WO2000002004A9

WO2000002004A9 - Controlled-penetration projectile

Info

Publication number: WO2000002004A9
Application number: PCT/US1999/013549
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Mcclung
Original assignee: Kevin Mcclung
Priority date: 1998-06-30
Filing date: 1999-06-16
Publication date: 2000-07-20
Also published as: AU1089900A; WO2000002004A2; WO2000002004A3

Abstract

A controlled-penetration projectile is disclosed preferably for use with shotguns, but versions of which can be used in other weapons. The projectile includes a frangible capsule having a cavity that retains a plurality of subprojectiles. Optionally, a friable filler material, such as wax, fills the interstices of the subparticles or otherwise retains the subparticles. A low-density trailing end or a drag skirt may be included on the projectile to assist in aerodynamic flight.

Description

Controlled Penetration Projectile

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to projectiles for use in shotguns, rifles and handguns and, more particularly, for a projectile that provides for limited penetration of a target.

Background The shotgun is a versatile weapon due to its ability to use a wide range of ammunition. Anything from skeet a load using small shot to a slug can be fired from a shotgun. There are two basic types of shotgun projectiles. The first is a multiple projectile load which is seated above a buffer wad (also called a buffer) in the hull (also called a shell). The multiple projectiles, or shot, separate from the wad upon or shortly after leaving the barrel of the weapon, and proceed down range while spreading out in pattern. When the shot strike a target, given the small size of the individual projectiles, penetration is limited, as the individual particles shed velocity and energy quickly upon impact.

The second basic form of shotgun projectile is known as a slug. Slugs have a significantly greater effective range than multiple projectile loads. Several forms of slug are known. All of them incorporate a single large projectile, which may or may not separate from the wad after leaving the barrel. In some slugs the wad is attached to the slug to act as a stabilizer during flight. In the case of slugs which separate from the wad, and/or sabots, the wads and/or sabots become secondary projectiles that pose a threat to persons and property other than the intended target, as their flight is erratic. These secondary projectiles may strike an unintended victim causing death or severe injury.

Several problems exist with both of the conventional forms of shotgun ammunition. For example, buckshot load problems include: (1) limited range; (2) limited accuracy due to pattern spread; and (3) limited accuracy due to inconsistency in patterns. A buckshot load spreads outward through the target upon impact, however, a buckshot load is not ideal for stopping a suspect in a crowded area because the pellets spread out in an unpredictable manner after leaving the shotgun barrel. Slug problems include: (1) danger of secondary projectiles with unknown trajectories or points of impact; (2) extreme over penetration (due to their large mass and high velocity, slugs can pass completely through a target, such as a human or animal, and still retain enough velocity to damage, injure or kill others in its trajectory); and (3) extreme recoil and over pressure hazard when fired from adjustable or screw-in choked barrels, due to their inability to compress in the choke. Many police departments will not allow the use of shotgun slugs due to the risk from over penetration and ricochet. If a shotgun slug is fired at a suspect in a crowded area, there is a danger that the slug will go through the suspect and injure an innocent bystander. Further, in some applications, slugs are not used because they would damage valuable property if the target is missed or over penetrated. For example, guards at submarine bases do not use shotguns with slugs because a slug could penetrate a submarine hull should the intended target be missed.

Attempts to control over penetration and ricochet include the use of a rifle or pistol bullet that fragments upon impact. For example, a bullet that is made up of twisted strands of metal encased in a copper jacket is known. Bullets containing shot pellets which are compressed in a copper jacket are also known, the copper jacket being scored to fragment in a controlled manner upon impact with the target. Examples of fragmentation bullets are the safety ammunition marketed by the Glaser Safety Slug, Inc. and the MagSafe Ammo Company, as well as a bullet disclosed in U.S. Patent 5.679,920, issued to Hallis et al.

