Abstract: A base insert for a cartridge case comprises a base end having a lip and a groove proximate the lip and having a primer pocket defined in the base end and an insert end having a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending there from, the base wall and cylindrical wall defining a powder fill pocket. The base wall has a flash hole disposed therein and an inner surface facing the powder fill pocket. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface intersecting with the inner surface of the base wall and an outer surface defining the outer circumference of the base insert. The intersection of the inner surface of the base wall and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is curved or forms an oblique angle, while the outer surface of the insert end is not curved and does not form an oblique angle.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a rocket motor tube, comprised of an insert, and a joint that allows the insert to decouple from the vessel to relieve pressure when subjected to excessive temperatures and/or a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a mortar shell into a breech-loading weapon barrel (2). The arrangement comprises a support piece (6) provided with an edge flange (7) and to be attached to the tail of the mortar shell (1), whereby the arrangement further comprises a connecting piece (8) between the support piece and the mortar shell tail, which connecting piece is arranged to be attached to the mortar shell and the support piece and thus to attach the support piece with a mechanical joint to the mortar shell tail. In connection with the connecting piece (8), there is a point which is arranged to yield in a firing situation and thus to allow the mortar shell (1) to be detached from the support piece (6); and a firing mechanism (17) for firing the actual primer (10) of the mortar shell. The mechanical joint between the connecting piece (8) and the support piece (6) has been formed by means of cotter attachment (14).

Abstract: A telescopically expandable cartridge comprising an anterior portion 1 and posterior portion 2, the posterior portion 2 carries a first primer 3 which when initiated releases gases which propel a ball 4 along a channel 5 to impact upon a second primer 6 in the anterior portion 1. First primer 3 is configured for centre firing. The cartridge is located in the barrel of a weapon which has an off set firing pin 7. An adapter 8 is received in a recess in the posterior portion 2 to the rear of the first primer 3 and directly in front of the firing pin 7. The adapter 8 comprises a cylindrical body having an annular recess 9 provided around its outer circumference. An O-ring 10 is received in the annular recess 9. On an anterior surface of the adapter 8 proximal to the first primer 3 is provided a pointed protrusion 11 positioned centrally of the anterior surface.

Abstract: A base insert for a cartridge case comprises a base end having a lip and a groove proximate the lip and having a primer pocket defined in the base end and an insert end having a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending there from, the base wall and cylindrical wall defining a powder fill pocket. The base wall has a flash hole disposed therein and an inner surface facing the powder fill pocket. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface intersecting with the inner surface of the base wall and an outer surface defining the outer circumference of the base insert. The intersection of the inner surface of the base wall and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is curved or forms an oblique angle, while the outer surface of the insert end is not curved and does not form an oblique angle.

Abstract: The cartridge ammunition (1) comprises a projectile (11) and a cartridge shell (10) receiving the same. The cartridges of the ammunition are magazined in a belt (31) and are pulled out of the belt by means of an unbelting device and transferred into the lock of the automatic firearm so that the individual projectiles (11) can be shot from the automatic firearm at a high shooting frequency. To minimize the forces abruptly exerted on the bottom flange of the cartridge shell (10) by means of the removal of the cartridge ammunition from the belt, at least one recess (33) is provided in the bottom flange (32) of the cartridge shell (10), thus increasing the bending elasticity of the bottom flange, e.g. by reducing the thickness of the bottom flange. The recesses (33) may e.g. be designed as a groove (33a) or as a series of blind bores (33b) that extend in parallel to the edge of the bottom flange.

Abstract: A cartridge for non-lethal applications comprises a posterior portion 1 which extends axially to provide a cylindrical casing. An anterior portion comprises of a nose portion 2 with a centrally located recess 8 for receiving a projectile, and an axially extending piston 3 which is slidably engaged in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1. A posterior primer 4 is located to the end of the posterior portion which is most distal to the nose portion 2. An anterior primer 5 sits just behind the recess 8 of the nose portion 2. A plastic striker is located in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1 and comprises of a sealing flange portion 6 and striking nose portion 7. The striking nose portion 7 locates snugly but slidably in a second chamber provided axially within the piston 3.

Abstract: A support member and method for supporting a shell into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon. The support member (6) comprises a support element (8) with an rim flange (7), end (16), and edge casing (12), and means for fastening the support element (8) to at least one fin (5) belonging to the tail end (4) of the shell (1). The means for fastening the support element (8) to the tail end (4) of the shell (1) comprise a retainer part (9) arranged to the edge casing (12) and arranged to circle the inner surface (10) of the edge casing essentially level with the plane of the rim flange (7).

