US3191534A

US3191534A - Adjustable wad device for hunting and shooting cartridges

Info

Publication number: US3191534A
Application number: US251972A
Authority: US
Inventors: Vecchiotti Ado
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-01-20
Filing date: 1963-01-16
Publication date: 1965-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 1982-06-29

Description

June 29, 1965 A. VECCHIO-r11 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES 4 Sheets-'Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 16, 1963 .mg Q h.

ATTORNEYS- June 29, 1965 A. vl-:c'zcHlo'rTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES Filed Jan. 16, 1963 4 Sheets-SheeRl INVENTOR BY Wulf/ido P M ATTORNEYS June 29,v 1965 l A. vEccHlo-rTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOCTING CARTRIDGES Filed Jan. 16, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 DIF FERE NCE 95 SHOTS HDRE SHOTS 27e AvERAa DIFFERENCE 30 SHOTS MORE suos gig AVERAGE A 363 DIFFERENCE 5S SHOTS MORE DIFFERENCE la?. SHOTS HOlE sums 31.3 AvERAsE) FEZ DIFFERENCE 82 SHOTS MORE snos 2 6 1 AVERAGE 396 DIFFERENCE 95 SHOTS LESS DIFFERENCE 77

mao

74,32 SHOTS LESS INV ENTOR A BY WMfalpLvWr-M I I I ATTORNEYS June 29, 1965 A. vEccHloTTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES i Filed Jan. 16, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet' 4 59 #A 8 INVENTOR BY www uw ATTORNEY` United States Patent O 3,191,534 ADJUSTABLE WAI) DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOTING CARTRDGES Ado Vecchiotti, 185 Corso Mazzini. Ascoli Piceno, Italy' Filed Jan. 16, 1963, ser. No. 251,972 Claims'priority, application Italy, Jan. 20, 1962, 787/62; Dec. lil, 1962, 23,974/62 4 Claims. v(Cl. 102.-95)

The present invention relates to a wad device made of plastic material having a strong gas seal and high elasticity for hunting cartridges.

It is known that the gunpowder charge for a cartridge can vary Within the limits of plus or minus 5 ctgr., depending upon the season, the climate, the height from sea level, the temperature and so on.

In the instant case, one of the best gunpowders available on the market for charging cal. rl2 can have various quantities, one of which is: '2.10 gr. of gunpowder for 33 gr. of shot with a weak 6.45 priming cap. Another quantity can be: 2.15 of gunpowder for 36 gr. of shot, with double strength priming cap. The` shot used can have a diameter 2.5 mm. One `gram thereof contains 11 shots.

It is also known that by diminishing the normal quantity of the gunpowder, a certain advantage will be obtained, i.e. a higher concentration of shot in the pattern, however a disadvantage occurs due to a lower velocity and therefore a minor penetration.

On the contrary, when the quantity of the gunpowder is increased, various disadvantages are obtained, such as a greater dispersion and also less penetration.

In other words, the shot does not behave like a gun bullet and due to the known behavior of the gunpowders, a compulsory `limit exists for the gunpowder quantity, to which a determined charge of shot corresponds.

Up to now, the normal quantity of gunpowder, supplied a given speed of the shot and a'given concentration for instance at or 40 meters, and substantial changes, above or below the normal gunpowder quantity, in order to affect the velocity or the concentration, were not possible.

Gunpowders have been studied having a more progressive ignition, ditferent closures have been embodied, and several kinds of wads have been studied, in order to affect the velocity andthe concentration, but the problem remained unsolved.

For some years there have been manufactured certain special Shotguns for Magnum cartridges, charged with 46 grams of shot, in order to cause more shot to reach the pattern at greater ranges, as no other means exists for increasing the concentration and for avoiding the great dispersion of the shot at long ranges (40 meters and more). However these Magnum cartridges have a low velocity and this expedient in order to send more shot into the pattern gives no remarkable result. This proves that velocity and concentraion are still contrasting factors and the problem is still Waiting for a solution.

The main object of the present invention is to avoid the aforesaid behavior of the gunpowders and radically modify the conventional charge of a cartridge, thereby controlling the charge and therefore the results, While acting, as much as possible on the velocity (penetration) and particularly on the concentration of the shot in the pattern.

The first step in order to obtain these results, is creating gunpowder quantities lower than the normal charges, for

instance

15, 30, 45, 60 ctgr. less than said normal charges, and after having departed from the normal charge of the gunpowder and even more from the critical charge, to substitute other substantial non ballistic propelling means, in each case, for the amount of removed gunpowder, until the velocity is brought to the ice desired normal value, or increasing said velocity, if desired. Y

This iirst step can be embodied in a first instance as follows:

With a constant gunpowder charge, always decreasing variations of the gunpowder, using novel propelling means which are adjustable and gradually increasing.

The second instance is the reverse expedient:

To leave constant the gunpowder charge, and to gradually increase the charge of the shot, with relation to the adjustable propelling means. Y

A third instance, which is a consequence of the two first recited instances, is by `acting to proportionally increase the charge and the shot in relationship with the various propelling non ballistic means.

As the propelling means have a greater sealing action, the eificacy of which, comparable to the gunpowder, canl change from 5 to 20 ctgr. and in order that the expedient will not originate a greater bursting pressure, according to the charge to be made, it is possible to previously selectV at will, the char-ges of gunpowder and of shot, always taking account of the priming devices which may beweak, medium strength, double strength.

An important result follows from the above, which is that the shot will withstand better a minor ballistic propulsion, added with a mechanical thrust obtained by the adjustable wad system according to the present invention. Another object of this invention is that of using the n lower bursting pressure in order to operate the Wad system and cause the wad to have at the barrel nozzle, i.e.

at the narrowing, its greatest eicacy and to transmit the greatest thrust together with that due to the combustion of the gunpowder and to the greater seal of the same wad.

These and other objects will be better illustrated later A main feature of the various types of Wad is that said wads have inside certain radial ribs or girders. These ribs can extend throughout the height of the wad or be limitedV to a part thereof, and are connected at the periphery to the lateral wall of the wad or outer pillar, and at the center to another inner cylindrical pillar which may have either a tubular shape or to be solid. Said ribs, in the number of eight or more, define void spaces or sectors similar to air chambers. also be arc shaped.

Other characteristics are:

The wad can be open at its top and at its bottom, or it can be closed by a single flat element located either at the top or bottom.

The flat element can be displaced, and the height of the ribs can be reduced.

When the ribs are reduced only on one part, the wad can have a recess; if the ribs are reduced also at the opposite part, said wad can have two recesses, one above and the other below the ribs.

An important feature .is that within the recesses are inserted -discs or elastic rings made of rubber or any material, for instance cork, .resting flat on the ribs and protected a-t their periphery by .the 4lateral wall of the Wad; in other words these elements are shielded.

In .this case, the rubber discs lor rings, submitted to pressure from any direction are compressed onto the edges of the ribs and in their other parts they enter into the air chambers or the void sectors between the ribs, tak-ing thus the form of small slings which at the moment of their release give the wad, also made of a slightly elastic material, the property of affording a high elasticity in the direction of the axis of the barrel.