Enhanced penetration shotgun projectiles that may be used to pierce metal are also disclosed in the art. For example, a projectile delivery apparatus for firing subprojectiles from a shotgun to a target while keeping the launch weight of the pellets preserved intact until impact with the target is known. This apparatus includes a multiplicity of shot pellets mounted in a relatively rigid filler material that permits the subprojectiles to achieve improved penetration of the target. Such a projectile including subprojectiles for enhanced penetration of a target is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,913,054, issued to Petersen.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a firearm projectile for firing from a shotgun with enhanced range and precision, and that delivers the kinetic energy associated with a slug while reducing the risk of over penetration. Such a slug would have application in police departments, the military and by special forces, such as S.W.A.T. and C.Q.B. Teams. It would also be desirable to have such a projectile with a high degree of accuracy. Further, it would be desirable to have a version of such a firearm projectile for use in rifles and handguns.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention comprises a shotgun projectile that exhibits limited penetration and good accuracy. Further, the projectile can be fired from choked shotgun barrels without significant increase in recoil or danger of over pressure in the barrel. Other embodiments of the invention may be used in other weapons, including, but not limited to, pistols, rifles, grenade or flare launchers, and submachine guns.

The projectile of the present invention comprises a friable capsule including a cavity containing subprojectiles. such as birdshot or buckshot. The projectile is fired from a shotgun as a single unit providing enhanced range and precision. The capsule ruptures upon impact with the target. The subprojectiles disperse when the capsule ruptures.

The projectile retains the subprojectiles in the capsule until the projectile reaches the target.

Immediately subsequent to impact, the capsule breaks apart. This occurs to a greater or lesser degree, dependent on the capsule material, thickness and other construction details. As the capsule breaks apart the subprojectiles are liberated and spread through the target media. Due to their smaller size, they shed energy relatively quickly and penetrate the target media until their energy is sufficiently depleted.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a shotgun projectile in the form of a friable capsule is provided that includes subprojectiles retained in a cavity wherein the subprojectiles are not compressed. Optionally, a frangible filler material or matrix fills the interstices of the subparticles or otherwise retains the subparticles in the cavity. The frangible filler material holds the subprojectiles in a relatively fixed position and quickly dissipates upon impact, allowing the subprojectiles to disperse and enter the target individually. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the exterior of the friable capsule includes grooves along which the capsule ruptures upon impact with the target.

Optionally, the present invention includes one or more components to enhance aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile during flight. First, the trailing end of the capsule may be less dense than the combined density of the front end (which includes the cavity) and subprojectiles. The trailing end will be pushed backwards by wind resistance whenever the capsule tries to rotate about its center of mass, thus preserving a generally stable orientation of the capsule during flight. Second, a drag skirt may extend from the trailing end to further stabilize the projectile during flight.

The projectile may be manufactured in numerous ways; the precise manner being tailored to achieve desired cost, accuracy, velocity and penetration characteristics. Further, the amount of penetration in a chosen media can be controlled by varying (1) capsule material(s), thickness and configuration; (2) subprojectile size, shape, composition and density, (3) the type of filler material; and (4) muzzle velocity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure la is a side, cross-sectional view of a shotgun shell including a projectile according to the invention.

Figure lb is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention. Figure 2a is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention having a trailing section and a drag skirt.

Figure 2b is a top, cross-sectional view of the projectile shown in Figure 2a taken along lines 2b.

Figure 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention including a capsule that can be loaded from the rear.

Figure 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile in accordance with the invention having a one-piece capsule.

Figure 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a one-piece capsule and a mechanically-connected cap. Figure 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule wherein the capsule sections are mechanically connected.

Figure 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule having a flat nose wherein the capsule sections are mechanically connected.

Figure 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule having a conical nose wherein the capsule sections are mechanically connected.

Figure 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule having a truncated conical nose wherein the capsule sections are mechanically connected.

Figure 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule having a concave nose wherein the capsule sections are mechanically connected. Figure 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention that includes a two-piece capsule having a rounded nose and stabilization fins.

Figure 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a projectile according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments

Turning now to the drawings where the purpose is to describe embodiments of the invention and not to limit same, Fig. la shows a shotgun shell 10 in accordance with the invention.

