EP0873494A1 - Projectile desintegrant sans plomb - Google Patents

Projectile desintegrant sans plomb

Info

Publication number
EP0873494A1
EP0873494A1 EP96945203A EP96945203A EP0873494A1 EP 0873494 A1 EP0873494 A1 EP 0873494A1 EP 96945203 A EP96945203 A EP 96945203A EP 96945203 A EP96945203 A EP 96945203A EP 0873494 A1 EP0873494 A1 EP 0873494A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
projectile
metal
tungsten
copper
admixture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96945203A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0873494A4 (fr
Inventor
Jeffrey W. Stone
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
RA Brands LLC
Original Assignee
Remington Arms Co LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Remington Arms Co LLC filed Critical Remington Arms Co LLC
Publication of EP0873494A1 publication Critical patent/EP0873494A1/fr
Publication of EP0873494A4 publication Critical patent/EP0873494A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B8/00—Practice or training ammunition
    • F42B8/12—Projectiles or missiles
    • F42B8/14—Projectiles or missiles disintegrating in flight or upon impact
    • F42B8/16—Projectiles or missiles disintegrating in flight or upon impact containing an inert filler in powder or granular form
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/72—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the material
    • F42B12/74—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the material of the core or solid body

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to ammunition and more particularly to frangible target ammunition, training ammunition, or sporting ammunition. 10
  • a frangible bullet, upon impact with its target, will disintegrate with no appreciable back splatter or ricochet as to cause bodily injury to the shooter or others.
  • the need for frangible ammunition has 15 previously been satisfied by bullets made substantially of lead.
  • Lead bullets while providing the desired frangibility, also produce unwanted health risks.
  • a lead bullet When fired, a lead bullet introduces airborne and residual lead particles into the air, thereby posing a threat to the health of those in the range, including employees of the range.
  • the lead particles are expensive to remove, and costly to dispose of due to their toxicity. The natural toxicity of lead has prompted the search for satisfactory substitutes in a wide variety of applications.
  • the projectiles of the present invention satisfy the need for frangible lead free projectiles.
  • the projectiles of the present invention closely mimic the performance and ballistic properties of lead projectiles without the negative health and environmental properties associated with lead and other heavy metal projectiles.
  • the present invention provides lead free projectiles consisting essentially of a compacted, unsintered admixture of metal particles comprising tungsten and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron and copper, wherein the admixture is about from 10 to 90% by weight tungsten; wherein the particle size of each metal is about from 25 to 250 microns.
  • the lead free projectiles of the present invention consist essentially of compacted, unsintered admixture of metal particles comprising tungsten and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron and copper.
  • the amount by weight of tungsten in the admixture is about from 10 to 90%, and preferably about from 20 to 70%.
  • the particle size of each metal is about from 25 to 250 microns, and preferably at least about 100 microns.
  • the particle size of the metal particles can be determined by a variety of methods, including conventional optical measurement and sifting. A particle size of at least about 150 microns is particularly preferred. Larger particle sizes have been found to provide a desirable balance between integrity of the projectiles before and during firing, and frangibility upon impact with a target. While the relationship between particle size and performance is not fully understood, it is believed to be a function of the mechanical interlocking of the particles in the compressed, but unsintered, projectiles. This effect is generally more pronounced in larger particles.
  • the metals used in combination with tungsten are available in the designated particle size, or can be ground to the size required.
  • the copper can be used in its elemental form or as an alloy such as copper 220 or 260.
  • the projectiles of the present invention include a variety of small arms projectiles such as centerfire ammunition from .17 to .50 caliber, shot pellets from #9 through 00 buck sizes, shotgun slugs from .410 bore to 12 gauge, and rimfire ammunition in .22 caliber.
  • the projectiles of the invention can further comprise an outer jacket.
  • the jacket consists essentially of metal.
  • metals can be used, but the metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, brass, aluminum, and zinc. Copper is particularly preferred.
  • the jacket consists essentially of polymeric material.
  • a wide variety of polymeric materials can be used including semi-crystalline or amo ⁇ hous thermoplastics, or thermosetting resins.
  • Representative thermoplastic polymers which can be used include polyethylenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polystyrenes.
  • Representative thermosetting resins which can be used include phenolics, epoxys, and silicones. Of the above polymeric materials, polyethylene is particularly preferred.
  • the nose of the centerfire and/or rimfire bullets of the present invention can be configured in a wide variety of profiles, including round nose, soft nose, or hollow point.