Another feature is that each wad, which has high ribs,

Patented .lune 29, 1965 In certain cases the ribs can` ing as a projection, the wad has the power of crosswise expanding and of fitting to the inner surface :of .the barrel, like an air chamber tire, in comparison with a solid tire, on a projection of a road.

Each .solid wad having pores lor irregular voids, or knots or hard elements due to bad manufacture, operates badly within the narrowing of the barrel and cannot operate uniformly and remain always level like the air chamber wad. It occurs often, for instance, that in a series of ten rifle-shots, with conventional wads, remarkable diiferences will occur between the riiie-shots, either in percent and in distribution and concentration of the shot in the pattern and this is due to defects of the wad which does not remain level during the operation.

The battledore drum devices (hereinafter call drum devices) which will be described later Ion, are different from the various types of wads, in that their height is considerably reduced and since in this case Lalso the ribs have a considerably reduced height, said ribs are able to spring together with the plane to which they are connected, against the elastic elements, and vice-versa.

The principle of the battledore drum is known and in this case it must `be considered that instead of a sole ball, a group of shot will receive a .thrust which will be the greater, the greater the elasticity of 4the mechanical propelling means, added to the ballistic propulsion initially diminished.

All conven-tional wads have an almost passive operation. They are damaged passing along the barrel and are axially crushed, so that their height will be very diminished in the narrowing of the barrel. This fact does not occur to such an extent in the wad device according to this invention and both the wads and the drum devices having horizontal or arc shaped ribs, although having a remarkable axial springing, due to the elastic elements, maintain their entire height and therefore their seal.

The final propelling effect of a solid wad is that of a damaged body which serves the sole purpose of sealing the gas, which occurs with wads made of felt, wool, cork and also in wads made of plastic material, filled with sawdust or cork agglomerate. The various kinds of wads according to the present invention, yield, on the contrary, in the narrowing of the barrel, the whole energy received during the path from the start of their m-ovement to the barrel nozzle and their function is, therefore, a highly act-ive function.

Another feature consists in that some kinds of wads can have in their lower portion a ring about 3 mm. high made -of plastic material. This ring is provided with a 12 mm. diameter centr-al hole and at this hole eight or more arc shaped ribs are provided so as to form a kind Iof dome shaped `rib unit.

A plastic material particularly suitable for the wads according to the present invention is the Dylt type polyethylene compound produced by Union Carbide Co. of New York. Other types of polyethylene materials having a higher melting point have not given comparable results.

Another feature is that in relationship with the removed amount of gunpowder, or in relation with the amount of shot to be added, there has been established various kinds of adjusted wad, termed:

types

1, 2, 3, 4 tand also types II, III, IV, B. The later types can replace the first cited types, and having a greater efficacy, they serve for imparting a greater velocity to the shot `and therefore a greater penetration, without remarkably -affecting the concentration.

The etficacy of the 1 type is such as to -allow the substitution of 15 ctgr. of gunpowder remover, or to increase 3 gr. of shot charge, and thus up .to a maximum of about 60 ctgr. yof gunpowder or 12 gr. of shot for the 4 type.

It is known that all wads made tof plastic material, and also those presently available as the market, under particular conditions cause the bursting pressure to increase,

sometimes even above the normal value and a good shooting cartridge, with a double strength cap, must not exceed 600 atm. as a bursting pressure; preferably the pressure must be about 550 atm. and more preferably the pressure should be 500 atm., although maintaining the normal veloci-ty.

The wording normal velocity means that a hunting cartridge must have a V10 about 305-310 m./sec. and a shot cartridge must have a V10 nearer -to 330 m./sec. The V10 practically denotes the velocity of the shot at l0 m. from the muzzle of the gun, and it will be chronographically obtained by the sum of the velocity of the shot at the muzzle .and at 20 m. divided by two.

According 4to the lopinion of skilled persons, the bare plastic material, when contacting the inner surface of the barrel, even if coated with paraffin, does not glide like a wad made of felt or cork, but by adhesion, sticking, gluing with a greater elasticity than the other used materials, `and originates a greater seal thereby increasing the pressure.

Tests have shown that bare wads made of plastic material, like those previously described, and charged with a 6.45 cap, yield a low pressure and optimum velocity and concentration.

By coupling the wad and the drum device, i.e. increasing the height and the charge of shot, and using the double strength cap, pressure increases beyond the normal limit occur, and this even with a reduced amount of gunpowder.

In order to avoid this drawback, according to this invention there has been applied to the bare wads an outer coating consisting of a cardboard tube.

The cardboard tube used in manufacturing the cartridge cases of 16 cal. is very suitable for manufacturing this casing. This cardboard tube is well fitted for the purpose both `as to its thickness `and its diameter and being able to be cut to various lengths as needed.

Having thus avoided contact of the plastic material with the inner surface of the barrel, it also prevents the rings or rubber discs from coming into contact with the barrel.

By the casing, the high pressures are carried back to the normal limits, while the low pressures will be further diminished.

With the above and other objects in view which will become apparent from the detailed description below,

some preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top and bottom open wad, with two pillars; the tube shaped outer pillar and the inner pillar;

FIG. 2 is a plan view taken along the plane X--X of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line III-III of FIG. 2 or according to the plane Y-Y of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a three pillar wad having an outer, intermediate and inner pillar;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view 0f a type of wad where the intermediate pillar has been shortened and reduced to a collar element which is engaged with the ribs, supports, together with the other two pillars; also the central pillar has been reduced at the bottom together with the ribs, so

" as to obtain a recess about 3 mm. high for an elastic element;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing the elastic element inserted into the recess;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a type of wad like that of FIG. 6, wherein the plane has been lowered, and the ribs have been further reduced so that two recesses are provided, i.e. a recess over the ribs and a recess under the ribs;

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 with the two elastic elements inserted into the recesses;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a composite wad obtained by superposing two wads like that of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a View similar to FIG. 7 and shows an adjusting member on the upper plane of the wad which is beveled at its periphery, when the diameter of the adjusting mernber is 6, 7, or 8 mm. The wad with the adjusting member in a single piece can be obtainedwith no recess for the elastic element and with no bevel at the upper end of the adjusting member;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a horizontal rib drum device;

The dotted lines show the ribs connected to the inner pillar and to the outer pillar with no collar element and with no intermediate pillar;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional View taken along section line K'--K of FIG. 11 showing the recess for an elastic element;

FIG. 13 is like FIG. 12 with the elastic element inserted into its recess; j

FIG. 14 shows a cross section of a drum device with arc shaped ribs. In the plane over the arc shaped ribs, a recess for an elastic element is provided;

FIG. 15 is like FIG. 14 and shows the elastic element inserted within its recess;

FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional view of a type of single piece wad with horizontal ribs and arc shaped ribs. Into the recess the elastic element has been inserted; FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of the charge made by the type 1 wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 provided with a cork disc inserted into the upper recess and with a rubber disc inserted into the lower recess;

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view ofthe charge made by the type 2 wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 provided with two inserted rubber discs;

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of the charge made by the type 3 wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 with two inserted cork discs, plus the drum device of FIG. 13 provided, in its recess with a rubber disc;

FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of the charge made by the type 4 wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 9 provided with a cork disc inserted into the upper recess `and a rubber disc inserted into the lower recess, plus the drum device of FIG. 13 provided with a rubber disc in its recess;

FIG. 21 is a guide diagram to be followed for carrying out the charging operation with the adjustable wad system;

FIG. 22 shows a cross sectional view of the adjustable type 5 wad, to be used in determined cases, as will be set forth below. In the upper part is shown the wad of FIG. 8 with two inserted rubber discs; in the lower part has been shown the drum device of FIG. 13 provided with a rubber disc in its recess. The type 5 is provided with three rubber discs in its three recesses;

FIG. 23 is a diagram to be followed fora strong charge with armoured cartridge case and with a double strength priming device;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of the charging operation for a conventional cartridge A', which cannot be made in any of the three modes as shown by the arrows; neither leaving constant the gunpowder and increasing the shot charge as shown at O, nor progressively increasing the gunpowder and shot charge as shown at N, nor diminishing the gunpowder, leaving constant the shot charge as denoted at M;

FIGS. 25, 26, 27 and 28, are diagrams showing the advantages obtained in the comparison at 4() meters, between a cartridge A (FIG. 21) having a conventional charge and the cartridges F, P and L also of FIG. 21, charged with the adjustable wad device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 are diagrams showing the advantages obtained in the comparison at 40 meters between a cartridge A" of FIG. 23 with conventional charge, and the cartridges Q and L of FIG. 23, charged by the adjustable wad device;

FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 are diagrams showing the advantages obtained in the comparison between a cartridge L (FIG. 23) and (FIG. 33) charged by the adjustable, wad device with 42 gm. shot, and the conventional charge BabyMagnum cartridge with 42 gm. shot (FIG. 32), and

the conventional charge cartridge Magnum with 46 gm.

shot (FIG. 34);

FIG. 35 shows a partial perspective view of a cardboard tube having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the cal. 12 cartridge case, the thickness being about 0.75

. mm. while the inner diameter is about 17 mm. This tube,

One 3-4 mm. length will form a simple length, while a 5 or more mm. length will form a double length;

FIG. 37 shows a cross sectional view of a non-closed wad provided with a casing, into which have been inserted from the bottom upwardly; a cork member, a Vrib segment, an elastic element (rubber ring) and a second cork member;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the top and bottom closed completed wad, obtained by closing the free portions of the casing as shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of a wad with casing and two elastic elements. Thereinto have been inserted from the bottom upwardly a cork member, an elastic element (rubber ring), a lrib segment, a second elastic element (rubber ring) and then a second cork member;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the wad of FIG. 39 closed at its -top and Abottom ends;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a rib segment made of plastic material, wherein the ribs are parallel and separated by parallel grooves between the ribs;

FIG. 42 is a perspective View of a double combined rib segment in a single piece;

The lattice shaped upper ribs directly rest on the plane supported by the parallel lower ribs;

FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of a wad with the casing, into which have been inserted from the bottom upwardly; a rubber disc, a combined double rib segment, and a second rubber disc;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the completed Wad, top and bottom closed, obtained by closing the top and bottom parts of the casing in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a double, single piece, combined rib segment. The upper ribs, intersecting at the center, directly rest on the plane supported bythe parallel lower ribs;

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of a simple radial rib segment, with no inner pillar and outer pillar.

With respect to the embodiment of the wad system with inner ribs, one kind of wad (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) consists of a side wall 1- (or outer pillar) and of a tube shaped inner pillar 2.

These two pillars are connected by the eight horizontal ribs 3, extending throughout the height of the wad, and between two radial adjacent ribs, regu-lar empty sectors 4 exist similar to air chambers. The ribs can be 1-2 mm. or more thick.

The connection 5 of the ribs 3 to the outer pillar 1 is flared in order to have the outer pillar 1 well adherent to the inner surface of the ba-rrel.

This wad (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) can be obtained in plastic and elastic materials by molding in a die, but also by eX- trusion since the piece is open at the top and bottom, and when extruded it can be cut according to the desired` height.

During the charging operation, these wads are closed at the top and bottom byV means of thin discs of plastic materials together with card-boards.

The wad shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 besides the

pillars

1 and 2 is provided with a third intermediate pillar 6 which acts upon the ribs intermediate their length.

The third intermediate pillar 6 (FIGS. 4 and 5) serves the purpose of increasing the seal, Since when the ribs are thin, during their operation, they bend and the thicker 'they are, the less .they bend, and `when they lare thickened, they have a better operation and increase the seal.

Each operation of the wads has been observed from several standpoints by introducing said wads into a frustocone obtained from a metal cylinder, with tl e inlet having a greater hole with a diameter equal to that of the inside of the cartridge case, while the outlet hole has the diameter of the maximum narrowing of the barrel.

The wad of FIG. 6 is embodied with a thin plane 7 closing one side of the wad. The intermediate pillar has a reduced height and forms a collar 8; the ribs 3 and the central pillar 2 have their height shortened in order to form a recess 9 within the wad, in which an elastic element is inserted (FIG. 7).

The details of the elastic element are a rubber or cork disc, l5 mm. diameter and 3 mm. high; a rubber ring having mm. outer diameter, 6 mm. inner diameter and 3 mm. high, the inner hole being closed by a rubber or cork disc 6 mm. diameter and 3 mm. high.

The lrubber ring is more free to enter into the voids between two adjacent ribs, but there is not a great difference in efficacy between a rubber disc and a rubber ring; on the contrary, the ellicacy of a cork disc is reduced in comparison with a rubber disc.

The wad of FIG. 8 has its plane 7 lowered, and also lowered are the ribs 3 and the collar 8 so as to obtain, over the plane 7 (FIG. 8), a second recess 9 equal to the lower recess 9. In FIG. 9, said two recesses have had inserted therein the two elastic elements 10 consisting of rubber discs.

The drum device, FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, which is denoted by the reference character a car-ries the plane 7 connected to the ribs 3 about 3 mm. high. The ribs 3 which are very reduced, can spring together with the plane 7. The elastic element 10 is inserted into the recess ot FIG. 13.

Its operation is like that of a drum, since when submitted to pressure from any side, the plane 7 will be deflected with the ribs 3 and the latter bear against the elastic element 10 (FIG. 13) which in turn when submitted to pressure from any direction, bears against the ribs to fill the empty sectors between the adjacent ribs obtaining thus the aforesaid eight little slings connected to one another.

In fact if the little triangles existing under the plane 7, between the adjacent ribs are colored with black ink, and a red disc or rubber ring is inserted, and after the shot the inserted element 10 is checked, on the disc or ring 8, black triangles will be printed; the prints will be more precise on the ring than on the disc.

This demonstrates that the elastic elements operate during the passage through the barrel and ill the spaces between the ribs, until contacting the lower surface of the plane 7. This operation by compression, and also by traction on the edge of the ribs, makes their behavior to be like that of little slings under tensile stress, said slings at the moment of their release, at the muzzle of the barrel, where the tensile stress is maximum due to the effect of the narrowing, transmit to the overlying wad and therefore to the shot a strong thrust in axial direction.

