EP2972062A2 - Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles - Google Patents
Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectilesInfo
- Publication number
- EP2972062A2 EP2972062A2 EP14765460.2A EP14765460A EP2972062A2 EP 2972062 A2 EP2972062 A2 EP 2972062A2 EP 14765460 A EP14765460 A EP 14765460A EP 2972062 A2 EP2972062 A2 EP 2972062A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- shotshell
- hull
- cartridge according
- projectiles
- matrix
- 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.)
- Ceased
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B7/00—Shotgun ammunition
- F42B7/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile
- F42B7/04—Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile of pellet type
- F42B7/043—Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile of pellet type with shot-scattering means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B10/00—Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missiles; Arrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to ammunition and in particular, to shotshell cartridges.
- Shotshells can propel a single projectile, such as a slug, or more commonly, multiple projectiles, such as birdshot or buckshot.
- the dispersion of multiple shot pellets at a given distance from the muzzle affords a greater chance of hitting a moving target than the singular path of a slug.
- a moderate dispersion rate is desirable for some applications, such as waterfowl, upland, and rabbit hunting where the intended target is moving.
- the intended target is a relatively motionless and small.
- the rate of dispersion of multiple projectile loads can be influenced by gun systems and cartridge design. Tighter constrictions or "choke" in the muzzle section of the barrel can reduce the dispersion rate of shot pellets to some degree.
- Cartridge design elements, such as shot type, wad type, and buffering can also reduce dispersion rate.
- Embodiments of this invention provide a buffering system to reduce or eliminate shot pellet deformation during acceleration at ignition, and preferably enhance pattern performance.
- the granulated/particulate buffers intermixed in the shot column, as described above, often do not effectively occupy all the space between shot pellets, and thus, still allow some pellet deformation.
- the shot pellets, or a significant portion of the shot pellets are substantially completely surrounded by a hard, brittle matrix that provides conformal support of the pellets during cartridge ignition.
- the matrix preferably substantially completely separates from the shot column a short distance after muzzle exit without significant adherence to the pellets.
- U.S. Patent No. 34,806 discloses filling pellet interstices with some melted substances, such as grease, wax, or low melt metallic alloys for the purpose of creating a fixed shot charge between two wads. Wax or grease is not sufficiently hard or brittle to buffer the shot, particularly at the temperatures encountered in shotshells, and is unlikely to satisfy the requirements noted. Low melt metallic alloys would be costly and could add significant parasitic weight to the cartridge payload.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,422,761 discloses embedding shot pellets in a matrix of polyurethane foam. However, the very nature of foam products creates the undesired air gaps in the shot column that is undesirable for a buffering system. Air gaps in foam can collapse upon ignition and result in significant pellet deformation.
- U.S. Patent Nos. 4,913,054 and 6,367,388 disclose methods of embedding or containing multiple projectiles as a single projectile until impact with a target.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,733,61 1 discloses shot pellets embedded in a wax/Styrofoam matrix, but as described above, a wax- based matrix can be unsatisfactory for buffering.
- Embodiments of this invention can provide a buffering system for multi-projectile shot cartridges which provides conformal support to individual pellets to reduce or eliminate pellet deformation.
- Embodiments of this invention can provide a buffering system for multi-projectile shot cartridges which reduces dispersion rate of the shot pellets after exiting the gun barrel. Some embodiments are capable of meeting or exceeding the pattern performance of tungsten-based shot loads at a considerably lower cost.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a shotshell cartridge constructed, according to the principles of this invention
- Fig. 2 is a cross-section of an alternate construction of the preferred embodiment of a shotshell cartridge constructed, according to the principles of this invention.
- Fig. 3 is a cross-section of a second alternate construction of the preferred embodiment of a shotshell cartridge constructed, according to the principles of this invention.
- a preferred embodiment of a shotshell in accordance with the principles of this invention is indicated generally as 20 in Fig. 1 .
- the shotshell 20 is generally of the type having a hull 22, with a head 24 at the proximal end of the hull.
- a charge of propellant 26 is disposed in the hull 22.
- a wad 28 is disposed in the hull 22 distal to the propellant 26.
- a load 30 is disposed in the hull 22 distal to the wad 28.
- the load 30 includes a plurality of individual shot or pellets 32, at least a portion of which are at least partially surrounded by a friable polymeric material 34 forming a matrix 36 that breaks up upon the firing of the shell to release to the shot.
- the hull 22 is preferably a conventional hull made of a polymeric material.
- the head 24 is preferably made of brass, but it could be made of some other material.
- the propellant 26 can be any conventional propellant.
- the wad 28 preferably includes a gas sealing cup wad 38, a ballistic cushion section 40, and a cup section 42 to house the shot or pellets 32.
- the shot or pellets 32 can be conventional round shot of any desired size from birdshot sizes to buckshot sizes.
- the shot or pellets 32 can be other shapes and sizes, as well.
- the shot or pellets 32 can be made of lead or lead alloy or other suitable material, including copper, tungsten, bismuth, or steel.
- At least the proximal-most shot or pellets 32 are at least partially surrounded by friable polymeric material 34 (Fig. 3). More preferably, about half of the shot or pellets 32 are at least partially surrounded by friable polymeric material 24 (Fig. 2), and most preferably, substantially all of the pellets are at least partially surrounded by friable polymeric material (Fig. 1 ).
- the friable polymeric material 34 is preferably a polyurethane. An example of a suitable material is Smash! Plastic®.
- the friable polymeric material preferably has a hardness of greater than about 80 (Shore D).
- the matrix 36 in the form of a liquid is dispensed in the cup section, followed by a charge of shot pellets.
- the shot pellets can be introduced first, followed by the matrix in liquid form, or the shot pellets and matrix in the form of a liquid can be mixed and introduced together.