  • the projectiles of the present invention can have a full metal jacket.
  • the projectiles can include a driving band, or in embodiments with a jacket, the jacket can comprise a driving band.
  • the driving band increases bullet accuracy and reduces bullet dispersion.
  • the driving band also reduces friction between projectile and barrel, thereby increasing velocity without appreciable pressure increase.
  • Shot pellets of the present invention can be spherical or have an eccentricity which improves or tightens shot dispersion.
  • the shot pellets can optionally be plated by electrochemical methods with metal to increase lubricity and reduce corrosion.
  • the preferred metal is copper.
  • the shot pellets can also be coated with a polymeric material as mentioned above, preferably polyethylene or other linear low density polymeric material. Shotgun slugs will have either a forward biased centroid for pressure stabilization or a rearward biased centroid for spin stabilization.
  • the slugs may utilize a sabot or polymeric coating mentioned above.
  • Preferred polymeric coatings are polyethylene or other low density materials.
  • the frangible, lead free projectiles of the present invention can be prepared by a process wherein an admixture of tungsten and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron and copper is placed in a feeder or hopper.
  • the feeder or hopper dispenses a metered amount into die cavities of a rotary dial press.
  • the material is then compacted either in a single compaction step or in multiple compaction stages with a pressure of about from 50,000 to 120,000 psi. Compacting the admixture at a pressure of about 100,000 psi is preferred.
  • the resultant effective density is in the range of about from 7.0 to 10.5 g/cc.
  • the range compaction die should be of a near net shape to the final projectile.
  • the preferred compaction force is applied to the base or rear of the projectile.
  • the resulting bullet is formed with a higher density toward its tail or rear end, and a lower density at its nose or tip. This measured rearward density promotes greater gyroscopic and dynamic stability, thus reducing bullet dispersion, increasing frangibility, and increasing accuracy.
  • the compaction force is applied at the nose of the projectile.
  • the compaction forces be applied equally to both hemispheres of the projectile, to ensure the projectile centroid is located at the geometric center of the projectile.
  • the desired cycle time of the powder compaction and subsequent projectile core formation is from 300 to 600 parts per minute.
  • the finished cores are preferably slightly undersized to allow for the additions of jackets, plates, coatings, etc.
  • the projectile coatings, jackets, or plates can be applied, for example, electrochemical, aerosol, or mechanical methods.
  • the jacketing material to be applied can be metallic or polymeric, as noted above.
  • the jacketing material can be formed around the lead free projectile, or in the alternative, the jacketing material can be plated into the lead free bullet.
  • the projectiles can be swaged in a hydraulic press to add uniformity of appearance and exterior dimension.
  • the present invention provides lead free frangible projectiles from an improved composition of metals, the projectiles having a desirable combination of advantages. Specifically, the present invention provides projectiles that mimic the firing characteristics, performance, and frangibility of lead bullets without the negative health and environmental qualities associated with lead. The present invention minimizes the threat to human health associated with direct or indirect contact to airborne or residual lead particles by providing lead free projectiles. Similarly, by eliminating lead, the cleanup and disposal of the fragments of the projectiles of the present invention is safer, less expensive, and the resulting waste is not highly toxic and does not require special disposal. While reducing the health and environmental problems associated with lead or other heavy metal projectiles, the bullets of the present invention mimic the desirable properties associated with lead projectiles.
  • the lead free bullets of the present invention also mimic the ballistic performance of lead bullets so that their respective point of impact, accuracy, and trajectory closely approximate lead projectiles.
  • the weight of a projectile of the present invention also closely approximates the weight of a lead projectile of the same size and caliber.
  • the projectiles of the present invention are also frangible, and upon impact with a target, disintegrate without appreciable back splatter or ricochet.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à des projectiles désintégrants dépourvus de métaux lourds, qui sont conçus pour être utilisés dans stands intérieurs de tir et qui comprennent à cet effet du tungstène et au moins un métal choisi dans le groupe du fer et du cuivre. Ces projectiles sont préparés à partir d'un mélange de poudres de tungstène et de fer, de poudres de tungstène et de cuivre ou de poudres de tungstène, de fer et de cuivre et ils sont comprimés sans frittage.
EP96945203A 1996-01-25 1996-12-10 Projectile desintegrant sans plomb Withdrawn EP0873494A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US1105396P 1996-01-25 1996-01-25
US11053P 1996-01-25
PCT/US1996/019940 WO1997027447A1 (fr) 1996-01-25 1996-12-10 Projectile desintegrant sans plomb

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0873494A1 true EP0873494A1 (fr) 1998-10-28
EP0873494A4 EP0873494A4 (fr) 2000-12-27

Family

ID=21748665

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96945203A Withdrawn EP0873494A4 (fr) 1996-01-25 1996-12-10 Projectile desintegrant sans plomb

