U.S. patent application number 15/362330 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for ballistic zinc alloys, firearm projectiles, and firearm ammunition containing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amick Family Revocable Living Trust. Invention is credited to Darryl D. Amick.
Application Number | 20170074629 15/362330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52813488 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170074629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amick; Darryl D. |
March 16, 2017 |
BALLISTIC ZINC ALLOYS, FIREARM PROJECTILES, AND FIREARM AMMUNITION
CONTAINING THE SAME
Abstract
Firearm cartridges, firearm projectiles, and/or projectile
components formed at least in part from a disclosed ballistic zinc
alloy. These ballistic zinc alloys overcome shortcomings of other
lead substitutes for firearm projectiles, including Zamak alloys
and other conventional zinc alloys. In some embodiments, and as
compared to a firearm projectile formed from a conventional zinc
alloy, a ballistic zinc alloy firearm projectile has at least one
of an increased ductility, an increased frangibility, and/or a
decreased tendency to smear or gall within a rifled firearm barrel.
In some embodiments, the ballistic zinc alloy is a zinc-aluminum
alloy that includes additional alloy components that collectively
enhance the properties of the ballistic zinc alloy for use in
firearm projectiles.
Inventors: |
Amick; Darryl D.; (Albany,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amick Family Revocable Living Trust |
Albany |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52813488 |
Appl. No.: |
15/362330 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14280450 |
May 16, 2014 |
9528804 |
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15362330 |
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61950577 |
Mar 10, 2014 |
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61855697 |
May 21, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/34 20130101;
F42B 7/046 20130101; F42B 12/78 20130101; F42B 8/14 20130101; F42B
12/74 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/74 20060101
F42B012/74; F42B 12/34 20060101 F42B012/34; F42B 8/14 20060101
F42B008/14; F42B 12/78 20060101 F42B012/78; F42B 7/04 20060101
F42B007/04 |
Claims
1. A firearm cartridge, comprising: a casing adapted to be received
into a firearm; a primer and a propellant within the casing; and a
firearm projectile at least partially received into the casing,
wherein the firearm projectile is a cast unitary bullet that is at
least substantially formed from a ballistic zinc alloy with a
hardness of less than 60 BHN and wherein the ballistic zinc alloy
comprises: 90%-98% Zn; and 2.0%-4.1% Al.
2. The firearm cartridge of claim 1, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy further comprises a combination of at least one of magnesium,
copper, iron, and nickel.
3. The firearm cartridge of claim 1, wherein the firearm projectile
is a mushrooming bullet that is configured to mushroom upon impact
with a target.
4. The firearm cartridge of claim 3, wherein the mushrooming bullet
has a diameter and wherein the mushrooming bullet is configured to
expand in diameter by at least 25% upon impact with the target.
5. The firearm cartridge of claim 3, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy of the mushrooming bullet has a percent elongation at
fracture of at least 10%.
6. The firearm cartridge of claim 3, wherein the mushrooming bullet
includes a nose portion that consists essentially of the ballistic
zinc alloy.
7. The firearm cartridge of claim 6, wherein the mushrooming bullet
includes a shank portion that consists essentially of materials
other than the ballistic zinc alloy.
8. The firearm cartridge of claim 2, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy comprises, by weight, one or more of at most 3.5% Al, at most
0.025% Mg, and at most 0.075% Fe.
9. The firearm cartridge of claim 8, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy comprises, by weight: at most 4.0% Al; at most 0.015% Mg; at
most 0.20% Cu; at most 0.05% Fe; 0.005%-0.15% Ni; and at least 90%
Zn.
10. The firearm cartridge of claim 8, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy comprises, by weight: 2.45%-2.75% Al; 0.005%-0.02% Mg; at
most 0.25% Cu; at most 0.075% Fe; 0%-0.15% Ni; and at least 90%
Zn.