The drum device of FIGS. 14 and 15, which can be denoted by the reference character b has a scaling and thrust force greater than those of the drum device a as the plane 13 will bend on the arc shaped rings 12 (FIG. 14), and these do not deflect as they are edge stressed and press on their connection base, i.e. on the innerl portion of the plastic ring 11 which is pushed against the inner wall of the barrel exerting a strong gas seal.

In this case the arc shaped ribs will take the shape of dome shaped ribs, and the dome shaped ribs have more strength than the hat ribs.

In the narrowing of the barrel, the ring 11, will be restricted and the sum of the forces whereby the drum device b has been loaded along the barrel (as the elastic element 10 of FIG. 15, compresses the plane 13 against the ribs 12) will develop towards the axial direction against the overlying wad and therefrom to the shot group.

The wad of FIG. 18 is the coupling of two drum devices a and b and can be obtained by the same means as are separately obtained the two drum devices a and b. The wad of FIG. 16 and the drum of FIG. 15 are spare means which can be used particularly if the gunpowders presently charged in the Magnum cartridges with 46 gm. of shot should be marketed. In the contrary case, their best use will be made by the manufacturers charging the Magnum and Baby-Magnum cartridges. The manufacturers charge the Magnum cartridges and they have never marketed the gunpowder whereby said cartridges are charged.

Tests have been made for several years of various types of case concentrators, and it is noted that the narrowing of the barrel damages the case and therefore the results. It was decided that in order to increase the concentration it was necessary to start from minor bursting pressures, and to increase gradually said concentration by non-ballistic means. A greater concentration was possible, diminishing the gunpowder charge, but this resulted also in a lower velocity of the shot.

Therefore the more elastic the member forming the plane of the drum, the greater is the range and the eicacy is far less if the plane of the drum has a less elastic member for instance such as textile fabrics, or wood, cork, felt, etc. Therefore, a great difference of efficacy could exist between a conventional wad and a high elasticity wad.

A more elastic wad, therefore would largely increase the shot velocity allowing a reduction of the amount of gunpowder and thereby the bursting pressure. The two types of drum a and b were developed and within their recesses cork discs were placed. Further tests demonstrated that the eiiicacy of the drums a and b could be increased if the cork discs were replaced by a rubber disc or a ring 3 mm. thick, and at parity of conditions, the drum b had a greater eflicacy than a.

The features of the two drums were combined thereby obtaining a wad like that of FIG. 16.

With further tests it was noted that a similar wad increased the bursting pressure, and removing certain amounts of gunpowder, first 5 ctgm. (centigrammes) then 10 ctgm. and so on, the bursting pressure was lowered but not the real propelling force, since the minor amount of gunpowder was replaced by the greater seal of the wad and the rubber element, so Ithat the shot penetration was carried again to its normal value, with the advantage of having an improved penetration with 25 ctgm. of gunpowder removed.

By calculating by means of tests the seal and the elasticity of the wad it was possible to adapt the gunpowder charge to the kind of wad, and adapting various minor charges of gunpowder to Various types of graduated wad, while keeping unaltered the charge of .shot 33 gm., see C, D, E, F, of FIG. 21.

Vice-versa by keeping unaltered the amount of gunpowder, 1.90 gm., see C, G, I, L (FIG. 21), it was ascertained that the dilerent eiicacy of the types of graduated Wads allowed the shot charge to be gradually increased (33-36, 39-42 gm.) see G, H, I, L (FIG. 2l).

By adding the seal of the wad or of the wads to the high elasticity of the rubber elements, and graduating the wad, it was possible to obtain wide and substantial thrust oscillations and changes, with no danger since the operation occurred under bursting pressures lower than the standard, and well removed from the critical value.

By tests, established the rst four wad types, i.e.

Type: 1, 2, 3, 4-

G with type l-H with type 2 I with type 3-L with type 4 (FIG. 21)

By stepping up these four types, i.e. removing the type I and starting by type 1I and adding a fifth type, it was possible to replace the rst four types by the others: II-IIIIV-V, to obtain G with type II-H with type III I with type IV-L with type V when a greater elastic thrust was desired to obtain a greater velocity of the shot, in comparison with the types l, 2, 3, 4.

By way of example L-l.90 X 42-l-type 4, has a determined thrust; the same cartridge L, with 1.90 X Ll2-l-type V, as the type `V has a rubber element more than the type 4, will have a greater thrust, but at parity of gunpowder which is always 1.90 gm.

With respect to the charge, to the four cartridge of FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20, there have been applied the four types of wad: l, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Into the cartridge case 14 (FIG. 17) there is lirst placed the gunpowder 15, then the cardboard 16, a woolen wad 17. the inner rib wad 18 and a thin disc 19 made of plastic material, or a cardboard, and over the latter in the space 20 the shot.

The wad 18, is like the wad of FIG. 8; in this case into the upper recess there is inserted a cork disc, while in the lower recess a rubber disc is located.y

In FIG. 18, the parts are like FIG. 17, but the wad 18 which is the wad of FIG. 8 is provided with two rubber elastic elements.

In FIG. 19, into the cartridge case 14, are located the gunpowder 15, a card-board 16, the drum device 21 with its rubber disc as in FIG. 13, the wad 1S is that of FIG. 8 carrying the cork disc within the upper recess and also in the lower recess, and a card-board 19 or a thin disc of plastic material.

In FIG. 20, 4over the card-board 16 is located the drum device 21 as in FIG. 13, with a rubber disc as a drum device a, then the wad 18 as in FIG. 8 carrying v two elastic elements specifically, a cork element in the upper recess and a rubber element in the lower recess, and iinally the cardboard 19 or a thin disc of plastic material.

The difference between the types l and 2, having both Wads the same height and therefore the @same seal, with 5 ctgm. of gunpowder, consists in that the type 2 wad has a rubber disc more. In

types

3 and 4 there exists a greater seal of the two pieces, i.e. wad and drum, with about 20 ctgm. of gunpowder, and also the dilerence of a rubber disc more in the type 4 in comparison with the type 3.

In shooting tests on targets consisting of three superposed plates made of flat, thick poplar plywood 6 X 60 crn., spaced apart from one another by means of wood boards l cm. thick, the penetration was tested into said targets of the shot charged as in A (FIG. 2l) by 2.10 X 33 or in A" (FIG. 23) by 2.15 X 36.

These cartridges A and A" impart to the shot a Velocity about 300 meters per second at 30 meters from the barrel muzzle; this would be the standard velocity of the best cartridges.

When known the standard penetration into said plywood targets each of dierently graduated type, with changes of ctgm. of gunpowder from one another and a constant amount of shot C, D, E, F (FIG. 2l) must have the same aforesaid penetration.

First the charge was reduced of a conventional cartridge A (FIG. 2l) consisting of 2.10 gm. of gunpowder and 33 gm. of shot, down to 1.90 X `30 as in B (FIG.

21) to start the application of type l, but also with respect to the greater seal of the wad in I and L, in order to obtain them then C-l.90 X 33-type 1, in comparison with B-LQO X (FIG. 2l) were charged and various sets of cartridges were tested with type 1, with 2.00-195- 1.90-l.85 gm. of gunpowder and constant shot charge (33 gm.) and then the quantities which were the most approximate were selected, as to penetration, to those previously obtained as standard into the targets.

