Abstract: Progressive ammunition press system, components thereof, and associated methods. The press system may include a press control system integrated with the press. The press may include a case carriage including a case carrier supported by a bearing. Case retainer gates may be provided for retaining cases in the case carrier. A bullet feeding system can be arranged to permit bullet feeding and seating in a single station of the press. A primer feeder can be self-contained, gear-driven, and/or recirculating.

Abstract: The herein described Table Top Priming Machine for Small Caliber Ammunition provides a simple, safe, and more precise means to produce reliable ammunition than other priming machines in the prior art. The Table Top Priming Machine uses a unique rotary disk assembly to hold cases as the machine installs primers into the cases. Gravity assists with securing cases in the disk assembly and promotes ejection of the finished cases. The compact construction of the machine makes the machine accessible for individuals or manufactures with limited space to create consistent ammunition at high speeds with limited space. Furthermore, the machine's design allows for any end user to assemble and maintain the machine with general hand tools, which obviates the need for specialized maintenance from the manufacturer.

Abstract: As described above, this new primer feed system is both accurate and consistent. The primer feed station begins by loading primers from the vendor packaging into the vibratory feed bowl via the primer chute. The bowl has an adjustable height polycarbonate guard that is inside the main safety polycarbonate doors and exits above the machine. The bowl then orients the primers open side up and discharges them into the primer track. Crimping can be done with 3 or 5 pins or a complete radial crimp. Previous versions of the crimp station on these crimping machines involved a pin mounted to the upper ram and a lower pin actuated by the lower ram. It was difficult to time and adjust properly for a consistent crimp. This new approach to crimping has proved much more reliable, accurate and easier to adjust. It still utilizes an upper pin mounted to the upper moving ram assembly but the lower pin is fixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loading machine for cartridges with a metal case including a frame structure; a feed unit for a plurality of cases having a longitudinally extending axis; a first operating beam having an alternating vertical translation movement, provided with working tools having a vertical axis, adapted to load the cases; feed and a conveyor of the cases and element for ejecting the loaded cartridges; a motor and a control unit. The feed unit includes a race and a conveyor guide comb defining a plurality of seats, containing the cases conveying them along the race. The conveyor guide includes bushings, each including at least a first conical surface and a hole to house one of the bushings and being housed in one of the seats. The machine includes a second operating beam, having an alternating vertical translation movement, provided with a plurality of hollow centering cylinders having a vertical axis.

Abstract: Bullet feeder apparatus includes a fixture bounding a bullet-conducting passage therethrough, and a gate mounted to the fixture for movement between a closed position closing the bullet-conducting passage preventing a bullet from passing therethrough, and an open position opening the bullet-conducting passage allowing the bullet to pass therethrough into an open end of a shell. A bias applied to the gate biases the gate into the closed position. A deflector is mounted proximate the fixture for movement between a first position whereby the deflector is disposed away from the gate and the bias applied to the gate biases the gate in the closed position thereof closing the bullet-conducting passage, and a second position whereby the deflector is disposed toward and against the gate overcoming the bias applied thereto deflecting the gate from the closed position thereof to the open position thereof opening the bullet-conducting passage.

Abstract: Ammunition reloading apparatus includes a shell case support for holding a shell case, a container spaced above the support for holding shell loading material to be placed in a shell case during reloading, and an elongate charge bar underlying the container having a charge opening therein. The bar is mounted for movement between a first position in which the opening underlies the container to receive a charge of material and a second position where the material may be released to an underlying shell case. Control mechanism is operable to sense the presence or absence of the shell case on the support when the charge bar is in its second position. The control mechanism prohibits release of material from the charge opening when a shell case is absent and permits release of material to be dispensed to the shell case when a shell case is present.

Abstract: To permit operators to change dies quickly and easily and to remove shot shells from any station, inspect them and replace them, bayonet snap in dies may be easily inserted into a tooling section of a reloader and shot shells can be removed from shell plates by pivoting the retainer free.

Abstract: Device for filling a shell body with a plurality of sub-projectiles including a U-shaped assembly centering device coupled with a cover. A reservoir, formed between the assembly centering device and the cover, includes a slit-like shaped rectangle in cross-section. A flange is fastened in a lower area of the reservoir on the assembly centering device, and a slider for moving with respect to the reservoir includes a width corresponding to a length of the slit-like rectangle. A top portion includes a V-shaped notch extending along a longitudinal direction, and a bottom portion includes a V-shape extending along the longitudinal direction. A perforation, extending coaxially with the slider and provided in the assembly centering device, includes a first part approximately corresponding to an outline of the slider and a second part approximately corresponding to an outer periphery of a layer.