Shell 10 shall be described in only general terms because it is contemplated that numerous shell designs could be used with the invention, which is a novel projectile design, and the structures of shells are known to those skilled in the art of shell design. Shell 10 has a hull or case 1, which can be comprised of any material, but is preferably plastic. Case 1 has a first end 2, a second end 3 and a cylindrical side wall 4. A rim 5 is connected to end 2 of case 1. Rim 5 is preferably comprised of metal such as steel. An explosive primer material 6 is retained within case 1, which is adjacent rim 5. A quantity of gun powder 7 is positioned adjacent primer 6. A buffer wad (or buffer) 8 is disposed adjacent gun powder 7 and opposite primer 6. End 3 is preferably closed by a roll crimp or star crimp (not shown), both of which are known to those in the art of shell design.

A projectile 12 is positioned within case 1 between buffer 8 and end 3. Projectile 12 includes a shot cup or frangible capsule 14 having a substantially flat base 16, which is adjacent buffer 8, a cylindrical wall 18 and a cavity 20 having an opening 21. Capsule 14, and all capsules disclosed hereinafter, may be comprised of virtually any material, such as metal, plastic cardboard resin-impregnated cloths, or metal or plastic screen material. The function of capsule 14 is to retain the subprojectiles until projectile 12 strikes a target, at which point the subprojectiles are released and enter the target. Any material capable of performing this function can be used. Preferably capsule 14 is formed of plastic such as a low density polyethylene of a type made by General Polymers (Division of Ashland Chemical), Arco Chemical Co., Eastman Chemical Co., or Union Carbide (Polyolefins Division).

Optionally, capsule 14 can be totally enclosed and may be spherical. Such a capsule is shown in Fig. lb. Projectile 330 includes a capsule 332 having a side wall 334 defining a cavity 336. Projectiles 22 are retained within cavity 336 until projectile 330 strikes its intended target.

The release of the subprojectiles may be controlled by a number of factors, individually or in combination. These include:

( 1 ) the capsule composition and configuration;

(2) the filler material used to fill the interstices of the subprojectiles or to otherwise retain the subparticles (discussed in greater detail below);

(3) the size, shape and composition of the subprojectiles (described in greater detail below);

(4) weight of the capsule; and

(5) muzzle velocity. Regarding muzzle velocity, a high velocity would tend to make the capsule disintegrate more quickly, and would also cause the subprojectiles to penetrate more deeply. A lower velocity would slow disintegration of the capsule material and yield less subprojectile penetration. There is an advantage to this, in that there is less danger that a lower velocity (and lower recoiling) round will collaterally damage unintended targets (or victim). Lower weapon recoil and faster return to target of the sights means that the shooter can resight the weapon more quickly than a shooter using conventional slugs.

A plurality of subprojectiles 22 are positioned within cavity 20 of capsule 14.

Subprojectiles 22 are preferably shot, which are spherical and comprised of lead. Most preferably, subprojectiles 22 are birdshot such as no. 8 lead shot, which has a .090" nominal diameter. It is preferred that subprojectiles 22 not be compressed because compression can cause deformation and/or agglutination of some types of subprojectiles, particularly lead shot.

Alternatively, subprojectiles 22 can be shaped other than spherical and be comprised of any material. Suitable subprojectile materials include but are not limited to: (a) lead shot or plated lead shot of various sizes (use of plated lead shot will inhibit agglutination of the shot and increase the shelf life of stored rounds); (b) steel shot of various sizes: (c) tungsten shot of various sizes; (d) ceramic of various sizes: (e) glass balls or particles of various sizes; (f) rubber balls or particles of various sizes; (g) plastic balls or particles of various sizes. Additionally, irregular shapes may be used to increase trauma or control penetration or both. For example, crushed tungsten grit is available in a wide variety of mesh sizes. The shapes are highly irregular and have sharp edges. Tungsten has a high specific gravity and is much more resistant to deformation than lead. The sharp edges would increase localized wound trauma, and also serve to reduce over penetration due to their irregular shapes losing velocity faster than spherical subprojectiles in the same target media.