Thus in D the type 2 wad is capable of replacing the l5 ctgm. of gunpowder removed with respect to B and the 3 gm. of shot added, also with respect to B.

Generally, it is considered that 15 ctgm. of gunpowder are necessary to provide the ballistic thrust to 3 gm. shot and therefore if:

A-2.l0 X 33 has a given penetration, and D-1.75 X .3S-Hype 2 has the same penetration being the difference between A and D equal to 35 of gunpowder, it is possible to state that the thrust force of the type 2 is equal to 35 ctgm. of gunpowder.

In the same way it is possible to establish that the greatest thrust of type 3, i.e. of the wad and the drum, plus the rubber disc and two cork elements, is about 45 ctgm., while the thrust of the type 4, is about 60 ctgm. Y

of gunpowder.

The cartridge A 2.15 X 36 (FIG. 23) with a strong charge and a double strength priming has been reduced as in B down to 1.75 X 30, i.e. from the cartridge A" there have been removed about 40 ctgm. of gunpowder and 6 gm. of shot. This greater reduction of gunpowder has also the purpose of diminishing the bursting pressure, since it is convenient to operate mainly by elasticity rather than by a greater amount of gunpowder.

If we consider a strong cartridge with a double strength priming, like the cartridge Q (FIG. 23) where it is easier to note the differences of bursting pressures, and charge and test two sets of live cartridges respectively with:

Q-'-l.90 X 36 with type 1 and Q-1.90 X 36 type 2 andv take the percent of the results, we shall nd:

40 m.-Q with type l results in 76.5% 4t) n1.-Q with type 2 results in 74% of Q with type 2 and not by an added amount of gunpowder and the concentration only slightly changes as the bursting pressure is equal it is possible to state that we are in the position of increasing the velocity at the expense of the elasticity without prejudicially aiecting the concentration. And this is the best possible result obtainable in order to conciliate the penetration and the concentration.

The bursting pressure of A-2.l5 X 36 will never be lowered below 25 ctgm. of gunpowder without largely damaging the penetration, while by Q with type l and by Q with type 2, this result can be reached, obtaining with type l a normal velocity and a high concentration, and with Q with type 2 an increased velocity with very little diminished concentration.

In order to avoid any confusion, the charging is always made with the types l, 2, 3 and 4, it being however understood that said types l, 2, 3 and 4 could be replaced by the types II, III, IV and V in order to obtain better results as to the velocity.

The type V, as aforesaid is that shown in FIG. 22 with three rubber discs which replace the type 4 when instead of the type l there is applied the type II, when instead of type 2 there is applied the type III, and instead of the type 3 there is applied the type IV.

The type V has a thrust force, which can be compared to 15 ctgm. more of gunpowder with respect to the type 4.

But the most interesting problem is that of keeping normal the velocity and of materially increasing the etlcacy of the shot pattern at the longer ranges, i.e. of carrying more shot in the pattern at 40 meters and beyond, apart from the other advantages.

Considering again FIG. 21, we have L-1.90 X 42+type 4 and if the velocity is to be increased, it would be possible to increase the 1.9() gm. of gunpowder to 1.95 or to 2.00, but by this expedient the bursting pressure would be increased, and in order to avoid this result, and to better reach our purpose, we make L-1.9O` x 42-l-type V, but We know that type V has an efficacy comparable to about l5 ctgrn. more than type 4, and as we have no interest in an excess of the Velocity, the best thing to d in order to obtain an optimum velocity and an optimum concentration is to slightly diminish the gunpcwder, making:

L-1.85 x 42-l-type V By vertically developing F of FIG. 21, it is to be noted that both the gunpowder and the shot are proportionally increased to reach 1.90 x 42, and in this case remains constant the type V4, i.e. the wad type. Since the same type of wad, if stressed by a greater shot charge (greater weight) originates a greater elasticity, and the results. with 1.90 X 42 and with 1.75 x 39 are optimum, while the results with 1.60 x 36 and with 1.45 X 33 can be slightly less than the standard. As to the velocity, it is possible to reach again the standard by increasing the gunpowder in these two last cited cases, to the amount of -10 ctgm. This is convenient also from the economical standpoint since before changing the type 4 into a type V it has to be considered that 5 or 10 ctgm. of gunpowd-er are far less expensive than a rubber disc.

In numeral form, FIG. 24 shows the development of the charge of A (2.1 X 33) by steps of 15 ctgm. of gunpowder and 3 gm. of shot.

In fact, developing in M, N, O the charge of A', as it has been made in the diagram of FIG. 21, We will find charges in M having a deliciency of gunpowder, in N an excess `of powder and shot and in O an excess of shot.

It is known that if in a normal cartridge we diminish by 5 ctgm. the gunpowder charge or we increase by one gram the shot charge, the concentration will already be increased.

In L, with 1.90 X 42-l-type V, we operate as if we removed 45 ctgm. from the charge of gunpowder necessary for imparting the thrust to 42 gm. of shot (last datum of.

N (FIG. 24) 2.55 X 42) since the other 20 ctgm. are due to the greater seal of the gas and must be considered as ballistic force. We have L with type V- 1.90 gunpowder 0.20 seal (to be considered as ballistic force) 2.10 ballistic `force 0.45 elasticity 2.55 (actual thrust-ballistic force-lelasticity) If convenient we can modify the various charges of FIG. 21 with small amounts of gunpowder to be added or removed (5-10 ctgni.) or with small amounts of shot to be added or removed 1-2 gr. However, it is always suitable to operate with the elasticity of the types 1-2-3-4 and II-III-IV-V and with the latter, since this is possible, it is convenient to diminish a little the gunpowder instead of increasing same, in order to obtain better results.

lf the diagram of FIG. 21 can be considered to be the solution of the diagram of FIG. 24, and if the diagram of FIG. 21 is practically satisfactory, this z's due solely to the application in the charge of the various types of graduated wads which allow operating with an amount of gunpowder which is less than the standard and this largely affects favourably the concentration.

rIhe stepped up changes of ctgm. of gunpowdcr or 3 gm. of shot in the charge of a conventional cal. 12 cartridge, are not possible, FIG. 24, and they are more impossible if repeated. By doing this, either we largely diminish the penetration (either diminishing the gunpowder or increasing the shot charge) or we come within the paradox due to the increase of the bursting pressure, by increasing proportionally and materially both the gunpowder and the shot.

Summarizing, the test stand will be able to establish more precisely the various charges, but the eticacy of the novel propelling means is substantial and the wide limits enable us to operate under bursting pressures lower than the standard, and it is always possible to displace the mechanical propelling means allowing the conciliation, tho variation and the improvement of the velocity or of the concentration or, and this is more interesting, the remarkable increase or the charges of shot without having recourse to greater gunpowder charges.

Developing B to the right in FIG. 2l, we operate with a constant shot charge; by developing B to the left we operate with a constant gnnpowder charge; developing C, D, E, F, vertically according to the arrow, we operate by changing in regular proportions both `the gunpowder and the shot, and the last obtained data are those concerning G, H, U, L. If operating in F vertically, we have all quantities for charging 33-36-39-42 gm. of shot with a single type of wad, i.e. type 4. The latter, as aforesaid can be replaced by the type V in order to increase the velocity without remarkably disturbing the concentration.

