Abstract: A radar-absorbing material projectile system including a projectile with an outer layer of radar-absorbing material (RAM). A carrier or armature is disposed around the projectile, protecting the layer of RAM during the firing sequence. In some embodiments the carrier is a discarding carrier which falls away after firing, rendering the projectile low-observable with regard to radar detection due to the layer of RAM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projectile device and a method of manufacture of a projectile device and in particular, to a pistol bullet and a rifle bullet and method of manufacture of same. In one embodiment, the projectile apparatus has a cylindrical body portion having a diameter, a front nose section tapering from a most proximal point of the projectile to the cylindrical body portion, and a rear tail section connected to the body portion and extending to the most distal point of the projectile, in which the front nose portion comprises a plurality of twisting depressions forming troughs.

Abstract: A self-separating sabot-projectile assembly with a positive engaging attachment to eliminate rotational slippage between the sabot and projectile. The torque transmitting interface between the sabot and projectile consists of a geometric shaped depression in the rearward end surface of the projectile which mates with a matched projection of the sabot. The sabot projection is hollowed out to allow the charge pressure to aid in the engagement of the sabot and projectile.

Abstract: A protection covering for folded tail fins of a projectile. The protection covering is installed to surround outer portion of the folded tail fins of the projectile and protects the tail fins against external high pressure, whereby the tail fins are not damaged even at high pressure generated in a launching process of the projectile. After the launch of the projectile, the protection covering is separated from the projectile by the pressure applied on the inner side surface of the circular plate portion of the protection covering by the accumulated combustion gas inside the air pocket. The protection covering is automatically separated from the projectile without providing any other mechanical structure immediately after the launch of the projectile, thereby providing an effect to allow the tail fins to be deployed quickly and economically.

Abstract: A ballistic sabot for adapting a payload to a launch device is disclosed. The ballistic sabot can include a support structure configured to be releasably coupled to a payload and to operably interface with a launch device. The launch device can be operable to launch the payload and the support structure on a ballistic trajectory. The support structure can be configured to retain and travel with the payload along the ballistic trajectory substantially beyond the launch device prior to release and separation from the payload.

Abstract: The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is a new type of sub-sonic hunting projectile combining capabilities of an expandable broad head arrowhead with that of a firearm-fired projectile. The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is for use in shorter ranges akin to shotgun slug ranges but is able to utilize the cost effectiveness, utility, and ease of use of existing firearms.

Abstract: The Broadhead-Bullet is a new type of sub-sonic hunting projectile combining capabilities of an expandable broad head arrowhead with that of a firearm-fired projectile. The Broadhead-Bullet is for use in shorter ranges akin to shotgun slug ranges but is able to utilize the cost effectiveness, utility, and ease of use of existing firearms.

Abstract: An inert axisymmetric projectile is provided for launching from a shipboard gun and dispersing submunitions at a target. The projectile includes a base plug, a sabot housing, a submunitions package, and a retainer ring. The sabot housing includes a plurality of sabot petals angularly arranged and attached to the plug. The housing includes a payload portion and a nose portion, with a passage corridor between these portions. The submunitions package is contained within the payload portion and constrained radially by the housing. The retainer ring constrains the petals for joining together. Upon launch aerodynamic pressure fractures the ring and causes the petals to unfurl, thereby releasing the submunitions package for dispersal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing fin-stabilized penetrators (8) in a carrier shell (1), which penetrators (8) comprise a front penetrator part (10) and a rear fin part (9, 9?) comprising fin sides (14, 14?), so that the empty space between the penetrators (8) and problems with the penetrators upon the release of the penetrators (8) from the carrier shell (1) are minimized, wherein the penetrators (8) are packed in groups (7) and are joined together to form larger packing units (6), in which each group (7) is arranged with a centrally located penetrator (8) flanked by at least three outer penetrators (8), which outer penetrators (8) are arranged so that their front penetrator parts (10) lie side to side against the fin sides (14, 14?) of the centrally located penetrator (8).

Abstract: A bullet system including a bullet body with a tail portion engaged with a polymer cup that provides enhanced engagement of the barrel upon firing. The bullet system may have a radial retracted state that corresponds to an elongated axial state of the bullet system that allows the cupped bullet to be fed down the barrel at a reduced diameter with reduced engagement with the barrel. The radial expansion of the bullet system occurs upon axial length reduction of the bullet system by axial compression. The axial compression can occur upon firing of the propellant or when loading with the ramrod. The bullet system can provide a tactile seat force indicator tip insert within the tip of the bullet body that provides a tactile sensation when the bullet is properly seated against the propellant charge. A cutting edge may be provided for scraping the barrel upon insertion of the bullet.

