Abstract: A powder supply apparatus includes a measuring shaft having a recess to be filled with powder, and a powder filling mechanism for filling the recess of the measuring shaft with the powder. The powder supply apparatus includes a rotary cylinder for sliding the measuring shaft along an axis of the measuring shaft, and a distal-end cover plate of a cylinder where the powder in the recess is leveled off by a slide of the measuring shaft. The rotary cylinder directs the recess downward by rotating the measuring shaft about the axis of the measuring shaft and supplies the leveled powder in the recess downward from the recess to a lifting plate at a predetermined position by dropping the powder.

Abstract: The present invention includes a powder compaction device comprising a loading platform positioned above a lower platform; a compaction rod aperture positioned in the loading platform; a vertical tube positioned in communication with the compaction rod aperture; a compaction rod positioned in the compaction rod aperture and extending through the compaction rod aperture, wherein the compaction rod comprises one or more reliefs having a powder volume; a drive motor in communication with the vertical tube and connected to the compaction rod to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture; a first funnel-shaped device positioned below the loading platform, wherein the first funnel-shaped device comprises a first funnel aperture, wherein the first funnel aperture aligns with the compaction rod aperture to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture; an adaptor platform secured to the lower platform and aligned with the compaction rod aperture; an ammunit

Abstract: A method, device and system for metering powder material from a powder material source by a metering device connected to the source. The device is charged from the source with a batch of powder material in a charging configuration. The batch is discharged from the device in a discharging configuration. The source is connected with a metering piston space in the charging configuration via a first channel of a fixed metering channel hub. The volume of the space is controlled between a metering piston and a hub peripheral surface by controlling the piston position in the space, to charge the volume with material by gravity. The metering space is turned around the hub, to the charging configuration. The volume filled with material is enclosed until reaching the discharging configuration. The metering piston space is connected with a discharge opening via a second channel of the hub for discharging the material.

Abstract: A ammunition loading machine is provided. The ammunition loading machine includes a base frame. A rake assembly is mounted to the base frame and configured to index a linear row of cases along a first linear axis. A platen assembly is also mounted to the base frame and is movable relative to the base frame along a second linear axis that is orthogonal to the first linear axis. A propellant hopper is fixedly mounted to the base frame. The platen assembly is movable relative to the propellant hopper to transfer propellant from the propellant hopper to a propellant filling mechanism that is movable with the platen assembly. The rake assembly is adjustable to accommodate multiple different sizes of cartridges. The rake assembly and platen assembly are commonly linked to a cam drive mechanism for simultaneously moving the rake assembly and the platen assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for large bore gun systems having an integrated retention assembly for maintaining propellant charges within the cartridge case. The cartridge case having an interior space for receiving propellant charges and an open proximate end through which the propellant charges can be fed. An insulating sleeve defining an interior channel is affixed to the cartridge case and extends out of the proximate end of the cartridge case. The interior channel serves as a chute through which propellant charges can be fed. After the propellant charges are loaded, the insulating sleeve is crimped closed to retain the propellant charges within the cartridge case. A closure plug can be inserted into the proximate end of the cartridge case after the insulating sleeve is crimped closed.

Abstract: A ammunition loading machine is provided. The ammunition loading machine includes a base frame. A rake assembly is mounted to the base frame and configured to index a linear row of cases along a first linear axis. A platen assembly is also mounted to the base frame and is movable relative to the base frame along a second linear axis that is orthogonal to the first linear axis. A propellant hopper is fixedly mounted to the base frame. The platen assembly is movable relative to the propellant hopper to transfer propellant from the propellant hopper to a propellant filling mechanism that is movable with the platen assembly. The rake assembly is adjustable to accommodate multiple different sizes of cartridges. The rake assembly and platen assembly are commonly linked to a cam drive mechanism for simultaneously moving the rake assembly and the platen assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cartridges, including shotshell cartridges, for launching multiplex projectile loads that contain different sizes or types of projectiles, and methods of loading the cartridges. In one aspect, for example, the present cartridges can contain an obturating component adjacent the cartridge propellant, a first payload adjacent the obturating component, a separating component adjacent the first payload, and a second payload adjacent the separating component. Shotshells of this configuration in which the first (aft) payload comprises birdshot and the second (forward) payload comprises buckshot are particularly useful.