11. The firearm cartridge of claim 8, wherein the ballistic zinc
alloy comprises, by weight: 3.5%-4.3% Al; 0.005%-0.02% Mg; at most
0.25% Cu; at least 0.12% Fe; 0.005%-0.02% Ni; and at least 90% Zn;
wherein the ballistic zinc alloy has a hardness of less than 40
BHN.
12. The firearm cartridge of claim 1, wherein the firearm
projectile is a frangible bullet that is configured to fragment
into particles upon impact with a target.
13. The firearm cartridge of claim 12, wherein the maximum size of
the particles is 5 grains.
14. The firearm cartridge of claim 1, wherein the firearm
projectile includes a jacket that includes at least one of gilding
metal and copper.
15. A firearm cartridge, comprising: a casing adapted to be
received into a firearm; a primer and a propellant within the
casing; and a firearm projectile at least partially received into
the casing, wherein the firearm projectile is a cast unitary bullet
that is at least substantially formed from a ballistic zinc alloy
that comprises, by weight: 90-98% Zn; at least 2.0% Al; and one or
more of at most 0.025% Mg, at most 0.075% Fe, at least 0.08% Mg,
and at least 0.1% Fe.
16. The firearm cartridge of claim 15, wherein the firearm
cartridge is a shot shell and comprises a plurality of firearm
projectiles, wherein the firearm projectiles are shot pellets.
17. The firearm cartridge of claim 15, wherein the firearm
projectile is at least one of a mushrooming bullet and a frangible
bullet.
18. The firearm cartridge of claim 15, wherein the firearm
projectile includes a jacket that includes at least one of gilding
metal and copper.
19. A shot shell, comprising: a casing; a wad within the casing; a
primer; and a plurality of shot pellets received within the casing
and separated from the primer and the propellant by the wad,
wherein the plurality of shot pellets each is a cast unitary shot
pellet that is at least substantially formed from a ballistic zinc
alloy that comprises, by weight: 90-98% Zn; and at least 2% Al.
20. The shot shell of claim 19, wherein the ballistic zinc alloy
further comprises a combination of at least one of Mg, Cu, FE, and
Ni.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/280,450, which was filed May
16, 2014, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. Nos. 61/855,697, which was filed on May 1, 2013,
and 61/950,577, which was filed on Mar. 10, 2014, the complete
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to firearm
ammunition, and more particularly to firearm ammunition projectiles
that are formed from a zinc alloy having improved properties.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Historically, lead projectiles have been utilized with
firearms. Factors that contributed to this choice include lead's
relatively high density (11.3 g/cc), workability, and
inexpensiveness. However, under certain conditions, environmental
and/or wildlife regulations may preclude the use of lead as a
projectile due to the toxicity thereof. For example, an animal
might ingest the lead projectile, an animal that has been shot with
a lead projectile might be consumed by another animal, and/or the
lead might act as an environmental contaminant. In addition, lead
fumes and dust have been shown to cause health problems in people
who routinely practice target shooting at indoor ranges. For
example, these health problems may be experienced by law
enforcement personnel who are required to maintain continuous
proficiency in marksmanship.
[0004] When considering alternative materials to be utilized,
consideration should be made about the frangibility and ductility
of the resulting projectiles. For example, for firing ranges, and
especially indoor ranges, a frangible projectile may be desired so
that shooters and observers are not subjected to ricocheting or
rebounding bullet fragments created when bullets strike hard
targets, such as steel plates, at relatively close range (e.g., 25
yards, about 23 m). In such applications, it may be desirable to
utilize projectiles that are highly frangible, i.e., which
disintegrate into fragments small enough to not be a hazard to
personnel. However, a competing consideration exists for limiting
the size of the produced particles.
[0005] For some hunting and other outdoor shooting activities,
there may be a desire for the projectiles to be sufficiently
ductile so that the projectiles, or at least the nose portions
thereof, expand or "mushroom" so as to increase the diameter of the
projectile's wound path, thereby increasing trauma and lethality.