Abstract: A projectile instrument is provided for penetrating a target, the penetrator element being disposable in a projectile. The instrument includes a substantially cylindrical core, first and second plates and first and second devices. The core has first and second ends and a radially extending surface. The first plate supports the first end; the second plate supports the second end. The first device radially constrains the surface, whereas the second device axially constrains the first and second ends respectively disposed between their corresponding plates. Preferably, the core is either a ceramic or else is composed of reactive materials. In one embodiment, the first plate and the first device combine as a closed sleeve; the second plate is a lid removably secured to the first plate; and the second device is a helical spring disposed between the first end and the first plate.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a casing and a sensor that is wrapped around the casing. As an example, the sensor may be wrapped around a longitudinal axis of the casing. The sensor obtains environmental data that the projectile is exposed to when the projectile is inside a cannon tube. As an example, the sensor may obtain pressure data that the projectile is exposed to during launch of the projectile when the projectile is inside the cannon tube. The sensor may include a plurality of segments that at least partially surround the casing. In some embodiments, the segments may be separated from the casing due to pressure that the projectile is exposed to during launch.

Abstract: A new type of firearm projectile incorporating the functionality of a pivoting blade broad head with that of a firearm propelled projectile. The Broadhead Bullet is for use in shorter ranges akin to bow hunting ranges but able to utilize the cost effectiveness and utility of existing firearm platforms that can accommodate the caliber of the Broadhead Bullet.

Abstract: A kinetic energy training cartridge simulates the performance, weight, length, and external geometry of a tactical cartridge. The training cartridge includes a cartridge case and a projectile that is secured to cartridge case by means of a sabot. The sabot includes a rearward extension that encapsulates part of the projectile, to add weight and to increase a length to diameter ratio of the projectile, so as to decrease an intrusion volume of the projectile within the cartridge case. In a preferred embodiment, the length to diameter ratio of the projectile is at least 15.

Abstract: A projectile for launch from an apparatus is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the projectile includes a body; a boom having a first end extendable from the body; and an armature coupled to the first end of the boom, wherein the armature is configured to be moveable along and launchable from the apparatus and the armature is configured to be separable from the first end of the extended boom after launch from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1), such as a mortar shell, into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a support element (8) to be fastened to the tail of the mortar shell, the element comprising a rim flange (87), means for fastening the support element to the tail of the mortar shell (1), and firing means (9) for firing an actual primer (5) of the mortar shell (1) for firing the mortar shell. The arrangement is characterized in that the means for fastening the support element to the shell tail are arranged in the support element (8) by means of finger-like fastening members (80) settling onto the shell tail tube (3) and arranged to constitute an interference fit between the shell (1) and the support element (8) when the shell (1) is placed in the support element (8). The invention also relates to a support element and a method for supporting a mortar shell (1) into the barrel of a breechloading weapon.

Abstract: Projectile assembly apparatus comprising a projectile and a projectile head-protecting element surrounding at least a portion of the projectile and operative to separate from the projectile only as the projectile is launched, the projectile head-protecting element including a separation prevention device operative to prevent said projectile head-protecting element from separating from said projectile until a launch-indicative event has occurred.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized.

Abstract: Provided is ammunition capable of increasing the movement velocity and shooting range of a bullet and enhancing the target hitting rate. The ammunition includes a case having a propellant chamber and a front mouth, a propellant charged into the propellant chamber of the case, a primer installed in the case for exploding the propellant when a physical or electrical impact is applied thereto, a bullet arranged in the front mouth of the case, the bullet having a streamlined tail portion for reduction of air resistance when the bullet is shot, and a wad fitted to the front mouth of the case for removably holding the bullet and closing the front mouth, the wad being separable from the bullet during explosion of the propellant.