Abstract: A less than lethal projectile and method of producing the same comprising of a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing a shot within. The sealed filled polymeric pouch is formed in a form, fill, and seal machine. An automatic loading ammunition machine is fed empty shell casings; the ammunition machine automatically loads the empty shell casing with pre-determined quantities of wad, primer, and gun powder, and subsequently moves the sealed filled polymeric pouch into a projectile compartment of the empty shell casing producing a fully-loaded shell casing to be loaded into a barrel of an ammunition. The polymeric pouch is capable of being inserted into various shell casings depending on the intended use thus allowing for officers and soldiers to select from an array of munitions when confronted with a situation where less than lethal means are required.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a novel method for producing powder charges with a high charge density consisting of a granulated powder lying loosely in the charge. In accordance with the invention, the powder is vacuum-packed in airtight pouches made of a combustible and preferably flexible packaging material.

Abstract: A munition includes a penetrator casing; and a payload, the payload composed of an explosive material dispersed in a metallic binder material. Related methods are also described. A method is also provided that includes forming an energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.

Abstract: The present invention refers to equipment, for the recharging firearm cartridges, having four modules that can operate jointly or separately. The equipment includes a calibrating press, that calibrates and removes a deflagrated fuse of the case through the movement of the piston tool ports and a washing turbine having a rotating nucleus that moves angularly between 90 and ?90 degrees to facilitate loading, washing and discharging of the cases. The equipment also includes a fuse press for fuse assembly in the case, with automatic rejection of the defective cases through pneumatic auxiliary cylinders of high sensitivity. The press includes a case feeder system; a rotating disk; and a reservoir feeder of fuses. The press also includes a dosage press for the assembly and packing of the cartridges, with movements synchronized vertically, circular and lineal, with main cylinder and commanded by panel provided with commands for control of the gunpowder dosage.

Abstract: A powder meter tube includes a metering tube and a metering assembly. The metering assembly is retained in the metering tube. The metering tube includes a nut cutout and a graduated slot. The metering assembly includes a threaded shaft, a micrometer nut, a piston and a bearing. A threaded hole is formed through the micrometer nut to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The bearing includes a base and two spring fingers that extend from the base. The piston is pressed on to one end of the threaded shaft and the bearing pressed on to an opposite end of the threaded shaft. The spring fingers allow the metering assembly to be inserted into the metering tube and the micrometer nut to protrude through the nut cutout. In use, the micrometer nut is rotated in either direction to increase or decrease the powder capacity in the metering tube.

Abstract: A case activated drum powder measure includes a measure body, a powder drum, a drive assembly and an actuation assembly. The measure body includes a drum receiver, an actuation tube and a hopper. The powder drum includes a powder cavity and is retained in the drum receiver. One end of an expanding die is secured to the actuation tube and the other end is secured to a loading press. A connecting rod transmits linear motion from the actuation assembly to rotate the powder drum through the drive assembly. Gun powder fills the powder cavity through the hopper. A case is retained in a shell holder retained in a ram of the reloading press. A lever arm is pulled, which causes the ram to push the case into the expanding die. Upward movement of the case causes the gun powder in the powder cavity to fall into the case.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of filling ordnance with explosive materials. An ordnance shell (2) comprises a cavity (32) filled with explosive material (10), the explosive material (10) being contained in a bag (36) located within the cavity (32).

Abstract: Described herein is apparatus for the mixing of explosive materials utilising a static mixer (26) for combining pre-mix explosive material and hardener prior to introducing the combined mixture into any ordnance (38).

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: 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: A novel resizing die (100/300) for a cartridge case has been provided for efficiently and quickly resizing a cartridge case during a reloading operation. The novel die includes a precise measuring system (122, 124, 108/122, 306, 108) for being able to accurately and precisely adjust the position of the resizing die when already threaded into an internal bore of a reloading press so that after a first resizing process is performed, the resizing die of the present invention may be precisely adjusted by the length that the cartridge's headspace distance is too long or too short so that the next resizing process will yield a cartridge headspace distance that is in substantial accordance with a predetermined length.

Abstract: A method of making a cartridge ammunition includes the following steps: providing a cartridge case having a longitudinal axis; introducing bulk propellant powder into the cartridge case; and oscillating the cartridge case about its longitudinal axis for compacting the bulk propellant powder therein.

