Unitary propellant charge for muzzle loading firearms

• US 5,726,378 A
• Filed: 04/01/1996
• Issued: 03/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.
• Inventors: Barrett, G. Dean
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Peter A.
• Application Number:
  US08/625,938
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 102/288, 102/431-3, 102/700
• US Class Current: 102/288
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 21/0041 by compression
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 45/00 Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component of product explosive charges of particular form or shape F42B1/00, F42B3/00
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 5/16 characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge, with or without projectile, or powder chemical composition C06B; F42B5/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 102/70 Combustilbe cartridge

Abstract

A preformed unitary pellet formed from an appropriate propellant for use in muzzle loading firearms. Particular formulations, dimensions, densities, and other parameters for specific applications are set forth. A method of manufacture is also included.

Claims

1. A unitary, solid pre-formed propellant pellet for use in muzzle loading firearms having a flash channel, said pellet being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a maximum diameter such that the pellet will pass freely down the bore of the firearm for which it is intended and avoid pushing of combustion residue from a previous firing into the flash channel of the firearm.

2. A pellet as in claim 1, in which the maximum diameter of said pellet ranges from approximately 0.005 inch to 0.100 inch less than the diameter of said bore.

5. A pellet as in claim 1 in which the average density of the pellet is such as to provide a burning rate which will generate propellant gases to propel a projectile at predetermined muzzle velocities with breech pressures that are within the safety limits of the firearm and without having unburned particles exiting the muzzle.

6. A pellet as in claim 5 in which the average density is in the range of approximately 320 grains/cu. in. to approximately 410 grains/cu. in.

7. A pellet as in claim 1 or claim 3 in which the pellet is formed with an axial bore open at opposite ends of the pellet.

8. A pellet as in claim 7, in which the diameter of the bore is approximately 0.125 inches.

9. A pellet as in claim 1, the maximum density of said pellet being located axially adjacent the opposite ends and decreasing from each end toward the axial mid point.

3. A unitary, solid pre-formed propellant pellet for use in muzzle loading firearms having a flash channel, said pellet being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a maximum diameter such that the pellet will pass freely down the bore of the firearm for which it is intended and avoid pushing of combustion residue from a previous firing into the flash channel of the firearm, said pellet being composed of a blackpowder substitute, and including an axial pad integral with the pellet and formed of blackpowder.

4. A pellet as in claim 3 in which said blackpowder substitute is Pyrodex®

.