Abstract: Clips for use with projectiles and projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack are disclosed. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and unclipped as required by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon and to a support member for supporting a shell. The arrangement comprises a flanged support element (5), to which a fastening element is connected with threads. A sleeve-like clamping element is arranged around the fastening element. Both have grooves for tail fins of the shell (1). The support member (5) has a support element, to which a fastening element is connected with threads and on top of which a sleeve-like support element is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a launching device for a sub-caliber artillery projectile employing a base with sliding band, the base being linked to sabot sectors by means of hinges that can be detached during flight, the opening of the sabot being activated thanks to the dynamic air pressure on the flared shapes to the fore of the sectors, said hinge is flanged radially so as to prevent its becoming separated from the sabot sectors 5 outside of the flight phase.

Abstract: A blowgun for efficiently and accurately launching subcaliber projectiles comprises: an elongate barrel; a detent comprising a magnet affixed near the proximal end of the barrel and a protrusion partially obstructing the bore breech; an associated conical shell discarding sabot; and an associated subcaliber projectile having a magnetically attractable foreshaft and a lightweight elongate shaft. The magnet and the protrusion cooperate antagonistically to hold the projectile abuttingly seated against the sabot in loaded disposition pending launch. The projectile shaft serves in-flight as an aerodynamic stabilizer. Alternatively a subcaliber steel BB-shot is launched with a foam sabot. Another alternative embodiment operates without a detent. An additional alternative embodiment utilizes a blowgun comprising a barrel having a longitudinal straight-line groove in the inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is sabot and a firearm round for a firearm. The sabot includes a compression section defining a payload receiving chamber. The payload chamber receives a slug to form the firearm round. Additionally, the sabot includes a solid section connected to the compression section. The solid section can include a powder cup section for sealing ignition gasses. Typically, the sabot is formed from a high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A composite penetrator or projectile is formed of a core of uniaxial tungsten wires embedded in a matrix material. The core may be overwrapped to improve hoop or radial strength. The core is mounted in a sabot for use as an ordnance projectile. The penetrator is frangible and can include a detonatable energetic resin to provide a self-destruct capability. A pultrusion process is provided to manufacture the penetrator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcaliber projectile, particularly for a dart projectile, having a resistance-stabilizing, conically designed guide mechanism having a frustum-shaped recess, wherein a guide cage has a substantially hollow cylindrical design in which a propulsion element is integrated therein on a rear side. To allow the propulsion element to be produced in a simple fashion and the guide cage to be lighter weight than comparable known drive cages, the propulsion element is designed substantially only as a disk-shaped metal plate extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the guide cage, wherein the drive element is mounted on an edge in an annular groove-shaped recess of the inner wall of the guide cage, wherein the disk-shaped metal plate comprises a central through hole, the diameter of which is as large as possible, but smaller than the maximum diameter of the frustum-shaped recess of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for launching and fabricating projectiles. In some embodiments, one or more ring airfoil projectiles are launched from a gun. Yet other embodiments pertain to the launching of projectiles that disperse tracer or irritant chemicals upon impact. Yet other embodiments pertain to apparatus and methods for molding of munition components.

Abstract: To provide a projectile for bird strike tests, comprising a gel-like or jelly-like material, which makes reproducible and representative results in bird strike tests possible, it is proposed that the projectile comprise a stabilizing device arranged in the projectile for stabilizing the gel-like or jelly-like material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expelling a projection from an air gun by striking a primer cap filled with a shock-sensitive explosive compound, causing the cap to explode, which in turn rapidly compresses a volume of air located between the projectile and the cap, causing the projectile to exit from the barrel of the air gun at a high rate of speed.

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 method and work tool for inserting predetermined breaking points in a ring-shaped holding- and sealing band of a sabot cage projectile with an impact sabot cage are provided, wherein the band is arranged on a partial area of a receptacle device segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. The receptacle device connects the propelling element to the guiding cage of the impact sabot cage, and the guiding cage is segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. After mounting the band on the receptacle device, but before installation of the guiding cage in the area of the holding- and sealing band covering the longitudinal slits of the receptacle device, notch-shaped predetermined breaking points are inserted in the holding- and sealing band from inside of the band with the aid of a work tool, wherein longitudinal slits of the receptacle device are used for lateral guiding of the work tool.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) is provided comprising a cartridge case (2) and a projectile arrangement (3; 3?) with an arrow projectile (5; 5?) with a sub-caliber control unit (7), wherein the projectile arrangement (3; 3?) is connected to the cartridge case (2) via a case cover (4), wherein, after firing of the projectile arrangement (3; 3?), a precise guiding of the arrow projectile (5; 5?) in the corresponding weapon barrel is ensured due to a receptacle device (28; 28?) that centers the control unit (7) of the arrow projectile (5; 5?), and that can be separated from the control unit (7) when the projectile arrangement (3; 3?) is fired. The receptacle device is connected to the case cover (4) on the projectile side, wherein the receptacle device grasps a ring-shaped rear flange (29; 29?) whose outer diameter corresponds to the projectile caliber of the respective cartridge (1).