Abstract: The present invention is a shot caddy having a cover and a slide valve. Shot is stored in the cylindrical housing until it is needed. The slide valve is opened by the user thereby allowing shot to flow in a controlled manner into another container. A baffle is contained within the cylindrical housing to meter the flow of shot. The shot caddy may be mounted on a wall with a key mounted on the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A reloading apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support for supporting a casing and a casing feed station for placing the casing on the support. The apparatus also includes a primer removal station for resizing the casing and removing a spent primer from the casing. The apparatus further includes an expanding station for enlarging a diameter of a mouth of the casing. The apparatus still further includes a primer insertion station for inserting a charged primer into the casing. The apparatus also includes a gunpowder dispensing station for dispensing a quantity of gunpowder into the casing. The apparatus further includes a bullet setting station for setting a bullet into the casing so as to form a cartridge. The bullet setting station includes a bullet aligner for positioning a bullet adjacent the mouth of the casing, and a plunger. The plunger is movable between a first plunger position and a second plunger position.

Abstract: An accessory for retrofitting a shotgun shell reloader to convert the reloader to one capable of reloading shell casings with two different sizes of shot. The accessory has a funnel gear which replaces a shot gear and a shot bushing on the reloader. The remainder of the accessory attaches to a shot baffle provided on the reloader, thereby replacing a shot tube provided on the reloader. A base of the accessory secures to the shot baffle and a collar opening communicates between the shot baffle located below the base and a rotatable flattened cylinder located above the base. The flattened cylinder is reciprocated by an accessory arm which secures to a reciprocating lever on the reloader. An accessory top assembly secures to the base thereby sandwiching the flattened cylinder therebetween.

Abstract: A shot baffle for use with a funnel secured to a shotgun shell reconditioning and reloading apparatus and with the funnel having an upper open end and an open lower end, the shot baffle including a generally disk-shaped body slidably positionable within the funnel and having a peripheral edge held in slidable contact therewith to create an upper holding chamber for receiving shot disposed within the upper end of the funnel; a plurality of legs with each leg extended downwards from the body and terminated at an end edge and with the end edges of the legs positionable in contact with a portion of the funnel to create a lower chamber therein; and a cylinder extended downwards from the bottom wall and through the lower chamber and terminated at an end positioned in juxtaposition with the lower end of the funnel and with the cylinder having a bore extended therethrough and through the body to allow passage of shot disposed within the upper chamber to the lower end of the funnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of dispensing granular material in which a flow regulator regulates the flow of grains through a fill tube is provided. A hopper assembly including a funnel and fill tube are relatively rotatable with respect to a flow regulator to facilitate the flow of grain through the flow regulator down the fill tube and cut a tip which deflects the granular material to uniformly dispense the material, for example around a cartridge. The tip rotates to further facilitate uniform distribution of granular material in the cartridge.

Abstract: A propellant casting apparatus for automatically filling rocket propulsion motors with semi-solid propellant is characterized by a unique propellant filling assembly which injects a precise given quantity of propellant into the motor from the bottom. The propellant filling assembly includes a chamber having an injection cylinder arranged at one end and a fill valve at the other. With the chamber filled with propellant, the fill valve is brought into engagement with the bottom of the motor and opened. The injection cylinder includes a piston which is extended into the chamber to inject propellant into the motor via the valve. The length of travel of the piston is accurately controlled to govern the precise quantity of propellant injected into the motor.

Abstract: A stator jacket (12) and a stator lining (22) of elastomeric material together form a tubular pump stator (10) the ends (20) of which are connected to a connecting piece (36) of a casing portion (32, 34) each. The stator jacket (12) has at least one parting area (14) extending throughout its length. This and the region of the stator lining (22) located radially inside thereof as well as the junctions of the connecting pieces (36) with the stator jacket (12) are designed such that the pump stator (10) will burst in at least one parting area (14, 16) when a predetermined positive internal pressure is exceeded. This provides pressure relief before a risk of explosion can develop when explosives are being conveyed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a large-caliber ammunition unit including a combustible or partially combustible propelling charge casing and compacted or partially compacted propelling charge powder, to increase internal ballistic performance. It is known to partially or completely compact or compress the propelling charge powder in a cartridge casing. However, such methods generally cannot be employed for ammunition including a combustible or at least partially combustible propelling charge casing because of the lower strength of the relatively thin-walled combustible casing material, as this would lead to deformation and/or to reduced loadability of such cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for filling a space in at least one ammunition unit with a ready-mixed explosive containing a substance which imparts high viscosity to the explosive. The method comprises supplying the explosive into a flexible container with a single opening therein, positioning the flexible container into a second container adapted to withstand high internal pressure, applying a high pressure into the second container thereby exposing the flexible container to the high pressure, and pressing out the explosive from the flexible container through the opening in the flexible containers into the space in the ammunition unit upon application of the high pressure whereby filling the space with the explosive.