- the pellets are pre-coated with a release agent, such as a mold release for example, Universal Mold Release® agent, available from Smooth-On, Inc., 2000 Saint John Street, Easton PA 18042, to reduce bonding between the matrix and the pellets.
- the matrix material is preferably a two-part polyurethane resin, such as Smash!
- Plastic® available from Smooth-On, Inc., 2000 Saint John Street, Easton PA 18042 or similar material with similar properties. Smash! Plastic® has a mixed viscosity of about 900 cps, a cured specific gravity of about 1 .036 g/cc, and a hardness of about 80 (Shore D).
- Plastic® is prepared by mixing equal amounts of two components, Part A, a modified aliphatic diisocyanate, containing Dicyclohexylmethane-4,
- a unit such as the Bartec B1000, a gear pump metered dispenser.
- the pellets By introducing the pellets after the liquid matrix, the pellets settle into the liquid matrix, providing a shot column with all spaces between pellets substantially and completely filled by the matrix material.
- the viscosity and gel time of the resin permit pellets to fall through the resin, yet resist resin flowing past the cushion wad or powder cup into powder column.
- a folded tube crimp or top wad and roll crimp provide closure of the cartridge.
- the closure includes a frangible top wad.
- a properly fitted top wad and roll crimp prevents leakage of matrix material during cure/set to allow immediate packing of cartridges.
- the liquid matrix becomes a hard, brittle solid.
- the solid matrix breaks into small particles and travels down the barrel, still occupying the space between individual pellets.
- the shot cup petals deploy and the small matrix particles begin to separate from the shot column.
- the hard matrix provides conformal support to individual pellets to reduce, and preferably substantially eliminate pellet deformation.
- the particles can provide a temporary windshield effect, further improving pattern performance.
- shot cups, shot, and matrix are pre-assembled and cured ahead of subsequent loading in the cartridge.
- the pre-assembled and cured shot cups with the shot in a hardened matrix can be loaded into the hull.
- Exemplary shotshell cartridges constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention were tested against two commercially available shotshell cartridges designed to have tight patterns for turkey hunting applications.
- Table 1 shows the exemplary cartridges (C) had twice the performance of standard lead shot turkey load in most trials (A), and exceeded tungsten-based shot loads (B) in all the trials.
- Exemplary shotshell cartridges constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention were tested against alternate matrix materials identified in previous patents.
- the cartridges are assembled in similar fashion with the exception of the matrix material. Mold release was not used on samples B, C, or D since the respective patents did not disclose use of such coatings on pellets.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Processes Of Treating Macromolecular Substances (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361790025P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
PCT/US2014/030528 WO2014145719A2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2972062A2 true EP2972062A2 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
EP2972062A4 EP2972062A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
Family
ID=51538527
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14765460.2A Ceased EP2972062A4 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2972062A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2909630A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014145719A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2021263093A1 (en) * | 2020-06-25 | 2021-12-30 | Federal Cartridge Company | Bismuth-based firearm projectiles, firearm cartridges including the same, and related methods |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3059578A (en) * | 1956-08-29 | 1962-10-23 | Edward N Hegge | Projectile for multimissile ammunition |
BE637530A (en) * | 1962-09-18 | |||
US3332352A (en) * | 1965-11-24 | 1967-07-25 | Remington Arms Co Inc | Coating for plastic shotshells |
US3656433A (en) * | 1969-10-13 | 1972-04-18 | Us Army | Method for reducing shot dispersion |
US5138950A (en) * | 1991-11-04 | 1992-08-18 | Olin Corporaton | Water resistant top wad for shotshells |
US5264022A (en) * | 1992-05-05 | 1993-11-23 | Teledyne Industries, Inc. | Composite shot |
-
2014
- 2014-03-17 WO PCT/US2014/030528 patent/WO2014145719A2/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-17 EP EP14765460.2A patent/EP2972062A4/en not_active Ceased
- 2014-03-17 CA CA2909630A patent/CA2909630A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014145719A2 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
CA2909630A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
EP2972062A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
WO2014145719A3 (en) | 2014-11-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10222185B2 (en) | Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles | |
US10081057B2 (en) | Method of making a projectile by metal injection molding | |
US10041770B2 (en) | Metal injection molded ammunition cartridge | |
CA2651904C (en) | Non-lethal munitions having densified materials | |
US9513092B2 (en) | Cartridge and bullet with controlled expansion | |
US7000547B2 (en) | Tungsten-containing firearm slug | |
US7059233B2 (en) | Tungsten-containing articles and methods for forming the same | |
EP2751518B1 (en) | Payload delivery system with forward folding stabilizer for cartridges | |
US20130008335A1 (en) | Cartridge for multiplex load | |
US20170184382A9 (en) | Metal injection molded projectile | |
US3092026A (en) | Shot load | |
US20110185936A1 (en) | Shotshell with combination load for personal defense | |
US7690311B1 (en) | Non-lethal projectile with flowable payload | |
US10837744B1 (en) | Shot shell system and method | |
EP2972062A2 (en) | Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles | |
WO2000002004A9 (en) | Controlled-penetration projectile | |
US9322622B2 (en) | Shotshell with combination slug and shot load | |
US10982937B2 (en) | Cartridge loading process for buffered shot shell loads | |
WO2013068130A1 (en) | Shotgun shells loaded with finned projectiles for smoothbore firearms | |
WO2021046639A1 (en) | A thermoset-based frangible projectile | |
WO2005084161A2 (en) | High-energy projectile with low pressure impact consequence |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20151015 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: MEYER, STEPHEN W. |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20161006 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F42B 10/00 20060101ALN20160929BHEP Ipc: F42B 7/04 20060101AFI20160929BHEP |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20170831 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R003 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED |
|
18R | Application refused |
Effective date: 20191018 |