Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION WITH NON-BRASS CASING
AND NON-LEAD PROJECTILE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application Serial No. 62/537,632 filed July 27, 2017, the entirety of which
is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typical ammunition for rifles and handguns consists of a generally
tubular
brass shell casing bearing a lead bullet, with the tubular casing housing a
percussion-
responsive cap (primer) and a propellant charge disposed within the casing
between the
primer and the bullet. The desire for simplicity in manufacture, long shelf
life,
dimensional stability, and other factors, has led to widespread adoption of
brass as the
casing material and lead as the projectile.
[0003] Published EP patent application W01983000213A1 of Palcher
describes
the use of polymeric materials in making the casing. The application even
describes the
possibility that the bullet (the projectile) itself can be partially formed of
a polymeric
material. The Palcher application describes that the conventional brass shell
is rigid and
hard, its side wall is very thin, and the whole is relatively inelastic. The
Palcher
application describes that the disclosed shell casings are fabricated with
polymeric
materials that exhibit high degrees of elongation, relatively high degrees of
flexibility,
and have different shapes.
[0004] The Palcher application describes that the preferred casing
material is a
polymer, being a thermoplastic rather than a thermosetting polymer, which has
a high
strength and is heat and flame resistant. In particular, the Palcher
application describes
that preferred casing materials are polysulfone, polyimide-amide and
polyethylene
sulfone.
[0005] U.S. Patent Number 9,939,236 of Drobockyi et al discloses an
alternative
casing for use in a cartridge for a firearm, in which the casing comprises a
sleeve and
an attached base made of stainless steel. The sleeve is formed with a mouth
for holding
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a bullet and an opposing bulkhead from which extends a nipple. The end of the
nipple is
flared radially outwardly within a passageway of the base, to form a special
configuration lip and first seal. The nipple is shaped to make a second seal
when press
fitted into the passageway. A bulkhead is formed with a circumferential wave
or ridge.
The '236 Patent describes that the sleeve preferably is made from austenitic
stainless
steel that is worked to have differential hardness and magnetic properties
along the
sleeve length, with the nipple being of lesser hardness.
[0006] The Palcher application and the '236 Patent of Drobockyi et al
address
different problems in the field of firearms and each has their own technical
hurdles to
overcome in addressing those different problems. Indeed, as noted in Palcher,
this is
not a mere substitution of physical materials. The brass shell is rigid and
hard. Its side
wall is very thin, and the whole is relatively inelastic. Shell casings,
according to the
Palcher's disclosure, are fabricated with polymeric materials that exhibit
high degrees of
elongation without failure, relatively high degrees of flexibility, and
different shapes as
compared to the traditional brass casing. Similarly, various changes in the
design of the
shell are needed to make the stainless steel shell (casing) of the '236 Patent
of
Drobockyi workable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first preferred example form, the present invention comprises
a small
arms ammunition round having a non-brass casing and a non-lead projectile
housed
within the casing. Preferably, the non-brass casing includes stainless steel
and the
non-lead projectile includes a matrix of at least one epoxy, at least one non-
epoxy
polymer, and copper.
[0008] Preferably, the casing comprises a stainless steel shell housing
and an
aluminum primer housing which are press-fit together.
[0009] Also optionally, the projectile has a tapered nose with spiral
flutes.
[0010] In a second preferred example form, the present invention
comprises a
small arms ammunition round having a non-brass casing and a non-lead
projectile
housed within the casing.
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[0011] Preferably, the non-brass casing comprises a stainless steel
casing.
Preferably, the non-brass casing also comprises an aluminum casing. Most
preferably,
the stainless steel casing is for housing the projectile and the aluminum
casing is for
housing a primer, with the stainless steel casing and the aluminum casing
being press-
fit together.
[0012] Also optionally, the projectile has a tapered nose with spiral
flutes.
[0013] With these constructions, a novel small arms round is provided,
including
an all stainless steel/aluminum cased, polycarbonate/copper tipped, high-
performance
cartridge. The resulting round is lightweight and exhibits high performance.
For
example, the novel small arms rounds/cartridges reduce weight compared to
heavy
traditional ammo by as much as 30-60%. Moreover, the projectiles exhibit a
velocity
increase of about 15-30% over conventional rounds, and reduce recoil by 10-
25%.