Abstract: A cartridge case intended for explosive materials. A releasable base plate is provided in a bottom section of the cartridge case. A base plate locking device includes a temperature dependent shape memory material. A space is provided partly in the bottom section of the cartridge case and partly in the base plate of the cartridge case defining a motion path inclined backwards for the shape memory material to follow when its passes a temperature such that the shape memory struggles to resume a former shape, resulting in that the base plate is unlocked from the bottom section of the cartridge case and released. A round of ammunition including the cartridge case.

Abstract: A reloadable training munition having a reusable shell base having a propulsion system reload inserted into a hollow cavity of the shell base and a reusable single piece projectile inserted into the shell base, the projectile having a hollow body portion, a driving band adjacent the body portion, and a nose portion adjacent the driving band having void spaces for controlling both density and mass properties of the nose portion.

Abstract: A cartridge case intended for explosive materials. A releasable base plate is provided in a bottom section of the cartridge case. A base plate locking device includes a temperature dependent shape memory material. The shape memory material of the base plate locking device is provided to exert a crushing force on the cartridge case at a temperature increase passing a temperature such that the shape memory material in question struggles to resume a former shape in order to break up the connection between the base plate and the bottom section of the cartridge case and release the base plate from the bottom section of the cartridge case. A round of ammunition includes the cartridge case.

Abstract: A seal is provided that restricts movement of adjacent parts when in a high pressure environment while allowing relative movement of adjacent parts when in non-high pressure environment.

Abstract: A seal is provided that restricts movement of adjacent parts when in a high pressure environment while allowing relative movement of adjacent parts when in non-high pressure environment.

Abstract: A two-piece reusable shell for use with launching systems. The launcher shell has a top tube portion that screws onto a base portion, which houses an ignition source and a propellant. The reusable shell allows for efficient access to all portions of the shell and for easy interchangeability between tubes of differing lengths and one standard base unit.

Abstract: A rifle or handgun cartridge is formed to have an overall length of about 2.260 inches, or 57.4 millimeters. The shell case has a case length between 1.550 inches and 1.620 inches and a neck forming a mouth for a variety of caliber bullets, preferably a standard .224 caliber bullet, or a 9.0 mm bullet. In the alternative, the bullet is a caliber .308 and the case length is 1.550. The shoulder adjoining the neck widens from the neck to a diameter of between 0.400 inches to 0.415 inches, and preferably 0.4059 inches. The base has a diameter of 0.426 to 0.430 inches (10.82-10.92 mm), and preferably 0.427 inches. The adjoining shell body forms the main powder chamber for receiving an explosive charge. A head adjoins the shell body and forms a base of the shell case. The head has a primer pocket formed therein communicating with the main powder chamber through a vent hole formed between the primer pocket and the main powder chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point.

Abstract: A modified fluid delivery cartridge. A conventional straight-sided high pressure cartridge case is primed and then filled with solid propellant. A burst cup is inserted in the case mouth. The burst cup is preferably embossed with a cross or other shape to promote predictable rupture. A charge casing is provided which opens into a high pressure cartridge receiver bounded by an inner charge casing wall. The inner charge casing wall is provided with a step, in which the diameter of the high pressure cartridge receiver is reduced. The high pressure cartridge case is pressed into the receiver in the charge casing wall. As the high pressure cartridge case is being pressed into place, the straight wall of the case passes over the step in the inner charge casing wall, which deforms the straight wall to form a neck. This neck captured the burst cup within the high pressure cartridge case.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ammunition cartridge case that includes a sleeve, a base fixedly attached to the sleeve and a fiber reinforced polymer composite annulus that is at least partially within the base. In certain embodiments, the sleeve and the base are formed partly or entirely from a metal, for example steel or stainless steel. The base has a central aperture that affords for the annulus ring to fit within. The annulus is dimensioned such that it fits securely within the central aperture of the base and has a center aperture wherein a primer can be located. The annulus ring contains a volume of composite fibers ranging from 10 to 90 volume percent. The annulus isolates the primer from the cartridge case and thereby prevents galvanic corrosion between the primer and case. In addition, a metallic foil can be present between the annulus and the cartridge case in order to assure proper securement of the annulus therewithin.

Abstract: A base insert for a cartridge case comprises a base end having a lip and a groove proximate the lip and having a primer pocket defined in the base end and an insert end having a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending there from, the base wall and cylindrical wall defining a powder fill pocket. The base wall has a flash hole disposed therein and an inner surface facing the powder fill pocket. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface intersecting with the inner surface of the base wall and an outer surface defining the outer circumference of the base insert. The intersection of the inner surface of the base wall and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is curved or forms an oblique angle, while the outer surface of the insert end is not curved and does not form an oblique angle.

