Frangible powered iron projectiles

• US 7,555,987 B2
• Filed: 11/23/2005
• Issued: 07/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: RUAG Ammotec GmbH (Government of Switzerland)
• Original Assignee: Precision Ammunition, LLC
• Inventors: Powers, Daniel L. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson; Stephen M
• Application Number:
  US11/285,010
• Publication Number:
  US 20060107863A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,322 Days
• Field of Search: 102/502, 102/506, 102/516, 102/517
• 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 iron-based mixture of 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 process for making a lead-free, frangible, sintered firearm projectile, comprising:

admixing powdered iron particles with at least one other type of powdered metal particles selected from the group consisting of powdered copper particles and powdered tin particles, or a mixture thereof, wherein the powdered iron particles comprise at least 70% by volume of metal particles in admixed powders;

cold compacting the admixed powders in a mold to form a projectile core; and

sintering the projectile core at a temperature of 850°

F.-1450°

F. (454°

C.-788°

C.).

2. The process of claim 1, further comprising:

sealing the projectile core; and

plating the projectile core to form a jacket over the core.

3. The process of claim 2, wherein the step of sealing projectile core is by impregnating the core with a silicone solution.

4. The process of claim 2, wherein the step of sealing the projectile core is by dipping the projectile core in a metal solution.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein powdered iron particles and powdered copper particles are present in volumetric percentages of 80% and 20%, respectively.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein powdered iron particles, powdered copper particles and powdered tin particles are present in volumetric percentages of 70%, 20% and 10%, respectively.

7. A process for making a lead-free, frangible, sintered firearm projectile, comprising:

admixing powdered iron particles with powdered copper particles, wherein the powdered iron particles and powdered copper particles are present in volumetric percentages of about 80% and about 20%, respectively;

cold compacting the admixed powders in a mold to form a projectile core; and

sintering the projectile core at a temperature of about 850°

F.-1450°

F. (454°

C.-788°

C.).

8. The process of claim 7, wherein a lubricant is added when admixing the powdered metal particles.

9. The process of claim 7, wherein sintering is at a pressure of about 50,000 psi to 120,000 psi.

10. The process of claim 7, further comprising:

sealing the projectile core; and

plating the projectile core to form a jacket over the core.

11. A process for making a lead-free, frangible, sintered firearm projectile, comprising:

admixing powdered iron particles with powdered copper particles and powdered tin particles, wherein the powdered iron particles, powdered copper particles, and powdered tin particles are present in volumetric percentages of about 70%, about 20%, and about 10%, respectively;

cold compacting the admixed powders in a mold to form a projectile core; and

sintering the projectile core at a temperature of about 850°

F.-1450°

F. (454°

C.-788°

C.).

12. The process of claim 11, further comprising:

sealing the projectile core; and

plating the projectile core to form a jacket over the core.