Advantageously, the novel rounds eliminate lead and copper fouling in the gun
barrels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a small arms round including
a non-
brass shell casing and a non-lead projectile according to an example form of
the
present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a non-lead projectile portion
of the
small arms round of Figure 1.
[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic end view of a non-lead projectile portion
of the
small arms round of Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a small arms round
including a
non-lead projectile portion in an alternate example form of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of a small arms round
according
to one form of the present invention. The example small arms ammunition round
100
shown in Figure 1 includes a non-brass casing 110 and a non-lead projectile
150
housed within the casing. Preferably, the non-brass casing 110 includes
stainless steel
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and the non-lead projectile 150 includes a matrix of at least one epoxy, at
least one
non-epoxy polymer, and copper. Optionally, the non-epoxy polymer can include
nylon
(either entirely or as a component thereof). Preferably, the casing 110
comprises a
stainless steel shell housing 111 and an aluminum primer housing 112 which are
press-
fit together adjacent joint 115.
[0019] Also preferably, the projectile has a tapered nose with spiral
flutes. As
generally described in published US Patent Application Number 20160231093 of
Lemke, the projectile 150 has an outer geometry comprising several notches 152-
154
extending in a longitudinal direction (i.e., axial direction). Notches 152-154
are present
in a number equal to or greater than two and preferably are disposed in such a
manner
as to avoid an imbalance of the rotation of projectile 150 about its
dissecting axis, which
could cause a deviation of a flight path 159. In some embodiments, the number
of
notches is three. However, the number of notches can be four or another
quantity.
[0020] As further shown in Figure 1, exemplary projectile 150 has a notch
configuration that increases an outer surface area of the end portion 155 of
projectile
150. Each notch 152-154 can comprise a first notch surface portion in
combination
with a second notch surface portion (which can be a spherical surface). The
spherical
surface portion makes the notched projectile structurally stronger so that
when projectile
150 hits a soft element, it avoids the formation and propagation of cracks
which would
tend to cause it to decompose into small fragments.
[0021] In some embodiments, projectile 150 can be manufactured by
injection
molding a polymeric material (e.g., a polyamide) filled with metal particles.
In some
embodiments, projectile 150 can be manufactured by sintering and/or machining
with or
without electrochemical coating. Preferably, in some embodiments, projectile
150 is
manufactured with a base material that will not deform easily upon impact and
decompose into fragments upon impact, such as a violent impact against a hard
surface, to ensure that it remains a frangible projectile 150 by definition.
[0022] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments of the present
invention,
projectile 150 travels after a shot, making a trajectory 159 with a rotational
movement
160 along axis of projectile 150 so as to ensure stability during flight. On
impact, energy
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of projectile 150 makes projectile 150 decompose into fragments, which are
thrown in
various directions, such as directions 161, 162, 163, producing only a small
damaged
area on a hard surface. The production of such fragments prevents projectile
150 from
ricocheting uncontrollably and reaching an unintended target.
[0023] The novel projectile has a degree of "engineered frangibility"
which by
design means that it will penetrate most "hard surfaces" such as a thin metal
car door,
an automotive windshield, wood, a tree trunk of modest size, building walls of
drywall
and wood studs, even mild steel plate (although the windshield and mild steel
plate will
cause deformation of the nose of the projectile to some degree). When the
projectile
encounters these types of somewhat "hard surfaces", it tends to retain its
rotation and
its shape (except as noted) and tends to penetrate in a manner similar to a
normal
projectile. These are "hard surfaces", but can be penetrated by small arms
fire to some
degree.
[0024] There are other "hard surfaces" which are more impenetrable to
small
arms fire. Examples of such include hardened steel competition targets,
concrete walls,
sidewalks, stone, heavy cast iron, thick steel plating, thick bullet-proof
glass, and similar
materials, which are generally impenetrable to small arms fire. When the
projectile
encounters these truly "hardened surfaces", typically it then loses its
rotational
momentum and all penetration quickly halts, as the projectile fragments into
many tiny
particles.
[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, as projectile 150
travels
along path 159 and, at the same time, it undergoes a rotational movement 160
around
axis of projectile 150 to ensure stability during flight. Upon impact on a
relatively soft
target, penetration occurs due to the projectile velocity and dampening of the
rotational
movement. Dampening is due to the effect of the soft element resistance cut by
notches
152, 153, 154 of projectile 150 more or less acting as if it were a drill.