Abstract: To permit operators to change dies quickly and easily and to remove shot shells from any station, inspect them and replace them, bayonet snap in dies may be easily inserted into a tooling section of a reloader and shot shells can be removed from shell plates by pivoting the retainer free.

Abstract: A shell plate for being indexed in angular steps is on a carrier which is, in turn, mounted to the upper end of the reloader ram. Indexer rod engageable elements such as cylindrical equiangularly spaced apart pins project downwardly from the bottom of the shell plate. An indexer rod is carried in the shell plate carrier. When the ram is driven to nearly its lowermost position, the manual operating lever is near the end of its swing at which time it abuts the indexer rod for the latter to engage one of the pins to rotate the shell plate. The indexer rod is retracted and reset by having it slide down a guide track from the uppermost position of the ram and the guide track is angulated in part to be engaged by the rod and retracted. The reloader is distinguished by indexing the shell plate only when the ram is within a few millimeters of its lowermost limit.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a conventional shell reloading machine of the type represented by the well-known "Hornady 366 Auto Reloader" commercial machine, such apparatus comprising a carrier holding a plurality of storage tubes filled with respective columns of replacement primers, the carrier being adapted for mounting on the superstructure of the machine in upstanding position so that each tube can be positioned, in turn, relative to that operating station of the machine that is normally occupied by a single such tube for discharging its replacement primers into receiving shells carried therebelow by a turntable of the machine. Removable hitchpins or the like at the bottoms of the respective storage tubes in the carrier prevent the descent by gravity of the respective columns of replacement primers. The hitchpin is removed from the bottom of each storage tube that is placed into primer-discharging position.

Abstract: The invention is a shotshell advancing mechanism on a shotshell reloader with rotating turret held on a work table, a relatively movable tool carriage, and means to move the tool carriage so that the tools are in contact with the shot shells. The shotshell advancing mechanism is a gas spring means for providing motive force to move the turret.

Abstract: In a shotgun shell reloader, a manually operated lever drives a carriage reciprocally on a central post for shotgun shells mounted to the carriage to engage with reloading tools arranged on a support which mounts to the upper end of the post. A circular shot plate mounts to the carriage and has a central bore for surrounding the post. An indexer member mounts in the bore of the shell plate and surrounds the post. The indexer has a helical groove in its bore which rides onto a pin extending radially from the post when the carriage is beginning to be raised so that the indexer, which is engaged with the shell plate at that time, turns the shell plate through one angular increment so that a shell on the plate will be presented to tools on the tools support successively to perform the reloading process. A powder bar and a shot bar are mounted to the top of the tool support for moving under a hopper which has chambers for powder and shot.

Abstract: A multi-station cartridge reloading press that includes a drive mechanism for a powder measure for reloading spent cartridge cases. A case detecting arm engages a drive rod to operate the powder measure only when a case is present in the powder loading station. A quick change collar mounted on the powder measure is utilized in the initial setup to adjust the operating position of the rod relative to the arm. The collar also establishes a reference position for the powder measure permitting the removal and installation of the powder measure without further adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for sensing the powder level within a cartridge shell during the reloading process comprising a housing having a ramp in its interior, a sleeve slidably inserted within the housing having a radial hole initially positioned below the ramp in which resides a ball, and a plunger inserted within the sleeve having a groove for receipt of the ball. A probe is mounted on the lower end of the plunger which contacts the powder deposited in the cartridge shell, wherein the probe lifts the plunger so that the groove in the plunger may receive the ball upon the presence of a proper amount of powder so the sleeve can slide upward into the housing allowing the cartridge to enter the housing. Preferably, the powder level sensing device is adapted to be mounted onto existing reloading press frames, particularly the progressive reloading press frame. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the powder level sensing device to accommodate various cartridge shells and desired powder levels.