Further, lead subprojectiles are toxic, as are several other metal subprojectiles. Subprojectiles need not be toxic, so they can be composed of glass, ceramic, plastic or other nontoxic material. This would further help to reduce liability in the event of a stray projectile striking an unintended victim. The converse is true as well. The subprojectiles may be rendered more toxic by coating or infusing the subprojectiles with toxins or chemical agents. In that case, the danger to the shooter of inhaling or otherwise coming into contact with the toxins or chemical agents is minimized by the encapsulation of the subprojectiles within enclosed capsules 32, 62, 92, 152, 182, 212, 242, 272 or 302, disclosed herein, prior to impact on the target media.

A binding matrix, or filler material, 24 is placed within cavity 20 to retain subprojectiles 22 within cavity 20 during the handling and flight of projectile 12. Material 24 is preferably frangible and breaks apart, or otherwise releases individual subprojectiles 22, upon impact of projectile 12 with a target. Filler material 24 can be any material, either solid, liquid or semi-solid that performs this function, and is preferably a paraffin wax, such as PAROWAX made by Service Assets Corporation, Newport Beach, CA, or its equivalent, or a low density, low shear strength RTV silicone, having a durometer below 40 shore A. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a viscous liquid or semi-solid, such as grease, or a low density foam such as a styrene, urethane, epoxy or silicone foam (exemplary among this group are epoxy foam made by Ciba Geigy/Ren Formulated Materials Group (RP-306 low density or RP-1774 lightweight), or silicon foam made by G.E. Silicone (product RTF-762)) may be used. The foam could be molded around the shot to form a single component and then the foam/shot component can be placed into cavity 20. Further, subprojectiles 22 can be mixed with a filler material such as RTV silicone resin or grease and troweled or injected into cavity 20. Additionally, filler material 24 can be comprised in whole or in part of medicine, toxin or any chemical agent to give desired properties to the projectile.

Fig. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention, which is preferably designed for use with a shotgun shell, as are each of the embodiments disclosed in Figs. 3-10. Projectile 30 comprises a capsule 32 having a first end 32A, a second end 32B, a cylindrical side wall 34, a nose 35, a base 36 and a drag skirt 38. Capsule 32 is preferably formed of injection-molded polyethylene although any material or method of construction can be used. Figure 2b shows a top cross-sectional view of projectile 30. Preferably, cylindrical side wall 34 (and, optionally nose 35) of capsule 32 has grooves 33 along which capsule 32 ruptures upon impact with a target. This enhances release of subprojectiles 22. A preferred capsule 32 has eighteen longitudinal grooves extending across nose 35 and side wall 34 and terminating at drag skirt 38. Grooves 33 may be spiraled (not shown) about cylindrical side wall 34 as they extend from end 30A to end 30B of capsule 32. Such spiraling may impart spin to the projectile as it travels through the gun barrel. Each of the capsules disclosed herein may include grooves 33 or grooves of other configurations to impart spin and/or to create sites along which the capsule can rupture and/or to increase longitudinal stiffness. A suitable capsule is a 12 gauge, 2 V", unsplit steel shot wad, such as SAM 1, manufactured by Reloading Specialties, Inc., Box 1130, Pine Island, MN 55963. The preferred cross-sectional thickness of wall 34 is approximately .040" and narrows to approximately .025" at the low point of each groove 33. The overall length of capsule 32 is approximately 1 5/8" and capsule 32 has a nominal outer diameter of .700". Drag skirt 38 has a maximum outer diameter of approximately .710" and is approximately .175" in length.

Nose 35 of capsule 32, or of any of the capsules described herein that have noses, can be flat, radiused concave, radiused convex, conical convex or conical concave. The radiused convex and conical convex noses are intended primarily for roll-crimp shells, whereas the others lend themselves more readily to a star-crimp shell. Preferably, nose 35 is approximately ! " thick. Base 36 is illustrated as having a concave inner surface, although any shape may be used.

Drag skirt 38 helps to stabilize projectile 30 during flight. As shown, skirt 38 is an annular flange extending from, and integrally formed with, base 36. In the preferred embodiment, skirt 38 is angled outward and is wider than side wall 34. While attached to a shell (not shown) and while inside of the gun barrel (not shown), skirt 38 is compressed and is approximately the same width (i.e., diameter) as side wall 34. Therefore, skirt 38 may also provide the additional function of reducing compression "blow by." If "blow by" were to occur, the muzzle velocity of projectile 30 would be reduced and accuracy adversely effected.