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: A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability.

Abstract: A projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel having a bore and a muzzle and which projectiles are associated with discrete propellant charges for propelling said projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressure exerted on the projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about the core (12) during travel to the target.

Abstract: To maintain predetermined tolerance conditions for the front guide region (7) of a guide sabot (5) in a simple manner without reconditioning, even if the drive or guide cage (5) is plastic, the invention begins with a premounted cage shot (1), i.e., a sabot projectile, wherein cage segments directly adjacent to one another on circumferential sides surrounding the shot body are selected so that the cage (5) has an outer diameter in the front guide region (7) that is less than the predetermined target diameter (Do). Adjustment of the diameter of the guide region (7) then occurs subsequently, for example, by the insertion of an insert (12.1) designed in the shape of a bushing, wherein the insert has a conical outer surface (13) and is placed into an annular gap (11) remaining between the shot body (2) and segments (19, 20) of a support wall (8) of the cage (5).

Abstract: A sabot system is defined by a tubular arrangement of curvilinear segments with the tubular arrangement being closed on a first end thereof and open on a second end thereof. The tubular arrangement defines a first outer diameter at its first end and a second and larger outer diameter at its second end. Each segment is made from an elastic material such that when the tubular arrangement is compressed radially at its second end, each of the segments stores a spring force.

Abstract: A projectile is provided for simulating multiple sequential ballistic impacts. The projectile has a plurality of relatively dense loading layers spaced along the firing direction of the projectile. Each pair of nearest-neighbor loading layers is separated by a less dense support element which maintains the spacing of the loading layers. The projectile may be suitable for simulating bird slurry impacts on stator vanes of an aero gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bullet shell for hunting guns, preferably those having barrels with “rifled choke” rifling. The shell comprises a bullet made of a solid material and a thin-wall plastic envelope. On its surface, the bullet has a trapezoidal groove delimiting nose and heel portions of the bullet. The envelope enclosing the bullet is made of identical longitudinal halves having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface matching with the surface of the bullet. A peripheral flat collar of a width of b and a height of b1=0.5b is provided at the bullet nose portion end surface. The collar passes into a taper boring with an apex angle ?=120±5°, and the envelope protrudes by b2=b1 beyond the plane of the bullet collar. The bullet shell offers improved longitudinal stability when shooting through minor obstacles (bushes, grass) and improved grouping of up to 60 mm at 100 m.

Abstract: To provide a projectile for bird strike tests, comprising a gel-like or jelly-like material, which makes reproducible and representative results in bird strike tests possible, it is proposed that the projectile comprise a stabilizing device arranged in the projectile for stabilizing the gel-like or jelly-like material.

Abstract: A sabot with exactly two complimentary halves, wherein each half portion comprises teeth configured to interlock with teeth of the other half portion. The sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion. Also, each half portion may comprise at least one indented conical end. Preferably, on each half portion, the teeth are spaced apart from the at least one indented conical end. Moreover, each half portion may comprise translucent polycarbonate material. Furthermore, each half portion may be adapted to flush mount together to form a substantially cylindrical configuration when the teeth are interlocked. Additionally, the sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion, wherein the semi-circular groove extends to the at least one indented conical end.

Abstract: A sabot with exactly two complimentary halves, wherein each half portion comprises teeth configured to interlock with teeth of the other half portion. The sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion. Also, each half portion may comprise at least one indented conical end. Preferably, on each half portion, the teeth are spaced apart from the at least one indented conical end. Moreover, each half portion may comprise translucent polycarbonate material. Furthermore, each half portion may be adapted to flush mount together to form a substantially cylindrical configuration when the teeth are interlocked. Additionally, the sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion, wherein the semi-circular groove extends to the at least one indented conical end.