Abstract: A reloader for reloading cartridges. A reciprocating plunger carries a turret that rotates around the axis of the plunger. The turret carries a plurality of cartridges for reloading, the cartridges being symmetrically spaced around the turret axis and adapted to be indexed around the axis in a step-by-step sequence. An overhead die holder contains a plurality of dies spaced in a symmetrical pattern similar to that of the cartridges but in fixed positions. A center opening in the die holder houses a rotatable bushing. The rotation of the bushing is controlled in part by a one-way clutch. An indexing shaft affixed to the turret extends from the turret axis through the bushing. The shaft has a multi-sided cross section and is slidably fitted to the bushing in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The configured cross section has an axial twist and when forced through the bushing by the reciprocating plunger, causes turning of one or the other of the shaft and turret or the bushing.

Abstract: An apparatus for a firearm ammunition hand loader. The apparatus provides for the installation of gas checks onto the base of a cast bullet, and sizing and lubricating of the bullet with the gas check on. This is achieved by use of an index table that provides, in a progressive, continuous action, the mounting of the gas check and the sizing and lubrication of the bullet with the gas check mounted thereon, with greater ease and speed than previously known single stage operating devices.

Abstract: To permit automatic ejection of shells in a progressive shell loader, a cam is mounted near the turret holding the shells. As the carriage is raised and lowered, two pawls and an index wheel turn it so that the shells advance toward a final station. Immediately prior to the final station, the cam engages a spring-biased lever to cause it to eject the reloaded shell. The pawls engage camming surfaces formed on the bottom of a single-piece index wheel to turn it.

Abstract: An improved shell reloading machine incorporating in addition to the essential features of utility convenience and low cost, an effective means for the prevention of primer cap detonation which might otherwise occur due to improper alignment of the primer feed mechanism.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency and reliablility of shotgun shell reloader apparatus of the type in which an empty shell is entered and removed at a single entrance/exit station and the shell is transferred in a circular path from station to station at which the several reloading operations are performed sequentially, an accessory ejection spring is employed to automatically eject a completed shell as it enters the entrance/exit station (thus eliminating the necessity for manually handling a completed shell at the entrance/exit station) and a spring pad including a magnetic member is employed at the priming station to positively receive and emplace a new primer just prior to the repriming operation (thus eliminating instances of incorrect orientation of the new primer with respect to the deprimed shell into which it is to be seated during the priming operation).

Abstract: An apparatus for the forming and/or treatment of cartridge cases while continuously travelling through a train of cartridge case treating instrumentalities, in particular a machine for varnishing or gumming the collar and the percussion cap thereof, said two operations being carried out, respectively, at a lower level and an upper level of an operating drum. An upstream transfer wheel leads untreated cartridge cases with a predetermined peripheral spacing to the lower level of the operating drum where varnishing of the collar or flange is carried out. The downstream transfer wheel returns the thus partially varnished cartridge cases and leads them to a recycling drum which at the same time turns the cartridge cases upside down, and introduces the thus turned cartridge cases to the upper level of the upstream transfer wheel.

Abstract: To enable a shell to be automatically primed during operation of a loader, the primers are mounted within a chute to fall by gravity to an opening where a lever is pivoted by a cam as the shell carriage of the loader moves in a vertical direction within the frame of the loader. The motion of the lever moves one of the primers from the chute into position underneath the shell carriage for insertion into the shell casing as the carriage moves downward against the base of the loader frame. The lever arm is spring-biased into position underneath the rim of the holder and contacts a cam mounted to move up and down with the carriage upon the actuating of the loader handle by an operator. The shell is deprived during the upward movement of the carriage and the downward movement.

Abstract: A semi-automatic cartridge reloading machine of the type including a lower travelling platen with a rotatable support for sequentially positioning a plurality of cartridges in each of a series of operating stations and including an upper stationary platen with a plurality of tools or dies depending or extending downwardly and spaced circumferentially about the upper stationary platen and centered over the rotatable support defining a plurality of operating stations is provided with mechanisms for automatically rotating the support to reposition the cartridges in subsequent operating stations at the completion of each reloading step or operation, automatically centering cartridges and removing spent primers from cartridges, automatically belling and admitting powder into cartridges, automatically introducing and inserting new primers into cartridges, automatically introducing and inserting bullets into cartridges, and automatically crimping and seating bullets into cartridges simultaneously and in conjunction

Abstract: Cartridge reloading presses wherein either a turret carrying multiple dies or a turret carrying multiple cartridges is caused to index rotationally relative to the axis of a vertically reciprocable ram. The indexing mechanism includes a ratchet element having a circular array of downwardly pointed teeth surrounding a vertical hole. This element is fixed to the ram. A hexagon rod having a nominal 120 degree twist near its lower end fits through said hole with clearance. A plastic ratchet element having upwardly pointed complementary teeth surrounding a hexagon hole fits snugly on the hexagon rod. When the ram moves upwardly the two ratchet elements are disengaged so the rod does not turn. During the ram downstroke, the ratchet elements engage while the plastic element is still on the untwisted part of the rod. Near the end of the downstroke, the engaged and locked plastic element runs onto the twist, causing the rod to rotate to thereby rotate a turret engaged therewith.