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: An accessory for use with a home shell reloading machine to obtain dual shot size shells.

Abstract: An ammunition powder measuring and dispensing apparatus in which a charging chamber rotates and translates in a helical course within a housing between inlet and outlet ports. The powder is gravity loaded and discharged from the chamber from a hopper above the inlet port and to a cartridge or shell below the outlet port. A micrometer-operated disc in the chamber adjusts the amount of the charge. The disc is concave to reduce crevices where powder can build up, and the chamber is tapered to small opening to improve cut-off leveling of powder at the inlet port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modification or replacement for shot and powder loading systems having wad jammer tubes with telescopic loading funnels wherein the wad jammer tube is swaged for insertion into smaller shotgun shells creating a shoulder on which shot or powder may jam. The improvement of the invention comprises matching liner tubes having scarfed upper extremities in combination with scarf necked funnels telescopically inserted within the wad jammer tube thereby eliminating all diametric restrictions to prevent shot and powder jamming.

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 powder dosing apparatus, especially for use in the priming of ammunition, comprises a tray containing a uniformly thick layer of powder and a dosing assembly arranged to extract a plurality of doses of powder from the tray. After extraction of the doses the assembly is moved to an adjacent station where it ejects the doses into respective receptacles, such as capshells. During ejection, the powder in the tray is replenished from a chute and the layer is raked and levelled by an assembly comprising a rake and doctor blades in readiness for a subsequent dose extraction step.

Abstract: Multiple measuring cavities of given and identical volume are formed in a base. Each measuring cavity is elevated from the base by a protrusion with tapered sides. Pulverulent or granular material is then poured into the cavities filling them to overflowing. The excess material flows down the protrusions and drains through holes in the base. The surfaces of the base present sharp edges to the flow of medium to eliminate its collection other than in each measuring cavity. Cartridges to be filled are inverted and the cartridge mouth is placed over each protrusion and its full measuring cavity. The cartridge mouths come to rest on the tapered sides of each protrusion. A cartridge retaining cover made to fit over and align with the base is placed over the cartridges. The cover holds the cartridges is contact with the sides of the protrusions, then, the cover and base are grasped and turned over as a unit, emptying the contents of the measuring cavities into the cartridges.

Abstract: A filling arrangement is equipped with a loading arrangement containing a measuring slider plate and a displacement arrangement guided through a protective wall. The displacement arrangement moves the measuring slider plate backwards and forwards between two end positions; the displacement arrangement has a force transfer arrangement with a push rod guided through the protective wall and connected with the measuring slide place. The force transfer arrangement is driveable in both directions by means of at least one weight. A distribution arrangement for the supply of explosive from explosive containers to the loading arrangement comprises at least one container holder which is tippable by a shaft guided through the protective wall. A horizontally and parallel guided loading plate is pivotable over a delivery arrangement from an entry position at an entry opening in the protective wall into a first end position below the loading arrangement.

Abstract: Explosive powder is fed to a receptacle within a barricade by means of a tube which is open at only one end. A first motor is provided for pivoting the tube between an upright refill position and a dispensing position wherein the longitudinal axis of the tube is slightly below horizontal. A second motor is coupled to the tube for movement therewith and for rotating or oscillating the tube about its longitudinal axis to cause powder to be dispensed from the tube.

Abstract: Proportioning dispenser for powdered products consisting of a main body delimitating a first, filling chamber and a second, discharge chamber. The body supports a feed hopper, a proportioner operable to move between the two chambers, and a dispenser located beneath the discharge chamber. The dispenser comprises a cup movable from a loading position under the discharge chamber to a position of automatic discharge. A preferred embodiment involving the filling of explosive cartridges is described.