Abstract: A method for forming a projectile cartridge includes positioning a sabot within a compartment of a projectile cartridge casing. A delivery tube is inserted within a chamber of the sabot positioned within the casing, the delivery tube bounding a channel that passes therethrough. A projectile comprised of an elastomeric material is passed through the channel of the delivery tube under a pressurized gas so that at least a portion the projectile is received within the chamber of the sabot, the projectile being radially compressed as it is passed through the channel of the delivery tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot for use in APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot), wherein both Band lamination and Hoop lamination are used in manufacturing a polymer based FRP(Fiber Reinforced Plastic) for use in the sabot in order to prevent the prepreg delamination in the circumferential direction caused by the radial lamination. The method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot of the present invention comprises the steps of a sub-segment forming step, a piece forming step and a sabot forming step, and the lamination is carried out with improved segment lamination form preventing the damage in the 120 degree surface in the process of treating the sabot.

Abstract: A sabot projectile with a subcaliber penetrator and a sabot, which has a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the penetrator, a segmented, essentially cylindrical guide cage, which is connected to the front end of the propulsion element, and a segmented, disk-shaped metal guide element that extends radially inward in the front area of the guide cage and holds the penetrator. The disk-shaped guide element has a slightly convex contour in the direction of flight of the projectile and the material and the wall thickness of the guide element are chosen in such a way that convex area of the guide element is pushed back slightly when the sabot projectile is fired, so that the outer marginal area of the guide element rests against the inside wall of the gun barrel from which the sabot projectile is fired, and/or the inner marginal area of the guide element, which faces the penetrator, rests against the outer surface of the penetrator.

Abstract: Projectile assembly apparatus comprising a projectile and a projectile head-protecting element surrounding at least a portion of the projectile and operative to separate from the projectile only as the projectile is launched, the projectile head-protecting element including a separation prevention device operative to prevent said projectile head-protecting element from separating from said projectile until a launch-indicative event has occurred

Abstract: A muzzle loading bullet gas check has external recess and ridge system, and/or an internal locking ridge system. The preferred gas check has an opening or recess on its front end for receiving and frictionally engaging a rearwardly extending post of the bullet, the opening also preferably including an internal radial ridge for gripping the post and/or locking with an indent on the post. The barrel-interacting part of the gas check has one or more external recesses and adjacent radial ridges/edges protruding relative to the recesses, which serves to reduce the total surface area of the gas check contacting the bore. The recesses do not touch the bore of the firearm, resulting in less friction and easier loading, while the outer ends/surfaces of the ridges/edges do touch the bore to retain the bullet in the bore during handling and hunting and to effectively capture gasses after the firing explosion.

Abstract: A muzzle loading bullet gas check has external recess and ridge system, and/or an internal locking ridge system. The preferred gas check has an opening or recess on its front end for receiving and frictionally engaging a rearwardly extending post of the bullet, the opening also preferably including an internal radial ridge for gripping the post and/or locking with an indent on the post. The barrel-interacting part of the gas check has one or more external recesses and adjacent radial ridges/edges protruding relative to the recesses, which serves to reduce the total surface area of the gas check contacting the bore. The recesses do not touch the bore of the firearm, resulting in less friction and easier loading, while the outer ends/surfaces of the ridges/edges do touch the bore to retain the bullet in the bore during handling and hunting and to effectively capture gasses after the firing explosion.

Abstract: A sabot includes a base and a plurality of elongated petals extending therefrom. Each petal includes an elongated sidewall portion having an arched interior surface and an arched exterior surface each extending between a first end and an opposing second end. A floor portion inwardly projects from the interior surface of the sidewall portion at the second end thereof so as to form an inside angle between the interior surface of the sidewall portion and an interior surface of the floor portion, each floor portion being pivotally connected to the base so that the plurality of petals can selectively move between a collapsed position wherein the sidewall portions combine to formal a substantially cylindrical sidewall that bounds a chamber and an expanded position wherein the sidewall portions radially outwardly project from the base.

Abstract: Hard material can be displaced by firing a frangible projectile from a firing device. The projectile has a rear portion that engages the bore of the barrel of the firing device and a front portion that is rotatably journaled to the rear portion. The front portion can be frangible to allow maximum displacement of the hard material. Specifically, the front portion has a core and a plurality of fins extending from the core. At impact, as the fins penetrate the target, the fins separate from the core and spread radially outwardly from the core.