A cavity 40 is defined within capsule 32. Support material 42 is positioned in cavity 40 adjacent base 36 and, in the embodiment shown, fills approximately V to 'Λ cavity 40 (approximately V" of the height of cavity 40) and forms an upper surface 44. Preferably, material 42 is solid and supports subprojectiles 22. Material 42 is preferably hot-melt glue. Any hot melt glue could be used but good results have been achieved with "All Purpose Glue Sticks," Ace #201- 571, sold by Ace Hardware.

Previously-described subprojectiles 22 are positioned in cavity 40 adjacent upper surface 44; preferably, one ounce of no. 8 birdshot is used. Optionally, previously-described filler material 24 can be placed in cavity 40 along with subprojectiles 22. Material 42 has a density lower than the combined density of the subprojectiles 22 and cavity 40. or lower than the combined density of subprojectiles 22 and filler material 24 if both are used to fill of cavity 40 above upper surface 44. This helps to ensure that projectile 30 flies straight and that nose 35 strikes the target first. Optionally, a cover 46 is positioned within or covers cavity 40 whereby it covers subprojectiles 22. Cover 46 (and all of the covers discussed herein) may be comprised of paper, cardboard, metal, plastic or other suitable material. A cap 48 covers the open end of capsule 32 (cap 48 thus forms nose 35) and helps to retain subprojectiles 22 in cavity 40 until projectile 30 strikes a target. Cap 48 is preferably formed of hot melt glue such as Ace #201-571, although plastic, metal, cardboard or any suitable material could be used. Preferably, cap 48 (and, therefore, nose 35) is approximately V" thick.

As used herein, the term trailing end refers to that portion of projectile 30 (or any projectile disclosed herein) that trails the subprojectiles during flight. For example, referring to capsule 30 in Fig. 2a, everything beneath surface 44, including support material 42, the portion of side wall 34 beneath surface 44, base 36 and drag skirt 38, comprise the trailing end. (Some projectiles disclosed herein, such as projectile 12 and projectile 330, do not have a trailing end.) The trailing end preferably has an overall density (Le., mass divided by volume) less than the overall density of the portion of the capsule including subprojectiles 22 (such density including the mass of that portion of the capsule plus the mass of the subprojectiles: if filler material 24, or another material, is used, its mass shall also be included).

An alternate embodiment of the invention, which can be filled from the back and has a rounded nose, is shown in Fig. 3. Projectile 60 includes a capsule 62 having a first end 62A, a second end 62B (which is open prior to assembly) an annular wall 64, a rounded nose 66 and an open end 68. A drag skirt 70 extends from open end 68 and is preferably integrally formed with wall 64. A cavity 72 is defined within capsule 62. Subprojectiles 22 are positioned within cavity 72 adjacent nose 66. A cover 74, which performs the same function as previously-described cover 46, is positioned between subprojectiles 22 and open end 62B. Support material 42 fills at least part of the cavity 72 between cover 74 and open end 62B. Optionally, filler material 24 fills the interstices of subprojectiles 22 or otherwise retains subprojectiles 22 in cavity 72. An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 4. Projectile 90 includes a one- piece capsule 92 preferably injection-molded of polyethylene. Capsule 92 has a cylindrical side wall 94, an open (prior to assembly) first end 96 and a trailing end 98. A drag skirt 100 extends from end 98 and is preferably integrally formed with capsule 92. A cavity 102 is defined within capsule 92. Subprojectiles 22 are positioned within cavity 102. Optionally, filler material 24 fills the interstices of subprojectiles 22 or otherwise retains subprojectiles 22 in cavity 102. A cover 106, which serves the same function and is preferably made of the material as previously-described cover 46, is positioned between subprojectiles 22 and end 96. A cap 108, which is preferably hot melt glue, is positioned over cover 46 to help retain subprojectiles 22 within cavity 102.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 5. Projectile 120 is identical to previously-described projectile 90 except that capsule 122 has a side wall 124 that includes an annular slot 128 formed in its inner surface. Further, cover 106 and cap material 108 have been replaced with a cap 130. Cap 130 includes an annular retention piece 132 that is received in slot 128 to provide a mechanical closure. This method of construction is faster than that for projectile 90. Cavity 134, which has a convex bottom, includes subparticles 22. Optionally, filler material 24 can be placed in cavity 134 to fill the interstices of subparticles 22 or otherwise help to retain subparticles 22.