In these applications, it is therefore advantageous that at least
the nose of the bullet or other projectile, if not the entire
projectile, be formed from a relatively ductile material. A further
consideration, although not a requirement, when designing bullets
and other projectiles for use in outdoor shooting activities is to
select a composition that limits "sparking." Sparking refers to the
tendency of a bullet to create sparks when it strikes a hard
object, as these sparks may lead to fires. An example of a material
that may exhibit undesirable sparking is steel.
[0006] Thus, alternative projectile materials have been pursued.
However, finding commercially viable lead-substitutes and methods
for forming firearm projectiles from these compositions has not
been an easy task. Previously proposed lead-substitutes include
steel, copper, tin, and bismuth, which are all much less dense than
lead, as well as tungsten and its alloys, which are denser than
lead. Firearm projectiles formed from these materials all have been
utilized as substitutes for lead projectiles in firearm ammunition,
with differing degrees of success. However, projectiles made from
each of these materials suffer from disadvantages. As examples,
these projectiles may damage a barrel of a firearm, may not produce
desired ballistic properties (such as a shot pattern, a shot
velocity, a shot penetration, and/or a shot trail when fired from a
shotgun), and/or may be expensive to manufacture.
[0007] Thus, there exists a need for improved projectiles that may
meet environmental and/or wildlife regulations regarding toxicity
while also being economical to manufacture and producing desired
ballistic properties.
[0008] Zinc is a particularly promising alternative to lead firearm
projectiles by virtue of its environmental and hygienic safety,
castability, and relatively low cost. Zinc alloys also generally
are known for having relatively high strength and corrosion
resistance, if properly formed. However, prior attempts to utilize
zinc alloys to form firearm projectiles arguably have not lived up
to this promising potential.
[0009] Many previous attempts to utilize zinc in nontoxic bullets
have employed powder-metallurgical technologies in which metal
powders are compacted at high pressures into desired shapes and
sizes in closed dies, optionally followed by sintering to at least
partially fuse the powder particles together. Such approaches,
while marginally successful, have proven to be relatively
expensive.
[0010] Early attempts to produce useful articles other than
ammunition from cast zinc alloys met with various levels of
success, due primarily to problems associated with the presence of
even slight concentrations of impurities. For example, the presence
of lead, even in amounts less than 0.01 wt % (weight percent) may
result in a detrimental condition referred to as "zinc pest" which
causes intergranular corrosion/oxidation, surface blisters,
spalling and, eventually, complete disintegration of cast articles.
Significant improvements in zinc refining by the New Jersey Zinc
Company (circa 1929) resulted in high-purity zinc (99.99%) which,
in turn, made successful alloy development possible throughout the
world. One family of such alloys, originally developed in Germany,
is referred to as "Zamak" or "Zamac." Zamak alloys all have a
common concentration of approximately 4 wt % aluminum, with various
intentional additions of magnesium, copper, and nickel. Table I
presents chemical compositions (per ASTM B86/castings) for several
Zamak alloys currently in use.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Chemical Compositions of Zamak Alloys Alloy
wt % Al Cu Mg Pb Cd Sn Fe Ni Zamak- min. 3.5 2.6 .025 -- -- -- --
-- 2 max. 4.3 2.9 .05 .005 .004 .003 .1 -- Zamak- min. 3.5 -- .025
-- -- -- -- -- 3 max. 4.3 .25 .05 .005 .004 .003 .1 -- Zamak- min.
3.5 .75 .03 -- -- -- -- -- 5 max. 4.3 1.25 .06 .005 .004 .003 .1 --
Zamak- min. 3.5 -- .005 -- -- -- -- .005 7 max. 4.3 .25 .02 .003
.002 .001 .075 .02
[0011] Zamak-3 is probably the most the common Zamak alloy, and is
the standard to which other Zamak alloys are compared. Zamak-3 is
castable and has long-term dimensional stability.
