FRANGIBLE POWDERED IRON PROJECTILES

• US 20100071579A1
• Filed: 03/10/2009
• Published: 03/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RUAG Ammotec GmbH (Government of Switzerland)
• Original Assignee: Precision Ammunition, LLC
• Inventors: Powers, Daniel L. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 7,685,942 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 102/506
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/72 characterised by the material heat treatment for explosive shells C21D9/16
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 33/00 Manufacture of ammunition; Dismantling of ammunition; Apparatus therefor F42B5/188 takes precedence; manufacturing processes for hollow charges F42B1/036; manufacture of blasting cartridge initiators F42B3/195
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 8/12 Projectiles or missiles F42B10/48, F42B12/36, F42B19/36 take precedence

Abstract

Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted mixture of powdered iron particles with other particles, including powdered copper particles and optionally powdered tin particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.

Claims

1. A lead-free, frangible, sintered firearm projectile, comprising:

a projectile core formed from an admixture of cold compacted metal powder, consisting essentially of;

powdered iron particles;

powdered copper particles; and

powdered tin particles;

wherein the powdered iron particles comprise at least 70% by volume of metal particles in the admixture, the admixture is lead-free, and wherein the projectile core is sintered at a temperature in the range of 850°

F. to 1450°

F. (454°

to 788°

C.).

3. The firearm projectile of claim 1, wherein the powdered iron particles, powdered copper particles and powdered tin particles in the admixture are present in volumetric percentages of 70% powdered iron particles, volume, 20% powdered copper particles, and 10% powdered tin particles.

4. The firearm projectile of claim 1, further comprising a lubricant when admixing the metal powders.

5. The firearm projectile of claim 1, further comprising a silicone solution impregnated into or onto the projectile core as a seal for the projectile core.

6. The firearm projectile of claim 1, further comprising a metal solution coated onto the projectile core as a seal for the projectile core.

7. The firearm projectile of claim 1, further comprising a jacket plated over the projectile core.

2. (canceled)