Polymer projectile having an integrated driving band
First Claim
1. A lightweight projectile in combination with a telescoping casing, the projectile adapted to be fired through a rifled barrel sized for 5.56 NATO ammunition, comprising:
- a bullet shaped projectile sized to be fired in barrel for firing traditional 5.56 NATO ammunition, the projectile having a body with a sealed interior space therein with marking media sealed in the space;
the projectile body comprising a frangible polymer cap for releasing the marking media on impact; and
at least one metal driving band extending circumferentially around the projectile body and having an embedded portion inset within the projectile body and a projecting portion extending radially outward, wherein the projecting portion is adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile and to reduce friction between the projectile and the rifled barrel, wherein the driving band comprises metal and wherein the projectile weighs less than 10 grains.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lightweight projectile having an integrated driving band positioned around the exterior of the polymer base of the projectile for engaging the rifling of a barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile. The driving band protrudes from the polymer base to minimize the contact between the polymer base and the rifling to reduce friction between the barrel and the projectile as the projectile is fired. The reduced friction allows the lightweight projectile to be propelled with minimal propellant force while still retaining the ballistic advantages of a spin stabilized projectile.
29 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A lightweight projectile in combination with a telescoping casing, the projectile adapted to be fired through a rifled barrel sized for 5.56 NATO ammunition, comprising:
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a bullet shaped projectile sized to be fired in barrel for firing traditional 5.56 NATO ammunition, the projectile having a body with a sealed interior space therein with marking media sealed in the space; the projectile body comprising a frangible polymer cap for releasing the marking media on impact; and at least one metal driving band extending circumferentially around the projectile body and having an embedded portion inset within the projectile body and a projecting portion extending radially outward, wherein the projecting portion is adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile and to reduce friction between the projectile and the rifled barrel, wherein the driving band comprises metal and wherein the projectile weighs less than 10 grains. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A lightweight projectile in combination with a telescoping casing, the projectile adapted to be fired through a rifled barrel sized for 5.56 NATO ammunition, comprising:
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a bullet shaped projectile sized to be fired in barrel for firing traditional 5.56 NATO ammunition, the projectile having a body with a sealed interior space therein with marking media sealed in the space; the projectile body comprising a frangible polymer cap for releasing the marking media on impact; and at least one metal driving band extending circumferentially around the projectile body and having an embedded portion inset within the projectile body and a projecting portion extending radially outward, wherein the projecting portion is adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile and to reduce friction between the projectile and the rifled barrel, wherein the driving band comprises metal and wherein the projectile has a kinetic energy under 62 ft-lb/inch′
when fired through the rifled barrel, wherein the projectile weighs less than 7 grains.
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Specification