Abstract: A cartridge for ammunition has a base with an axial end section. An annular wall extends from the enlarged outer peripheral lip section to an opposite end. The axial end section has a primer cavity therein and a radially outwardly extending peripheral extraction lip. An annular ledge is axially positioned at an inner end of said primer cavity and radially extends inwardly from said annular wall. A passage has a reduced diameter compared to the primer cavity and extends through the annular ledge. A main charge cavity is at an opposite side of the ledge from the primer cavity. A knurl section is on an outer surface of said cylindrical wall. A cartridge case is attached to the base about said knurl section.

Abstract: The cartridge ammunition (1) comprises a projectile (11) and a cartridge shell (10) receiving the same. The cartridges of the ammunition are magazined in a belt (31) and are pulled out of the belt by means of an unbelting device and transferred into the lock of the automatic firearm so that the individual projectiles (11) can be shot from the automatic firearm at a high shooting frequency. To minimize the forces abruptly exerted on the bottom flange of the cartridge shell (10) by means of the removal of the cartridge ammunition from the belt, at least one recess (33) is provided in the bottom flange (32) of the cartridge shell (10), thus increasing the bending elasticity of the bottom flange, e.g. by reducing the thickness of the bottom flange. The recesses (33) may e.g. be designed as a groove (33a) or as a series of blind bores (33b) that extend in parallel to the edge of the bottom flange.

Abstract: A cartridge case intended for explosive materials. A releasable base plate is provided in a bottom section of the cartridge case. A base plate locking device includes a temperature dependent shape memory material. The shape memory material of the base plate locking device is provided to exert a crushing force on the cartridge case at a temperature increase passing a temperature such that the shape memory material in question struggles to resume a former shape in order to break up the connection between the base plate and the bottom section of the cartridge case and release the base plate from the bottom section of the cartridge case. A round of ammunition includes the cartridge case.

Abstract: A cartridge case intended for explosive materials. A releasable base plate is provided in a bottom section of the cartridge case. A base plate locking device includes a temperature dependent shape memory material. A space is provided partly in the bottom section of the cartridge case and partly in the base plate of the cartridge case defining a motion path inclined backwards for the shape memory material to follow when its passes a temperature such that the shape memory struggles to resume a former shape, resulting in that the base plate is unlocked from the bottom section of the cartridge case and released. A round of ammunition including the cartridge case.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.

Abstract: A high pressure cartridge case is provided for firearms with blowback operating systems. The cartridge case is provided with a primer support member that supports a primer in a rearward end of a cartridge case. The support member is slideable rearwardly in the cartridge case when the cartridge is fired. The components expand to seal with the cartridge case to prevent the escape of gas around the support member when the propellant is ignited.

Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.

Abstract: An elastic retention ring for the combustible casing of a piece of ammunition with respect to a base, the ring including two concentric substantially ring-shaped portions, one internal the other one external. The portions are linked by radial arms, and are continuous or not and have different diameters. The external portion incorporates at least one plane part and the radial arms form an angle with respect to the plane of plane part.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: A base for a cartridge casing body for an ammunition article, the base having a ignition device; an attachment device at one end thereof, the attachment device being adapted to attach the base to a cartridge casing body; wherein the base is made from plastic, ceramic, or a composite material.

Abstract: A cartridge or ammunition casing is made of two components, one forming the outer casing sleeve and head end and the other comprising a plug seated within the head end to protect the outer casing material from propellant gases. The outer cylindrical sidewall and end panel of the casing may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, steel, pre-coated carbon steel, brass or brass-type alloys, aluminum, hardened aluminum alloys, and suitable polymeric plastic material such as nylon derivatives and VECTRA™. The inner plug may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel, and suitable polymeric materials.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge is provided with a case body and a piston head. The piston head is movably engaged with a rearward end of the case body. The piston head seals the rearward end of the case body to contain propellant gases in the case body when the firearm cartridge is fired.

Abstract: A modified gas delivery cartridge. A conventional straight-sided brass cartridge case is primed and then filled with solid propellant. A burst cup is then inserted in the case mouth. The burst cup is embossed with a cross or other shape to promote predictable rupture. Once the burst cup is in place, the upper edges of the cartridge case are rolled over the burst cup. In operation, the propellant is ignited to produce pressure within the sealed case. This pressure builds steadily until the embossed cross in the burst cup ruptures. The propellant gases are then vented in a metered fashion through the ruptured burst cup. However, the burst cup is retained by the case so that no solid object escapes the high pressure cartridge. In addition, by carefully designing the shape of the burst cup and the components surrounding it, it is possible to create an efficient expansion nozzle to better meter the propellant gases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a visible light or UV/visible light and anaerobically curable composition for encapsulating the surface of the primer mix disposed in the primer cup, particularly for use in center fire ammunition.