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20020005137A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP0873494A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO1997027447A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (32)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5917143A (en) † 1997-08-08 1999-06-29 Remington Arms Company, Inc. Frangible powdered iron projectiles
DK175171B1 (da) * 1998-02-27 2004-06-21 Frans Joergen Andersen Blyfrit projektil og fremgangsmåde til dets fremstilling
EP0997700A1 (fr) * 1998-10-30 2000-05-03 SM Schweizerische Munitionsunternehmung AG Balle chemisée ne nuisant pas à l'environment et son procédé de fabrication
FR2785981B1 (fr) 1998-11-13 2001-02-09 Pascal Doe Cible a rayonnements infrarouges autopropulsee par reaction
WO2000037878A1 (fr) * 1998-12-23 2000-06-29 Beal Harold F Projectile a munitions friables de petit calibre
US6640724B1 (en) 1999-08-04 2003-11-04 Olin Corporation Slug for industrial ballistic tool
GB2357137A (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-13 Gamebore Cartridge Company Ltd Frangible projectile
US6447715B1 (en) 2000-01-14 2002-09-10 Darryl D. Amick Methods for producing medium-density articles from high-density tungsten alloys
CZ20032719A3 (cs) * 2001-03-13 2004-03-17 Robert Frederick Bunney Palná zbraň
AU2002308472A1 (en) * 2001-04-26 2002-11-11 International Non-Toxic Composites Corp. Composite material containing tungsten, tin and organic additive
US6598534B2 (en) 2001-06-04 2003-07-29 Raytheon Company Warhead with aligned projectiles
US6779462B2 (en) * 2001-06-04 2004-08-24 Raytheon Company Kinetic energy rod warhead with optimal penetrators
US6910423B2 (en) 2001-08-23 2005-06-28 Raytheon Company Kinetic energy rod warhead with lower deployment angles
WO2003033751A1 (fr) * 2001-10-16 2003-04-24 International Non-Toxic Composites Corp. Materiau composite contenant du tungstene et du bronze
NZ532694A (en) * 2001-10-16 2005-03-24 Internat Non Toxic Composites High density non-toxic composites comprising tungsten, another metal and polymer powder
US7017496B2 (en) 2002-08-29 2006-03-28 Raytheon Company Kinetic energy rod warhead with imploding charge for isotropic firing of the penetrators
US6931994B2 (en) 2002-08-29 2005-08-23 Raytheon Company Tandem warhead
US6799518B1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2004-10-05 Keith T. Williams Method and apparatus for frangible projectiles
US6920827B2 (en) 2003-10-31 2005-07-26 Raytheon Company Vehicle-borne system and method for countering an incoming threat
US7422720B1 (en) 2004-05-10 2008-09-09 Spherical Precision, Inc. High density nontoxic projectiles and other articles, and methods for making the same
US7690312B2 (en) * 2004-06-02 2010-04-06 Smith Timothy G Tungsten-iron projectile
US7380503B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2008-06-03 Newtec Services Group Method and apparatus for self-destruct frangible projectiles
US7770521B2 (en) 2005-06-03 2010-08-10 Newtec Services Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for a projectile incorporating a metastable interstitial composite material
US7392746B2 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-07-01 Hansen Richard D Bullet composition
WO2009029168A2 (fr) * 2007-08-10 2009-03-05 Springfield Munitions Company, Llc Article composite métallique et procédé de fabrication correspondant
US8312815B1 (en) 2008-10-08 2012-11-20 United States Metal Powders Incorporated Lead free frangible bullets
US8225718B2 (en) * 2008-10-08 2012-07-24 United States Metal Powders Incorporated Lead free frangible bullets
WO2010083345A1 (fr) * 2009-01-14 2010-07-22 Nosler, Inc. Balles, comprenant des balles sans plomb, et procédés associés
US10287213B2 (en) * 2011-05-08 2019-05-14 Global Tungsten And Powders Corp. Frangible projectile and method for making same
US10690465B2 (en) * 2016-03-18 2020-06-23 Environ-Metal, Inc. Frangible firearm projectiles, methods for forming the same, and firearm cartridges containing the same
US10260850B2 (en) * 2016-03-18 2019-04-16 Environ-Metal, Inc. Frangible firearm projectiles, methods for forming the same, and firearm cartridges containing the same
WO2024026425A1 (fr) * 2022-07-27 2024-02-01 Sinterfire Projectile sans plomb revêtu de polymère et son procédé de fabrication

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US11053A (en) 1854-06-13 Hail-plate feeder
DE1578118A1 (de) * 1967-05-31 1971-07-01 Dynamit Nobel Ag Manoever-Patrone fuer Maschinenwaffen u.dgl.
US4949645A (en) * 1982-09-27 1990-08-21 Royal Ordnance Speciality Metals Ltd. High density materials and products
EP0616684A1 (fr) * 1991-10-18 1994-09-28 Snc Industrial Technologies Inc./ Les Technologies Industrielles Snc Inc. Projectile d'entrainement
US5527376A (en) * 1994-10-18 1996-06-18 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Composite shot
GB9310915D0 (en) * 1993-05-27 1993-07-14 Royal Ordance Plc Improvements in or relating to projectiles
US5399187A (en) * 1993-09-23 1995-03-21 Olin Corporation Lead-free bullett
US5616642A (en) * 1995-04-14 1997-04-01 West; Harley L. Lead-free frangible ammunition
US5597975A (en) * 1995-10-04 1997-01-28 Mcgean-Rohco, Inc. Mechanical plating of small arms projectiles

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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Title
No further relevant documents disclosed *
See also references of WO9727447A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1997027447A1 (fr) 1997-07-31
US20020005137A1 (en) 2002-01-17
EP0873494A4 (fr) 2000-12-27

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