Dampening tends
to cause an increase in resistance of projectile 150 and an increase in the
amount of
damaged tissue, increasing the amount of transmitted energy (i.e., kinetic and
rotational) and the size of the damaged area in the form of a temporary
cavity.
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[0026] In some embodiments, the rear or bottom of projectile 150,
opposite the
tip 158 in the longitudinal direction, can have a slightly conical geometry,
also called a
"boat tail", to increase the aerodynamics of projectile 150.
[0027] In a second preferred example form, the present invention
comprises a
small arms ammunition round having a non-brass casing and a non-lead
projectile
housed within the casing.
[0028] Preferably, the non-brass casing comprises at least a stainless
steel
casing portion. Preferably, the non-brass casing also comprises an aluminum
casing
portion. Most preferably, the stainless steel casing is provided for housing
the projectile
and the aluminum casing is provided for housing a primer, with the stainless
steel
casing portion and the aluminum casing portion being press-fit together. Also
preferably,
the projectile has a tapered nose with spiral flutes.
[0029] Figure 4 shows an alternative form of the present invention. The
example
small arms ammunition round 400 shown in Figure 4 includes a non-brass casing
410
including a stainless steel projectile housing portion 411 and an aluminum
primer
housing portion 412 which are press-fit together adjacent joint 415. A non-
lead
projectile 450 is housed within the casing (within projectile housing portion
411).
Preferably, the non-brass casing portion 410 includes a stainless steel
portion and the
non-lead projectile 450 includes a matrix of at least one epoxy, at least one
non-epoxy
polymer, and copper. Optionally, the non-epoxy polymer can include nylon
(either
entirely or as a component thereof). Optionally, the nose portion 452 of the
projectile
450 is smoothly tapered and does not bear the spiral flutes of the previous
example.
[0030] With these constructions, a novel small arms round is provided,
including
an all stainless steel/aluminum cased, polycarbonate/copper tipped, high-
performance
cartridge. The resulting round is lightweight and exhibits high performance.
For
example, the novel small arms rounds/cartridges reduce weight compared to
heavy
traditional ammo by as much as 30-60%. Moreover, the projectiles exhibit a
velocity
increase of about 15-30% over conventional rounds, and reduce recoil by 10-
25%. This
increase in velocity is believed to be due to the lighter weight (lower mass)
being
accelerated by comparably similar forces developed by the similar amounts of
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gunpowder contained in the casings. Advantageously, the novel rounds eliminate
lead
and copper fouling in the gun barrels.
[0031] Advantageously, the present invention provides a substantial
weight
savings per round, which can be extremely beneficial in military applications.
For
example, a soldier that carries 200 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition into battle at
a weight
of about 5.2Ibs can obviously carry a limited supply of ammunition. The
present
invention allows the soldier to carry the same number of rounds at half the
weight or
carry the same weight but twice the amount of ammunition (twice the number of
rounds). Carrying twice the number of rounds can mean the difference between
life and
death in that the additional rounds can significantly extend the soldier's
ability to fight.
[0032] Moreover, police often must carry a certain volume of ammo on
their
person. The average 45 ACP with 230 grain bullet weighs 325 grains, 20.9
grams, or .7
ounces. If required to carry 9 cartridges in the gun and two extra clips, the
total weight is
11b, 30z of bullet weight. However if the same policeman was carrying the
novel
ammunition according to the present invention, with its sleek, lightweight
stainless steel
and aluminum casing and the projectile, total cartridge weight would be 8.4
oz., a weight
savings of 55%.
[0033] Also, military armory engineers have been trying to develop a load
for both
.223 and .308 calibers that will shoot with deadly force up to 300 yards and
then die out
quickly after that range, thereby reducing down-range liability. Up until now,
they have
not been able to find a satisfactory load to perform in such a manner. The
present
invention addresses this need as well.
[0034] Also, U.S. military and many law enforcement agencies have a
minimum
Power Factor (PF) (similar to KE -Kinetic Energy) for all ammunition in
service or issue.
That minimum PF is 125. Known frangible bullets typically cannot meet PF
minimum
requirements, with most known testing falling below the minimum PF of 125. It
is
believed that the present invention with a more efficient casing and effective
projectile
will achieve PF of greater than 125.