Summarizing, the charging by the adjustable wad device remarkably modifies all charging operations.

The first advantages are due to the minor amount of gunpowder used and to the possibility of using common cartridge cases with 5.45 caps in order to charge 33-36- 39-42 gm. of shot.

If the conventional cartridge A shown in FIG. 21, with 2.10 X 33 gave previously good results, now, it can not be compared to F at parity of conditions, but to a greater extent to L.

In FIGS. and 26 the cartridge F in comparison with A gives a pattern at 40 meters, with an average of 276 shots of 363 shot, with a percent of 76% and a dierence of shots more than A.

In FIGS. 26, 27, 28, comparing A to P, the latter in the pattern at meters gives an average exceeding A by 58 shots; but the surprising advantages with a lot of shot, is to be found in the pattern at 40 meters by L.

The average of L at 40 meters is 341 shots of 462 shot (FIG. 28) with a difference of 95 shot more with respect to A.

The A" of FIG. 23 and FIG. 30 is a conventional cartridge with 2.15 X 36 with an armoured cartridge case and a double strength cap. This is a very good and costly cartridge.

Compared to Q FIG. 29, at parity of conditions, i.e.

with the same charge of shot, Q has an advantage beyond" 10% at 40 meters with 42 shots more per average.

Between A and L (FIG. 31) it is impossible to limit the comparison to percent, as the shot charge is different; anyway, the average of L at 40 meters is 82 shots higher than the average of A.

When considering the economie advantage, the armoured conventional cartridge A has a minimum cost or" 8O lire while the cartridge P (FIG. 27) can be charged now also with 36 gm. of shot even in the common cartridge case; accordingly, the cost of the P cartridge will remain labout `40 lire as lthe adjustable wad, in the case of P, with ltype 1, when the necessary moulds `are made, will have a cost lower than the conventional wad so that the cartridge P as a practical result will have at 40 meters an advantage more than 10% with respect to A and, as to cost an advantage of about FIG. 32 shows the results of a Baby-Magnum cartridge I3 at 40 meters and FIG. 34 shows the results of a Magnum cartridge with 46 gm. of shot at 4() meters.

In the FIGS. 32 and 34, when compared with L of FIGS. 22 and 33 there exists a great difference of lesS shot.

More precisely, the shot average of a Baby-Magnum cartridge (FIG. 32) at 40 meters, is 77 shots less than the average of L" (equal shot charge) and the average of the shots at 40 meters of a Magnum cartridge (FIG. 34) is 95 shots less than the average of L even if the latter is charged with 42 gm. of shot in comparison with the Magnum having 46 gm. of shot.

It is to be understood that many data of the diagrams are remarkably exact and the results are optimum from any standpoint so that the test stand, in certain cases, will only be able to indicate the way of modifying the ratiosI for Wad, gunpowder and shot in order to obtain further improvements. v

It is known that all expedients adopted in order to improve the results of a cartridge, often failed when practically tested, and the cause thereof was the behavior of the gunpowder.

vThe strong activity of the gradual wad device causes the operation to occur under low pressure, however, without diminishing the actual propelling force and thus the shot velocity; also, the low bursting pressure causes the concentration to be increased without affecting the velocity and therefore the penetration.

The proof is given by the optimum results which demonstrate that the Velocity and the concentration are not contrasting elements, and can be remarkably changed and improved.

With reference to FIGS. 35 to 46, a card-board tube 22, FIG. 35 having 18.5 mm. outer diameter, and an inner diameter about 17 mm., and a wall about 0.75 mm. thick, is cut to various lengths according to need, for instance Iaccording to the dotted line 23 of FIG- 135, and forms the casing or outer coating of the wad.

By eliminating the planes, the collar and the intermediate pillar of the plastic material wad, the tube 24 of FIG. 36 having the ribs 25 is obtained by extrusion from plastic material, and the reduction of its outer diameter, carried to about 16 mm. is made at the expense of the outer pillar 24 so that the ribs 25 will be unaltered, as shown in FIG. 35.

Each segment of ribs 27, FIG. 36, is cut to various heights according to need, for instance according to the dotted line 23. This segment 27 forms one of the pieces which is inserted into the casing together with the other elements; rubber discs or rings, and cork members.

In order to obtain the wad of FIG. 38, the casing 22 (FIG. 37) is `prepared and into said casing are introduced; a cork member 29, a rib segment 3i), an elastic element 31 (rubber ring) and a second cork member 32. The two parts 33 of the casing which remain free are closed obtaining thus the nished wad 34 which is closed at top and bottom (FIG. 38) and which has a single elastic element (rubber ring).

In the same way there is obtained the wad of FIG 40. Into the casing 22 of FIG. 39, there are introduced; a cork member 35, an elastic element 36 (rubber ring) a double rib segment 37, another elastic element 3S (rubber ring) and a second cork member 39. The two parts 33 of the casing are closed and the nished wad 40 is obtained with two elastic elements (rubber rings), as shown in FIG. 40.

The rib segment 41 (FIG. 41) replaces the rib segment 27 (FIG. 36) and consists of parallel ribs 42 spaced apart by grooves 43; the ribs are supported by a thin plane 44.

In the same way, the ribsegment of FIG. 42 is a double combined rib consisting of the lower portion 45 representing the whole piece of FIG. 41 upside down, on the plane 46 of which (corresponding to the plane 44), of FIG. 41 are provided the parallel ribs 47 intersected at 14 right angles by other parallel ribs 48 defining empty spaces 49.

The upper portion of the segment of FIG. 42 with the perpendicularly crossing ribslattice structure can be obtained as such, or as a double structure with a double top and bottom lattice segment.

In the same way, the segment of FIG. 41 with parallel ribs, can be double, having thus both the upper and the lower portion with parallel ribs, or also it may be a double combined member as in FIGS. 42 and 45.

The ribs 42 and the grooves 43 of FIG. 41 as well as the

ribs

47 and 48 with the associated empty spaces 49 of FIG. 42 serve the purpose of subjecting to a tractive stress the rubber discs or rings, since it is not necessary that each rib segment have the radial ribs 27 of FIG. 36. The rib segment 27 of FIG. 36 is very expensive, while the moulds for obtaining the rib segments or" FIGS. 41 and 42 can be embodied by means of cutters of circular saws on wide metal plates, 1 cm. thick. On said grooved plates. the plastic Vmaterial is cast and then pressed, obtaining thus panels which are then cut or sheared.

The rib segments of FIGS. 41 and 42 are the most economical as they require a little labour and low cost ma' chinery for their manufacture.

The wad of FIG. 44 is obtained by taking the casing 22 (FIG. 44) and into which are inserted; a rubber disc S0, a double rib segment 51 as in FIG. 42 and a second rubber disc 52.

By closing the free parts 33 of the casing, the finished Wad 53 is obtained as in FIG. 44, top and bottom closed and showing, like all other wads, the folds 54 and the hole 55.

FIG. 45 is a segment of combined double ribs, consisting of the parallel ribs 45, of the plane 46 whereon rests the six concentrical ribs 56, without an outer pillar, which define six empty spaces 57.