Fig. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention having a two-piece capsule. Projectile 150 includes a two-piece capsule 152 having a nose section 154 and a trailing section 156. Nose section 154 has a rounded nose 158, a cylindrical side wall 160 and an annular edge 162. A locking rib 164 extends inward from edge 162. Section 156 is preferably solid, made of injection-molded polyethylene, and includes support surface 166, a cylindrical outer wall 168, and a drag skirt 169. An annular receiving channel 170, which retains rib 164, is formed in wall 166. A cavity 172 is defined between surface 166 and nose section 154. Alternatively, nose section 154 and trailing section 156 can be connected by a weld. As used herein, the term weld refers to either an ultrasonic weld, a thermal weld or a chemical weld. An ultrasonic weld is a connection created by using ultrasonic sound to bond the respective plastics of the nose section and trailing section. A thermal weld is a connection created by heating all or part of the nose section and/or the trailing section and then commingling the materials of the respective sections to form a connection. A chemical weld is a connection created by using a chemical, such as a solvent, to partially dissolve part of the plastic comprising the nose section and/or the trailing section and then commingling the plastics of the respective sections to form a connection.

Subprojectiles 22 are retained in cavity 172. Optionally, filler material 24 is placed in cavity 172 and fills the interstices of subprojectiles 22 or otherwise helps to retain subprojectiles 22. An advantage of projectile 150 is speed of assembly. No hot melt adhesives or covers are employed. Subprojectiles 22 may simply be placed in nose section 154 and then section 154 is mechanically connected to section 156. As with all of the two-piece capsules disclosed herein, the mechanical connection should be such that the assembled projectile not come apart during normal handling or when fired from a firearm. The projectile should remain as one piece until impact with a target. Optionally, sealants can be used along with the mechanical connection.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7. Projectile 180 is identical to previously-described projectile 150 except that two-piece capsule 182 has a blunt nose section 184. Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention identical to previously-described projectile 150 except that nose section 214 of capsule 212 is conically shaped. Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention identical to previously-described projectile 150 except that nose section 244 of capsule 242 has a trapezoidally shaped cross-section. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is also identical to previously-described projectile 150 shown in Fig. 6, except that nose section 274 of capsule 272 is convex. Instead of a drag skirt, the projectile may incorporate fins for stabilization. Fig. 1 1 shows a projectile 300 including a capsule 302 comprised of a first section 304 and a second section 306. Sections 304, 306 are preferably formed of polyethylene and are mechanically connected in the manner previously described. A cavity 308 retains subparticles 22. Optionally, filler material 24 is placed in cavity 308. Fins 310 help provide aerodynamic stabilization to projectile 300. Projectile 300 may be used with a shotgun.

It is also contemplated that the projectile could be formed entirely of a material such as nylon, polyethylene, urethane, silicone, or styrene. It is believed that styrene foam in particular offers appropriate degradation upon impact, and would allow the projectile to be molded as a single piece, rather than requiring assembly. Using this method of manufacture, the requisite quantity of subprojectiles could be loaded into a mold, and then the liquid plastic would be injected or poured around them, filling the rest of the cavity. A projectile made in this manner would have a nose for providing a first point of impact with a target, subprojectiles embedded within the material, and a trailing end. Fig. 12 shows a projectile 360 having a capsule 362 formed entirely of a relatively light density, breakable material and having subprojectiles 22 embedded therein. Capsule 362 includes a nose 364. A trailing end 366 is the portion of capsule 362 trailing subprojectiles 22 during flight.