[0035] Optionally, the aluminum casing portion can be pure aluminum or
can be
an aluminum alloy. For example, advantageously, the aluminum alloy casing can
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comprise 7075 aluminum alloy. Also, the aluminum alloy casing can comprise
7068
aluminum alloy. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other aluminum
alloys or
pure or nearly pure aluminum can be employed, as selected by the skilled
designer.
[0036] Optionally, the non-lead matrix (Poly/Copper Matrix) can comprise
one or
more of the following materials: polymers; epoxies; nylon; copper particles;
tungsten
particles; depleted uranium; and/or other armor-piercing "heavy" metals and
materials.
[0037] Optionally, the stainless steel non-brass casing (the stainless
steel casing
portion) can comprise one or more of: stainless steel; high nickel content
stainless steel;
high chromium stainless steel; and/or other non-brass metals and materials.
[0038] Optionally, the aluminum primer portion of the non-brass casing
can
comprise one or more of: aluminum; hardened aluminum; aircraft-grade 7XXX
Series
aluminum alloy(s) (zinc is a primary alloying agent for this series, and when
magnesium
is added in a smaller amount, the result is a heat-treatable, very high
strength alloy.
Other elements such as copper and chromium may also be added in small
quantities.
The most commonly known alloys are 7050 and 7075, which are widely used in the
aircraft industry.) The aluminum could also be a more or less pure aluminum
which is
then nickel plated. The aluminum could also be replaced with other non-brass
materials, such as chromium molybnium which is nickel plated; mild steel which
is nickel
plated; and stainless steel. Note that nickel plating of non-stainless steel
base materials
is performed to prevent electrolysis of dissimilar metals.
[0039] In an example commercial embodiment actually constructed and
tested,
the non-lead matrix (Poly/Copper Matrix) comprises 80% powdered copper, 20%
polymer, epoxy and nylon. In that same example commercial embodiment actually
constructed and tested, the stainless steel non-brass casing portion comprises
a 316
grade of stainless steel. Further, in that same example commercial embodiment
actually
constructed and tested, the aluminum primer portion comprises 7078 aerospace
grade
aluminum alloy.
[0040] Optionally, the molded projectile could be made with an insert of
a base
material made of a solid, non-fragmenting material. In this case, a type of a
"hybrid"
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frangible projectile could be provided, with an armor-piercing core or insert
made of
tungsten or depleted uranium, or other hardened or "heavy" metals and
materials.
[0041] Optionally, the novel casing and projectile can be combined with
hydrophilic lead-free primers. Such would result in an entirely lead-free
ammunition,
including the primer. As can be appreciated, the conventional ignition
material contained
in traditional primers contains lead and represents a serious environmental
concern.
EXAMPLE CALIBERS
[0042] The present invention can be provided in a variety of small arms
calibers,
including:
9mm Luger (9x19mm)
.22 LR
.22 VVMR
.380 Auto
38 Special
.357 Sig
.357 Magnum
.40 S&W
10MM
.45 ACP
4.6mmx3Omm
5.56mm/.223R
6.5mm Grendel
6.5 Creedmoor
6.8mm R
.300 AAC B/0
7.62../.308W
.30-06 Sgfd.
.338 Lapua
.338 Norma
.50 BMG
.50 Russian
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20MM A/A (Anti-Aircraft)
30MM A/A
Testing, Generally:
[0043] The novel ammunition has completed the approval process of the
novel
9mm Engagement Extreme (EE) and 9mm Cross Trainer (CT) ammunition. This
testing
included shooting 11,400 cartridges of the novel 9mm EE and 11,600 cartridges
of the
novel 9mm CT through a total of 18 pistols and 8 shooters. The shooters
represented a
range of consumers including experienced and inexperienced men and women of
varying ages. The novel 9mm EE passed with an overall pass rate of 99.96% and
the
novel 9mm CT passed with an overall pass rate of 99.96%, as well.
[0044] The ammunition passed the Pressure and Velocity threshold testing.
After
100 cartridges, the novel 9mm EE recorded an average velocity of 1,552 FPS
with a SD
of 11 and ES of 40 FPS. The novel 9mm CT recorded an average pressure of
37,541
PSI with a SD of 811 and ES of 3,837 PSI. After 100 cartridges, the novel 9mm
EE
recorded an average velocity of 1,575 FPS with a SD of 11 and ES of 42 FPS.
