A long range artillery shell having a rocket motor which comprises a combustion chamber (shown filled with solid propellant 9, burn inhibitor 10, igniter material 13 and propellant support 11,12) which has at one end a plenum chamber 8 and a rocket nozzle 14 for venting the plenum chamber 8. The propellant 9 is arranged in an end-burn configuration and housed within the combustion chamber and the propellant support 11,12 is located between the propellant 9 and the plenum chamber 8 and is capable of preventing entry of unburnt propellant into the plenum chamber 8 while permitting, in use, the substantially unhindered transfer of propellant combustion products to the plenum chamber 8.

Abstract: A shotgun which allows its operator to fire modified ammunition rounds as either slug rounds or rounds of shot. The shotgun is modified by the addition of components creating an electric circuit in the shotgun. The modified ammunition rounds contain a modified slug round formed by a plurality of shot pellets held together by an epoxy which disbonds upon the application of an electric current. The operator of the shotgun may choose which type of round to fire by operating a selector switch component installed in the shotgun. The shotgun may include a modification to its trigger in which the trigger acts as the switching mechanism to disbond the epoxy binding the shot pellets in the modified slug round.

Abstract: An extended range munition including a projectile having a generally cylindrical body includes a forward end and rearward end. The forward end includes a protruding member extending therefrom, thereby increasing the weight of said body and said forward end. The body is formed of a non-metallic material having a durometer hardness less than conventional metallic projectile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile (1) for non-lethal ammunition of a body that is composed of a first portion (2) and a second portion (4). Said first portion (2) has a larger mass that the second portion (4), so as to increase the stability of the projectile (1). In addition, the projectile (1) has a strangulation (5) that connects the first portion (2) to the second portion, wherein the first portion (2) is formed by two rings (3), and the two rings (3) are interconnected by an annular groove (6), and wherein the end opposite the strangulation (50 of the second portion (4) has an annular base (7).

Abstract: A cartridge munition, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,107,909, includes a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) inserted into it. A propulsion chamber (4) is provided within the cartridge shell that receives a propulsive charge (5) that may be ignited by means of a pyrotechnic igniter (13) and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge (5) because of the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, it is proposed by the invention to provide exhaust channels (14) between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell (3) that are filled with a fusible material, particularly a fusible metal (15). The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter (13) and of the propulsive charge (5).

Abstract: A lead free environmentally friendly ammunition which may be tailored within a range of compositions for specific uses, but generally comprises a mixture of metal powder and mineral filler in combination with a water soluble binder plastic resin and a lubricant. For hunting uses and other uses requiring high level accuracy the amount of metal powder is increased, for other uses where precision shooting is less important such as drug dosing of animals, less metal is used along with increased amounts of mineral filler. The bullets are accurate, and can be frangible. Formulations within the overall range may also be used to make shot for shotgun shells.

Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a central section, a forward or leading section, and a rear or trailing section. A step down is provided between the central section and the trailing section such that the cross sectional area of the trailing section is less than the cross sectional area of the central section. In addition the trailing section is provided with a cavity that is open about the back of the trailing section. The cavity includes a forward section and rearward section. Forming the part of the forward section is a forward wall that terminates in the trailing section short of the central section. The rearward section of the cavity flares outwardly with respect to the forward section. Furthermore the rearward portion of the rearward section of the cavity forms a part of an annular flare ring that extends around the outer portion of the back of the trailing section.

Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A close range munition for firing from a bore of a weapon. The munition includes a spherical projectile having a central core and a plurality of uniformly radially extending resilient filaments defining an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the projectile is greater than the diameter of the firing bore so as to compress the filament within the bore.

Abstract: Projectiles for firearms, specifically bullets, are discussed that include a rear thin-walled counter bore. The counter bore is designed to be a first size and shape when the bullet is loaded into the firearm and expand upon discharge of the firearm so as to force the walls of the counter bore into barrel rifling. The expansion may occur through the direct interaction of propellant gases with the counter bore walls, or at least partially indirectly though the inclusion of an expansion plug that is placed at least partially within the counter bore in a manner that the expansion plug can be driven further into the counter bore by the firing action of the firearm.

Abstract: A cartridge munition, particularly practice round, includes a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) inserted into it. A propulsion chamber (4) is provided within the cartridge shell that receives a propulsive charge (5) that may be ignited by means of a pyrotechnic igniter (13) and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge (5) because of the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, it is proposed by the invention to provide exhaust channels (14) between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell (3) that are filled with a fusible material, particularly a fusible metal (15). The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter (13) and of the propulsive charge (5).

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: A close range munition for firing from a bore of a weapon. The munition includes a spherical projectile having a central core and a plurality of uniformly radially extending resilient filaments defining an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the projectile is greater than the diameter of the firing bore so as to compress the filament within the bore.

Abstract: A method for the dispersion of projectiles from guns capable of firing multiple projectiles in rapid succession whereby some of the projectiles are modified by moving the center of mass of the projectile away from it's central axis and oriented prior to firing. This, in combination with bring fired from a rifled gun barrel, imparts velocity to the projectile upon exiting the gun barrel at right angles to the barrel. This velocity along with the higher muzzle velocity will cause the modified projectile to diverge away from the trajectory of a standard projectile. The magnitude of the divergence will vary with the distance the projectile's center of mass is away from its central axis, and the placement of the modified projectile strikes around the bull's-eye will be determined by the loading orientation of the modified projectile. Firing a multiplicity of standard and modified projectiles in rapid succession will produce an accurate dispersion pattern on a target, increasing the hit probability on that target.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: Firearm slugs formed from a non-toxic lead substitute that includes tungsten. In some embodiments, the firearm slug is formed with a recessed back portion, thus shifting an increased percentage of the slug's net mass toward the front of the slug. In some embodiments, the firearm slug is formed with a recessed front portion. In some embodiments, the slug is a component of a slug cartridge that includes a slug cup. The slug must have a density that is less than, equal to, or greater than lead, or a lead-antimony alloy used for firearm projectiles. In some embodiments, the slug is formed via powder metallurgy from a powder that includes at least one tungsten-containing component and at least one binder. In some embodiments, the slug is cast or otherwise formed from a molten feedstock that includes at least one tungsten-containing component. In some embodiments, the slug is frangible.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.