Having now described preferred embodiments of the invention, variations may occur to others that do not depart from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is set forth in the appended claims and legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm projectile configured for limited penetration into a target, said projectile comprising:

(a) a plurality of subprojectiles; and (b) a friable capsule having:

(i) a nose for providing a first point of impact with said target;

(ii) a cavity for retaining the subprojectiles during travel from the firearm to the target; and (iii) a trailing end having a density lower than the combined density of said internal chamber and said subprojectiles.

2. The projectile of claim 1 further comprising a frangible filler material retaining the plurality of subprojectiles in said cavity.

3. The projectile of claim 1 further comprising a drag skirt for enhanced stabilization, said drag skirt extending from said trailing end.

4. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said friable capsule further includes a side wall and grooves formed in said side wall, the grooves providing sites along which the friable capsule breaks upon impact with the target.

5. The projectile of claim 4 wherein said grooves extend longitudinally along the side wall of said capsule for at least the length of said cavity.

6. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said particles are randomly oriented in said cavity.

7. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles are number 8 shot.

8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles are coated with toxins.

9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles are body soluble and are selected from the group consisting of toxins and medicines.

10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles comprise medicine.

11. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles are comprised of lead.

12. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said subprojectiles are selected from the group consisting of tungsten, zinc, copper, steel, bismuth, antimony, ceramic, plastic, and glass.

13. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said friable capsule is comprised of plastic.

14. The projectile of claim 13 wherein said plastic is polyethylene.

15. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said nose is blunt.

16. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said internal chamber is free of oil or other lubricant.

17. The projectile of claim 2 wherein said filler material is wax.

18. The projectile of claim 2 wherein said filler material is toxic.

19. The projectile of claim 1 configured for use in a shot gun.

20. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said friable capsule has a side wall and said nose is connected to side wall by an adhesive.

21. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said friable capsule has a side wall and said nose is connected to said side wall by a weld.

22. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said nose is comprised of hot melt adhesive and a cover is positioned between said nose and said subprojectile.

23. A capsule for assembly into a firearm projectile, said capsule including a first section defining a cavity and a second section including a support surface, said first section mechanically connected to said second section.

24. The capsule of claim 23 wherein said first section includes a locking rib and said second section includes a receiving channel, said locking rib being received in said receiving channel to mechanically lock said first section to said second section.

25. The capsule of claim 23 wherein said first section includes a radiused convex nose.

26. The capsule of claim 23 wherein said second section includes a drag skirt opposite said support wall.

27. The capsule of claim 24 wherein said locking rib extends along the periphery of said first section and said receiving channel extends about the periphery of said second section.

28. The capsule of claim 24 wherein said first section has an inner surface and said locking rib extends from said inner surface, and said second section has an outer surface and said receiving channel is open to said outer surface.

29. The capsule of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of subprojectiles positioned in said cavity.

30. The capsule of claim 29 including a frangible filler material retaining the plurality of subprojectiles in a fixed position in said cavity.

31. A firearm projectile for limited penetration into a target, said projectile comprising a frangible capsule defining a cavity, subprojectiles positioned in said cavity having interstices therebetween and frangible filler material in at least some of said interstices.

32. The projectile of claim 31 wherein said capsule is comprised of plastic.

33. The projectile of claim 31 wherein said filler material is wax.

34. A shotgun shell including the projectile of claim 1.

35. A firearm projectile comprising: (a) a one-piece foam plastic capsule having a nose for providing a first point of impact with a target, and a trailing end; and

(b) subprojectiles embedded within said leading end of said capsule, said foam plastic capsule having a density less than the density of said subprojectiles and releasing said subprojectiles upon impact with a target

36. A firearm projectile for limited penetration into a target, said projectile comprising:

(a) a plurality of subprojectiles; and

(b) a friable capsule having a cavity for retaining the subprojectiles intact during travel from the firearm to the target, said subprojectiles not being compressed within said cavity.

37. The projectile of claim 35 wherein said friable capsule is spherical.

38. The projectile of claim 35 wherein said friable capsule is plastic.

39. A shotgun shell including the projectile of claim 35.

40. A shotgun shell including the projectile of claim 30.