Abstract: An improved shell reloading machine employing a movable four-position shell plate carried by a single shaft and actuated by a swinging toggle linkage.

Abstract: This invention relates to some unique mechanical devices, which, when attached in natural sequence to a shotshell reloading press, allows faster, smoother and more compatable performance of said press.Specific devices which are included are, (1) a device designed for more positive reciprocation of a carrying ram, which, when actuated, meters and carries, "either wads of primers to their destination for instillation in a spent shotshell casing". (2) Another unique mechanical device is a miniature leverage system which feeds empty shell casings into the holding slots of the index carrier plate by means of a coordinated swivel mounted lever which forces said casings into holding slots of said carrier index plate upon the acuation of said press. (3) To conclude the unique devices of this application is a holding tray for new primers.

Abstract: In a system which sizes and lubricates lead bullets, an indexing plate, being chain driven, and having an indexing post, is mounted horizontally and in such a manner that the indexing post engages indexing detents in a transfer plate, having a plurality of bullet receiving holes. The transfer plate also mounted horizontally, and which has circular scallops whose radii and centers of curvature are coincident with the contacting surface of the indexing plate, providing an indexing to the transfer plate and a positive lock in between index positions; and a lubricating mechanism using a harmonic motion thus providing a lubricating piston with a long time in which to exert nearly maximum pressure on the lubricant and thereby optimizing the lubricating stroke; all being properly timed with the proper movement of the punch; so as to provide simultaneous and high speed sizing and lubricating of bullets.

Abstract: A tool for reconditioning and reloading spent shotgun shells is disclosed. The tool has a movable table upon which is mounted a rotating die cage. The cage contains a series of floating dies for sizing the spent shells. A fixed tool head at the top of the apparatus carries a series of filling tubes and crimping dies. Means for rotating the die cage and the operation of the floating dies is described.

Abstract: A shot shell reloader of the type including a rotatable support for sequentially positioning a plurality of shot shells in each of a series of operating stations is provided with a mechanism for automatically rotating the support to reposition the shot shells in subsequent operating stations at the completion of each reloading step or operation. The mechanism includes a cam and a cam follower which operate a ratchet pawl that engages the rotatable shot shell support.

Abstract: An automated machine for lubricating and sizing cast lead slugs and including a body having a slug passage comprising vertical and horizontal legs extending therethrough, the horizontal portion of said passage including a sizing die which insures a uniform slug diameter. A crank-driven ram pushes the slugs through the horizontal leg of the passage intermittently and meters the slugs into the vertical leg of the passage by means of a sliding transfer bar arrangement. Semifluid lubricant is fed from a pressurized supply into the die chamber by means of a cam driven pump plunger so as to fill the lubricating rings of each slug as it momentarily rests within the sizing die chamber. A single motor drives the transfer ram as well as the lubricant plunger so as to synchronize the slug metering and lubricating operations. A ball check valve permits excess lubricant to be discharged from the die chamber.

Abstract: A reloader for reloading cartridges. A reciprocating plunger carries a turret that rotates around the axis of the plunger. The turret carries a plurality of cartridges for reloading, the cartridges being symmetrically spaced around the turret axis and adapted to be indexed around the axis in a step-by-step sequence. An overhead die holder contains a plurality of dies spaced in a symmetrical pattern similar to that of the cartridges but in fixed positions. A center opening the die holder houses a rotatable bushing. The rotation of the bushing is controlled in part by a one-way clutch. An indexing shaft affixed to the turret extends from the turret axis through the bushing. The shaft has a multi-sided cross section and is slidably fitted to the bushing in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The configured cross section has an axial twist and when forced through the bushing by the reciprocating plunger, causes turning of one or the other of the shaft and turret or the bushing.