The upper portions of the segment of FIG. 46, with six concentrical ribs 56 can be obtained as a such, as single segment or as a double segment with the concentrical ribs 56 at the top and bottom dened by the plane 46.

FIG. 46 shows a top plan view of a simple radial rib segment, with no outer pillar and with no inner pillar. The ribs 58 rest on the plane 46 and dene the empty spaces 59.

Even the rib segment shown in FIG. 46 can be embodied in double form i.e. it can have top and bottom radial ribs dened by the pane 46.

In order to demonstrate the advantages between a plastic material wad and a rib segment wad with the casing, a

comparison is made with the data obtained from the test stand.

A series of hunting cartridges with 6.45 cap (weak) charged with 2.05 x 36-7 (2.05 gm. powder 36 gm. shot No; 7) i.e. with 5 ctgm. less of gunpowder and 3 gm. more of shot, with respect to the conventional charge (2.10x 33--7) and with bare wad with a single elastic element (rubber ring) gave the results as follows:

Average pressure: 390 atm-average V10z315 msec.

A series identical to the aforedescribed series, with the sole change of removing the bare wad, and charging the top and bottom casing wad with a single elastic element (rubber ring) equal to that of the preceding test, gave results as follows:

Average pressure: 310 atm-average V10z317 m.sec.

Therefrom it results that the bare Wad with 6.45 cap, gave good ballistic results, and that the casing wad has little improved the already optimum velocity, but with a far lower bursting pressure, i.e. 8O atm. less.

However, the improvement does not relate only to the casing which diminishes the bursting pressure, but relates also to the fact that the gas seal will be now adjustable from inside the casing by changing the diameter of the elastic elements (rubber rings).

In order to render clear the difference between the axial elasticity value on one side, and the gas seal value on the other side, it will be suitable to disclose a test and the concerned data, as obtained at the test stand.

After certain orientation tests in order to obtain the required velocity in the shooting cartridges, about 330 msec. with a double strength cap, a set of shooting cartridges was tested with the wads of FIGS. 37 and 38, with a single rubber ring, having 16 mm. diameter and with 2.05 gm. X 36 i.e. with 10 ctgm. gunpowder less than the conventional charge 2.15 x 36. The statement from the test stand was: average pressure 485 atmosphere average V10330-6 msec.

Having then charged and tested a series of cartridges like the preceding one, with 1.95 gm. X 36 (i.e. 10 ctgm. gunpowder less than the preceding series) and with a rubber ring having the same height but With 17 mm. diameter, the data from the test sand were:

Average pressure 531 amr-average V101331-4 msec.

Observing that the inner diameter of the casing is 17 mm. and considering the two preceding tests, we must state that the two rings, one having 16 mm. diameter and the second 17 mm. diameter, have Well operated on the ribs, the first ring exerting a high elasticity in axial direction and a low seal so as to be able to replace l ctgm. of gunpowder, with respect to the conventional charge, with a very loW pressure and with a V more than acceptable.

ln the second test, on the contrary, in order to have a reliable response, 20 ctgm. of gunpowder was removed instead of 10 ctgm., as inthe rst test, always with respect to the conventional charging (2.15 X 36) but a 17 mm. di-

ameter ring was used which at the start is adherent to the inner surface ofthe casing.

In the second test, due to the less amount of gunpowder, 10 ctgm. less, with respect to the rst test, a minor pressure and a lower velocity of the shot would have to be found, and if this did not occur, and on the contrary both data or" pressure and velocity are slightly increased with respect to the first test, this variation of behavior and of the results must be attributed to the rubber ring having a greater diameter, 17 mm. which operated as an elastic value in the axial direction, in the same way as the 16 mm. diameter ring but with a greater seal of the gas, increasing the pressure of 46 atm., exerting thus a greater thrust crosswise With respect to the inside of the casing, and therefrom to the inner surface of the barrel, with the result of a greater gas seal.

As the pressure and Velocity data have been optimum in both tests, in the casing wad with rib segment, each rubber ring having 16 mm. diameter (ie. 1 mm. less than the inner diameter of the casing), replaces the 10 ctgm. of gunpowder with a strong elasticity and associated less seal of the gas, and that each 17 mm. diameter rubber ring, replaces 20 ctgm. of gunpowder, the action of which partially develops as axial elasticity and partially as better gas seal.

The 17 mm. diameter ring caused the average pressure to increase from 485 atm. to 531 atm., and also the velocity is slightly increased, and this cannot be attributed to the amount of powder, the charge of which was 10 ctgm. less with respect with the charge made with the wad provided with the 16 mm. diameter ring;

1t is possibie to conclude that if V10 is more than acceptable in both cases, this operation is due to the activity of the casing wad, and has now a value, established by the test stand which can be compared to 10 ctgm. gunpowder in the first instance while in the second instance the activity of the wad is double and can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder, and this is due not only to the sole elasticity in the axial direction, but also to the better seal due to the 17 mm. diameter ring in comparison with the 16 mm. diameter ring.

Once established technically, instead of empirically the value of the activity of a same casing Wad, which with a 16 mm. diameter ring equals 10 ctgm. gunpowder and with a 17 mm. diameter ring equals 20 ctgm. gunpowder, is clear.

As far as the concentration is concerned, skilled persons, following national and international customary practice, test the cartridges at 35 meters in order to examine the shot pattern and to make comparisons, as the case may be.

It is known that an optimum cartridge with 36 gm. of size 7 shot 2.5 mm. diameter must give a percentage of of the shot within a 76 cm. diameter circle at 35 meters.

The percentage found for the cartridges having the casing Wad and the 16 mm. diameter ring has been 80% at 35 meters, and the percentage found for the cartridges with casing wad and 17 mm. diameter ring has been 82% at 35 rn., and this also due to the fact as previously set out that by diminishing the gunpowder and leaving constant the shot charge, always a greater concentration is obtained; however, in the related case, leaving unaltered the velocity, while in the conventional charging as will be examined later on, the diminution of a small amount of gunpowder (10-15 ctgm.) or the increase of an amount of shot (2-4 gm.) produces a diminution of velocity, which diminishes under the ruled limits and in a very convincing way. l

As tar as the purpose of conciliating the velocity and the concentration is concerned, tests have been made with 6.45 cap for ve sets of ten cartridges with the same amount of powder and shot (2.15 X 32-7), one set with conventional charge and 16 mm. iris wad, while the other four sets have been tested With four different casing wads.

Having demonstrated that all sets with casing wads gave a velocity higher than the velocity of the conventional set, with iris usual wad, a casing wad with two 16 mm. diameter rubber rings has been selected in order to make further comparisons, and the test has been prosecuted at parity of gunpowder, but gradually increasing by two grams steps the shot charge. Calling A the conventional cartridge, and B the casing wad cartridge (the activity of which can be compared to about 20 ctgm. gunpowder) for clearness of description, the results of the comparison have been as follows:

A-average pressure 277 atm-V10 305.8 msec.

(average) B-average pressure 360 atm-V10 307.6 msec.