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: 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: A powder measuring device for use in connection with reloading cartridges has a powder transfer member supported for translating or, alternatively, rotating between a position where at least one cavity in the member is filled with powder from a hopper to another position wherein the powder is discharged through a tube to an empty cartridge. A cartridge to be reloaded is driven upwardly by a manually operated ram. The force for actuating the mechanism that drives the transport member is transmitted through the cartridge which means that unless a cartridge is positioned on the ram for receiving the powder the transport member will not be moved in response to operation of the ram and unintended discharge of powder will be prevented.

Abstract: A cartridge reloader having a base. A turret ring mounted to and above the base. A turret having a radially extending flange or rim, the turret being rotatable in the ring for positioning dies that act on a cartridge to be reloaded. Radially inwardly extending lugs on the wall of the ring surrounding a large bore therein. Radially outwardly extending lugs on the turret which interlock with the lugs on the ring while at the same time the turret flange is bearing over its area on the margin of the ring surrounding the large hole. An axially slotted ram having a cartridge holder. A T-shaped priming arm having multiple primer holders. The priming arm nesting in and pivotal in a V-shaped socket in the base. A box having inserts for mounting the reloader base on it.

Abstract: An apparatus for reloading spent ammunition shells includes a plurality of tools supported on a shaft above an elevatable carriage which define a plurality of reloading stations spaced circumferentially about the shaft, one of the stations having a priming tool and a power recharging tool, and a shell holder plate supported on the carriage for coincident vertical movement therewith and adapted for rotation about the shaft and to receive a plurality of separate spent ammunition shells and to position these shells simultaneously and sequentially in different reloading stations.

Abstract: An attachment for dispensing shot and powder in conjunction with a shell reloading tool is disclosed. The invention is intended for use with those types of reloading machines which sequentially dispense shot and powder into a number of shells being progressively reloaded on the work table of the reloading machine. The device includes a frame mounted on the reloading machine and has a series of pivotable members which carry the shot and powder bottles. A sliding bar operatively connected to the actuating mechanism of the loading machine dispenses the shot and powder into the shells being reloaded at the appropriate time. The sliding bar includes a series of removable bushings which permit rapid change over to the dispensing of different amounts of powder and shot.

Abstract: An ammunition loader has hoppers for shot and/or powder, and a slideable charge bar for metering shot and powder from the hoppers to the shell. Metering bushings are selectively disposed in the charge bar. A leakage opening in the side wall of the charge bar communicates with the outside of the assembly. The opening is blocked when a bushing is in place, but permits shot or powder to spill therethrough if no bushing is present. The bushings have exposed volume indicating indicia thereon.

Abstract: A method of making a cartridge, in particular a blank or propellant gas cartridge which has a casing of generally tubular form with a telescopically reverse in-folded star-crimp-closed integral tubular end section, and within which is contained a blank propellant powder charge, with a readily rupturable wad of low heat conductivity initial restraining mass formed between the propellant powder charge and the in-folded telescoping star-crimp-closed end of the casing, in which method the cartridge is formed by front loading a propellant charge and the low-heat-conductivity wad, and then star-crimping and telescopically reverse in-rolling the cartridge casing, after which the recessed in-rolled star-crimped casing is heat sealed.

Abstract: To uniformly load and orient predetermined charges of shot in shotshells having limited volume, an automatic loading machine meters the charges into the shells in a series of successive increments each sufficient to form only a single layer. A shell-supporting rail of the machine is subdivided into segments which are oscillated by cam and lever means to orient each successive increment of shot into a regular, compact layer.

Abstract: A thread protector and seal device, suitable for use with automated shell lling equipment utilizes a flanged semi-rigid tubular member having a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots on one end thereof to facilitate insertion into the nose end of an internally threaded projectile. A compliant member is molded into interior and exterior annular grooves of the insertion end of the thread protector to prevent the accumulation of explosive material from entering the threaded fuze area of the projectile during a loading operation.

Abstract: A shot shell progressive reloading press particularly including a single step crimping device comprising interiorly protruding equally spaced deflectors of mid-upper diameter of die body and downward protruding cooperating deflectors of abutting surface of elongated finalizing compression plunger, of which is maintained and supported by a heavy spring of which allows restricted reciprocal movement of said plunger of which finalizes crimp of which has been initiated by said protruding deflectors of said die body upon actuation of said reloading press, said crimping device having a capability of initiating and finalizing the crimp of new plastic casings, new paper casings, used plastic casings and used paper casings.