Abstract: A shell for bullets of automatic or semiautomatic firearms with inertial closure, comprising a hollow cylindrical body which is closed, at one of its axial ends, by a head and is adapted to accommodate a bullet at the opposite axial end, the head being centrally provided with a cap that accommodates the primer. At least the portion of the shell which is extracted from the firing chamber when the fired bullet leaves the barrel is provided with reinforcement means to prevent accidental bursting of the shell at the end of the firing action and when the extraction of the shell from the firing chamber begins.

Abstract: A short-action firearm cartridge has unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the cartridge case has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the case, of no more than about 3.5. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the case has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.

Abstract: A training kit is designed for use with a firearm normally having a standard bolt that is provided at the forward end with a bolt recess for receiving and embracing the head end of a standard cartridge. The training kit is provided with a training bolt having a circular recess of a diameter that will not receive and embrace the head end of the standard cartridge thereby limiting placement of a standard cartridge beyond the reach of the firing pin. Rounds of reduced-energy training ammunition are provided with a head end of complementary dimensions that permits the head end to be seated within the recess of a conversion bolt, and therefore fired.

Abstract: In a weapon, in particular a self-loading pistol, having a barrel (1) and a breech block (4), it being possible for a cartridge (2) to be fired in the barrel (1) by being acted upon by means of a firing pin (7), to identify a fired cartridge (2) and/or to increase the precision during the shot, a contact region (10) of the breech block (4) with the cartridge (2) has at least one prominence (11) and/or recess (12).

Abstract: A short-action firearm cartridge has unique pressure, length and diametric relationships. The overall length of the cartridge case has a ratio to a diameter thereof, at a predetermined location on a wide portion of the case, of no more than about 4.2. Such diameter is at least about 0.53 inch, and the length of the wide portion of the case has a ratio to such diameter of no more than about 3.33.

Abstract: A spring disc includes a contiguous outer ring including a first plurality of holes and having a contiguous, upwardly curved portion having an outer edge. A middle ring encompasses a second plurality of holes, and a contiguous inner ring, is encompassed by the outer ring and the middle ring. The inner ring surrounds a central aperture sized to accommodate installation onto a cartridge case member, where the outer ring, inner ring and middle ring operate together so as to support the cartridge case by evenly distributing stresses when installed on a cartridge case. A taper angel &thgr; is built into a bottom with a value of about 1° as measured from the bottom extending radially from the center of the inner ring to the outer edge with reference to a plane parallel to an imaginary plane overlaid on the contiguous outer edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides UV/anaerobic dual cure adhesives, particularly well-suited for sealing the ring around the primer cup in center fire ammunition by UV cure and the primer cup in the cartridge by anaerobic cure.

Abstract: A case base (1; 1′) for large-caliber ammunition, in which the case jacket (2) comprises a combustible material, with the case base (1; 1′) comprising a metallic base plate (3) and a support ring (4; 4′) that projects axially beyond the surface of the base plate (3) at its edge, and an elastomer or thermoplastic obturation ring (5; 5′) that is disposed on the projectile side of the support ring (4; 4′). In order for the obturation ring (5; 5′) to be secured simply to the support ring (4; 4′) and removed again after the ammunition has been fired, the support ring (4; 4′) has, on its inner surface (6) facing the obturation ring (5; 5′), a groove-shaped undercut (7), into which the end (8) of the obturation ring (5; 5′) that faces the support ring (4; 4′) extends with a form-fit and/or positive lockup.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge case capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 50,000 psi has two substantially cylindrical portions of significantly different diameters interconnected by a frusto-conical shoulder portion. The case has a ratio of its overall length to its diameter, at a location 1.25 inches from its base, of no more than about 4.2, giving it an unusually short, fat profile. The base of the case has a rim with an outer diameter substantially no less than the case diameter at the aforementioned location, to facilitate reliable feeding of the cartridge from the magazine. The corresponding firearm chamber which matingly accepts the cartridge is capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 65,000 psi.

Abstract: This low impulse payload cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, an ogive, a payload cup, a payload, and a link. The payload cup and payload is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the payload and to accelerate the payload upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the payload. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.

Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, a forward cavity/an inner bore in the piston, a sub-caliber projectile, and a link. The sub-caliber projectile is seated into the forward cavity/inner bore located in the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the sub-caliber projectile and to accelerate the sub-caliber projectile upon firing. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or another similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing.

Abstract: Shotgun cartridge cases are disclosed which are produced from a unitary body of plastic material. The shotgun cartridge cases include a cylindrical wall with a based portion which includes a central opening adapted to receive a primer, and a number of grooves extending axially from the end plane of the cartridge case and defining displaceable regions of the base portion whereby these displaceable regions are axially displaceable by means of powder charge gases released by the cartridge. Shotgun cartridges are also disclosed.