(average) By comparing these results and considering that the iris Wad is the best wad presently marketed, and that on the market are available only iris wads 10-111/2 mm. and 13 mm. high, while the manufacturers of the iris Wad have tested a iris high, having an higher eiiicacy, as far the seal is concerned than the other wads, it is possible t0 state that:

Keeping the bursting pressure within the ruled limits, both in the conventional wads and in the casing wads, the conventional wads have only a passive function, serving only the purpose of the gas seal in order to separate the powder from the shot s0 as to prevent the lead from melting.

The V10 of A has been lowered from 305.8 rn.sec. down to 300.2 msec. with two grams shot more, and has reached 297.3 msec. with four grams shot more; but the velocities of 300.2 and 297.3 msec. do not come within the rules.

The V10 of B remained always higher and even with four grams shot more, said velocity was 307.6 msec.,

eing still higher than V10 of A (305.8 msec.) with a charge having four grams shot less.

In the test of A with 2.15 x 36-7 and Vm equal 297.3 msec., if it is desired to increase the velocity, to carry same again to 305-306 msec. increasing 15-20 ctgm. the gunpowder, this would not be possible as by 2.30-2.35 grams of gunpowder we would come close or We would exceed the limit imposed by the gunpowder 17 paradox and abnormal results would be obtained; this charge would be irregular.

Concluding, the casing wad, well replaces the bare Wad made of the plastic material since the casing lowers the bursting pressure in comparison with the plastic material bare wad. The activity of the casing wad remains since the elements contained Within the casing are base-d on the considerations set out in the first part of this specification.

The difference of speed of A and B with 2.15 X 36 is more than msec. By increasing the normal charge of A (2.15 X 32) by the four grams or even the two grams of shot, the velocity will be lowered under the ruled velocity.

The most convincing argument is that A, with 2.15 X 32 (i.e. with the conventional charge) has a 305.8 msec. velocity, while B well withstands the addition of four grams shot at parity of gunpowder, and with 2.15 X 36 the velocity of B is 307.6 msec., i.e. higher than that of A with tour grams shot less.

The above arguments demonstrate that a casing Wad, the activity of which, for instance can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder, as in the concerned case, can be beneiicially exploited in three different ways:

(1) To have a higher velocity, at parity of conditions, i.e. with a charge equalling the conventional charge and with a concentration slightly increased (about 4%).

(2) To be able of charging four grams shot more, with respect to-the conventional charge and to obtain a velocity which is still higher than that given by the conventional charge. p

But four grams shot amount to 44 shot and it must be considered that B 2.15 X 36 has a 307.4 msec. velocity and A with 2.15 X 32 has a 30.58 msec. velocity. Therefore, at parity of gunpowder and with a velocity even slightly increased, B carries into the pattern at 35 meters 325 average shots, while A carries into the pattern at 35 meters 264 average shots. From this comparison it appears that maintaining the velocity, B carries into the pattern at 35 meter 61 shots more, conciliating velocity and concentration and this was impossible by A.

(3) To be able of charging instead of 2.15 X 32 (conventional charge) 1.95 X 32 (ie. removing 20 ctgm. guinpowder from the conventional charge) and to obtain about 10% greater concentration at maintained velocity.

1n the three cases, the greatest advantage is obtained by increasing the shot charge and this due to the fact (noted also empirically) that 36 grams shot eXert a tensile stress onto the rubber elements on the ribs, to a greater extent than the 32 grams shot, and this is proved also by the fact that the velocity, adding rst two grams and than four grams shot does not diminish in the same proportions either in A and in B. The V10 of A from 2.15 X 32 to 2.15 X 36 diminishes 8.5 msec. The V10 of B from 2.15 X 32 to 2.15 X 36 diminishes 5.5 msec.

V10 of A with 2.15 X 32 comes within the limits at the beginning and this represents the Optimum of the conventional charge and as previously explained, two grams shot more are sufficient to cause the Vm of A to be lowered to 300.2 msec. and this velocity, even for hunting cartridges is no more within the rules.

The above can be applied even to the cartridges termed low velocity (Magnum and Baby-Magnum) and in these cartridges, using for instance a casing Wad, the activity of which can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder, it is possible to diminish only 10 ctgm. the gunpowder and obtain a greater velocity and in the meantime a concentration increased with respect to the 10 ctgm. of removed gunpowder; this is another proof that it will be possible to conciliate the velocity and concentration and to combine two advantages halving the main of them, i.e. 20 ctgm. gunpowder.

The present invention has been illustrated and described in certain preferred embodiments, it being however understood that constructive changes might be practically adopted without departing from the scope of the claims.

1 claim:

1. An adjustable wad for shooting cartridges comprising in combination a tubular housing having a bottom and top portion and having a central bore, a first disc of plastic material arranged transversely in said central bore, said disc having a series of ribs extending perpendicular from at least one flat surface, said ribs defining a plurality of grooves between said ribs and said one surface, at least one second disc of rubber contacting said ribs of said rst disc in said housing and two cork discs forming the top and bottom elements of said wad, said tubular housing folded transversely on the top and bottom portions to contain all said discs as a unit wad, whereby upon nring said disc of rubber fills the grooves between said ribs of said disc of plastic material providing additional elasticity thereto and a secure gas seal.

Z. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicular ribs of said first disc of plastic material are spoke shaped.

3. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicular ribs of said first disk are substantially parallel to each other and define a plurality of parallel grooves on the surface contacting said disc of rubber ring.

4. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicular ribs of said irst disc of plastic material eXtend radially with respect to the longitudinal aXis of said housing and a plurality of parallel ribs on the other surface of said rst disc dening a plurality of parallel grooves.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,617,358 1 1/ 52 Vecchiotti 102-42 2,986,998 6/ 61 Clark 102-42 3,095,817 7/ 63 Clark 102-95 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,122,175 5 56 France. 1,136,976 1/57 France. 1,149,454 7/ 57 France. 1,187,370 3/59 France. 563,555 6/57 Italy.

SAMUEL FEINBERG, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. AN ADJUSTABLE WAD FOR SHOOTING CARTRIDGES COMPRISING IN COMBINATION A TUBULAR HOUSING HAVING A BOTTOM AND TOP PORTION AND HAVING A CENTRAL BORE, A FIRST DISC OF PLASTIC MATERIAL ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY IN SAID CENTRAL BORE, SAID DISC HAVING A SERIES OF RIBS EXTENDING PERPENDICULAR FROM AT LEAST ONE FLAT SURFACE, SAID RIBS DEFINING A PLURALITY OF GROOVES BETWEEN SAID RIBS AND SAID ONE SURFACE, AT LEAST ONE SECOND DISC OF RUBBER CONTACTING SAID RIBS OF SAID FIRST DISC IN SAID HOUSING AND TWO CORK DISCS FORMING THE TOP AND BOTTOM ELEMENTS OF SAID WAD, SAID TUBULAR HOUSING FOLDED TRANSVERSELY ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PORTIONS TO CONTAIN ALL SAID DISCS AS A UNIT WAD, WHEREBY UPON FIRING SAID DISC OF RUBBER FILLS THE GROOVES BETWEEN SAID RIBS OF SAID DISC OF PLASTIC MATERIAL PROVIDING ADDITIONAL ELASTICITY THERETO AND A SECURE GAS SEAL.