The
novel 9mm EE recorded an average pressure of 36,740 PSI with a SD of 816 and
ES of
3,338 PSI.
Pressure and Velocity Testing:
Pressure:
[0045] A testing standard for pressure is that the pressure should not
exceed a
Maximum Probably Sample Mean (MPSM) and also should not exceed Maximum
Extreme Variation (MEV). As defined by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition
Manufacturer's Institute (SAAMI), the MPSM for standard pressure 9mm Luger is
37,800 PSI. The novel 9mm CT averaged 37,541 PSI and the novel 9mm EE averaged
36,740 PSI, which is below the MPSM. The MEV is defined by SAAMI as 5.16 times
the
standard deviation of the sample. MEV for the novel 9mm CT is calculated to be
4,189
PSI, but our ES was 3,837 PSI. The MEV for the novel 9mm EE is calculated to
be
4,211 PSI, but our ES was 3,338 PSI. Both standards of MPSM and MEV were met.
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Velocity:
[0046] A testing standard for velocity is that the velocity should not
vary more
than 5% of the mean. 5% of the average velocity for the novel 9mm CT is 78 FPS
and
for the novel 9mm EE is 79 FPS. The tested extreme spreads for velocity were
40 and
42, respectively.
Accuracy Testing:
[0047] A testing standard for accuracy is that the ammunition must be
capable of
grouping five consecutive shots in a group 6" or less at 25 yards, from a rest
with optical
magnification allowed.
Weapon Used:
[0048] The test weapon used was an STI DVC Open chambered in 9mm. This
pistol has a 5.4" barrel and has mounted C-More 6M0A Dot Sight. This gun was
chosen
due to the sight and ease of aim.
Set Up:
[0049] At a local shooting range, targets were mounted to shoot out to 25
yards.
We used the STI DVC Open, and the range tray as a rest (resting the bottom of
the
magazine on the tray with no muzzle support). Five consecutive shots were then
fired.
Results:
[0050] Using the STI DVC Open, we were able to obtain a 3 1/4" group with
the
novel 9mm CT and a 1 1/4" group with the novel 9mm EE. The novel 9mm+P EE came
in with a 1 7/8" group and the novel 9mm+P CT shot a 3 1A 6" group. The
accuracy of
these cartridges passes the standard.
Function/Jury Testing:
[0051] A testing standard for Function/Jury Testing is that for each new
product,
a minimum of 10,000 cartridges is to be shot, through a minimum of ten
weapons, with
at least 6 testers/jurors. To meet the standard, the overall pass rate must be
at or above
99.83%. Shooters are to be representative of the typical consumer, ranging
from
inexperienced men and women, to experienced men and women of varying sizes.
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Shooters are to shoot from four positions, for a total of 200 cartridges per
shooter (50
per position). We used a total of eight jurors and a total of 18 pistols.
Positions (CT & EE):
[0052]
50 Cartridges two handed, arms extended; 50 Cartridges two handed,
arms slightly bent; 50 Cartridges one handed, strong hand; 50 Cartridges one
handed,
weak hand.
Results:
[0053]
A total of 11,600 cartridges of the novel 9mm CT were fired. In those
cartridges, there were a total of five failures. No one gun had more than one
failure. This
gives a 99.96% pass rate.
[0054]
A total of 11,400 cartridges of the novel 9mm EE were fired. In those
cartridges, there were a total of five failures. No one gun had more than one
failure. This
gives a 99.96% pass rate.
Ballistic Gel Testing:
[0055]
Various examples of the novel ammunition were tested in gel, including
the novel 9mm CT, the novel 9mm EE, the novel 9mm+P CT, and the novel 9mm+P
EE, all through bare 10% Ballistic Ordinance Gelatin. The the novel 9mm+P EE
ammunition was then tested through two intermediate barriers ¨ 6061 T6
Aluminum and
car windshield. The aluminum was positioned 10" in front of the gel. The
windshield was
positioned 10" in front of the gel at a compound angle.
Results:
[0056]
The novel 9mm EE ¨ Bare Gel obtained 16-3/4" of penetration, with 3" in
diameter cavitation, and 100% weight retention (no fragmentation).
[0057]
The novel 9mm CT ¨ Bare Gel obtained 19-1/4" of penetration, 1-7/8" in
diameter cavitation, and 100% weight retention (no fragmentation).
[0058]
The novel 9mm EE +P ¨ Bare Gel obtained 16-3/4" of penetration, 3-3/4"
in diameter cavitation, and 100% Weight retention (no fragmentation).
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[0059] The novel 9mm CT +P ¨ Bare Gel obtained 19-1/4" of penetration,
approximately 2" in diameter cavitation, and 100% Weight retention (no
fragmentation).
[0060] The novel 9mm EE +P ¨ 6061 T6 Aluminum obtained 13-3/4" of
penetration, approximately 3" in diameter cavitation, and 91`)/0 Weight
retention (some
fragmentation).
[0061] The novel 9mm EE +P ¨ Car Windshield obtained 12-1/4" of
penetration,
approximately 1 3/4" in diameter cavitation, and 70.5% Weight retention
(fragmentation).
Note: While shooting the windshield, it is possible to shoot through the same
hole, or a
weakened area of the windshield of glass and the bullet does not fragment.
Testing Summary:
[0062] After firing a total of 23,000 cartridges, with 18 pistols, and 8
shooters, the
novel 9mm CT and the novel 9mm EE successfully passed the jury test. Between
the
two tested cartridges, there was an overall pass rate of 99.9565% pass rate.
This
ammunition has also passed the consistency and accuracy standards. These both
are
solid cartridges.
[0063] The novel ammunition described herein provides high performance in
part
due to elimination of the brass shell. Brass, because of its soft, malleable
nature,
absorbs a significant amount of energy at the time of the round being fired.
The thick
brass case walls and shell base stretch and expand, resulting in somewhat
compromised velocity. The novel stainless steel case, being less prone to
stretching
and deforming, and exhibiting superior hardness and having a greater modulus
of
elasticity, does not absorb nearly as much energy from the shot, resulting in
more
energy pushing the projectile and much higher velocities without increased
pressures.
[0064] As described herein, the novel ammunition achieves a synergistic
advantageous result. For example, if a standard 5.56/223 brass case is charged
with a
maximum amount of gunpowder (SAAMI max psi) and the 35 gr poly/copper
projectile is
loaded, the 35 gr bullet produces 3810 fps out of a test receiver rifle. That
is what
testing revealed.
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[0065]
Now, the novel ammunition, charged with the identical type and weight of
gunpowder, loaded with the same 35 gr poly/copper bullet, achieves a
significant
improvement in performance. Using the same test gun, the same gunpowder,
everything as identical as can be achieved ¨ the novel ammunition fires at a
speed of
4120 fps with slightly less pressure. This is an increase of 310 fps, which is
more than
an 8% increase in performance gained from superior cartridge components, while
using
the same gunpowder. An 8% increase is very significant.
[0066]
As is well known in the the art, to achieve a performance of about 2% in
increased velocity usually requires a "magnum" version of ammo (greater
gunpowder
load). Example: 30-06 Sgfd shoots a 180 grain bullet at 2810 fps. But the
venerable
300WSM shoots the same bullet at 3090 fps, an increase of 280 fps or 9%
increase in
velocity.
[0067]
The novel ammunition achieves this performance increase with the same
caliber, same powder, same bullet (projectile mass) and same gun, achieving 8%
improvement in velocity performance.
[0068]
The present invention combines various disparate technologies to achieve
an all stainless steel/aluminum cased, polycarbonate/copper tipped, high-
performance
cartridge (small arms round).
Notably, in example forms, the present invention
accomplishes one or more of the following: (1) replaces brass shells with
stainless steel
and/or aluminum; (2) replaces lead-core copper-plated bullets (projectiles)
with matrix
projectiles, such as polycarbonate bullets; (3) employs fluid dynamics (ARX)
instead of
hydrostatic shock (mushroomed, fragmented, shrapnel lead); (4) achieves
lightweight
hi-performance cartridges that reduce weight compared to heavy traditional
ammo,
saving as much as 30-60% in weight; (5) increases projectile velocity 15-30%;
(6)
reduces recoil 10-25%; and (7) eliminates lead and copper fouling in gun
barrels, and in
the air.
14