[0012] Zamak-2 has a composition similar to Zamak-3 with the
addition of about 3 wt % copper. The additional copper increases
strength by about 20% relative to Zamak-3. Zamak-2 has the greatest
strength of all the common Zamak alloys. Over time, it retains its
strength and hardness better than the other common alloys.
Nonetheless, over time, it becomes more brittle, less elastic, and
shrinks.
[0013] Zamak-5 has a composition similar to Zamak-3 with the
addition of about 1 wt % copper. Zamak-5 has an increased strength
(by approximately 10%), hardness, and corrosive resistance relative
to Zamak-3. However, Zamak-5 has reduced ductility and dimensional
stability relative to Zamak-3.
[0014] Zamak-7 has a composition similar to Zamak-3 but with less
magnesium, stricter control of impurities, and added nickel.
Zamak-7 has increased fluidity and ductility relative to Zamak-3.
The added nickel contributes to reduced intergranular
corrosion.
[0015] Mechanical properties of several Zamak alloys are summarized
in Table II. Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and shear
strength are expressed in megapascal units (MPa) and may equally
well be expressed in other units such as kilo-pound force per
square inch (ksi; 1 MPa.apprxeq.0.145 ksi). Percent elongation at
fracture (% elongation) is a measure of ductility and is used
generally as a proxy to characterize ductility. Hardness is
characterized with the Brinell indentation hardness test and values
are expressed with the Brinell hardness number (BHN).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Mechanical Properties of Zamak Alloys
Zamak-2 Zamak-3 Zamak-5 (aged) (aged) (aged) Zamak-7 Ultimate
Tensile 397 268 331 285 Strength, MPa (331 aged) (270 aged) Yield
Strength, MPa 361 208 295 285 % Elongation 6% 6.3% 3.6% 14% (16%
aged) (13% aged) Shear 317 214 262 214 Strength, MPa Hardness, BHN
130 97 114 80 (98 aged)
[0016] An example of an attempt to utilize Zamak alloys for firearm
projectiles is U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,495 to Gutowski, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. The
'495 patent discloses methods for producing one particular type of
zinc alloy bullet; namely, a frangible pistol bullet designed and
intended for use in indoor ranges, such as those used by law
enforcement officers and civilian target shooters. Several problems
were encountered with bullets produced according to the disclosure
of the '495 patent. A primary problem is that the produced bullets,
which were produced from Zamak-3, did not fragment into particles
small enough to meet the current Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center (FLETC) recommendation for a maximum bullet (or bullet
jacket) fragment weight of 5 grains (0.324 gram). Furthermore, the
'495 patent discloses a required "sizing" operation, in which the
die-cast bullet precursors are mechanically deformed after
production to reduce the precursors to final dimensions and
tolerances. Such "sizing" operations not only add cost to the
finished bullets, but also have the potential to introduce both
internal and external defects (e.g., cracks, seams, laminations,
etc.) into the bullet. Some of these defects, if undetected, could
have serious consequences, such as causing bullet fragments to
become lodged in the gun barrel as obstructions. Subsequent rounds
in a repeating weapon then have the potential to cause the firearm
to fail, such as by bursting the receiver and/or barrel. Another
concern with the bullets of the '495 patent is that no
consideration was made for the fact that the zinc die-cast alloys
utilized in the '495 patent inherently exhibit "aging" phenomena.
Specifically, such copper-containing zinc alloys may exhibit
measurable dimensional shrinkage (e.g., 0.1% during the first
month) after formation. For cast parts requiring close dimensional
tolerances, certainly including bullets, this shrinkage is not
acceptable.
[0017] An example of an attempt to utilize cast zinc and zinc alloy
wires to form firearm projectiles is U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,255 to
Hallis et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes. The '255 patent discloses frangible
bullets formed from cast zinc wires that are swaged together and
heated, but not sintered. The '255 patent discloses that the wires
must be formed from 95 wt % zinc, and preferably from 99-99.99 wt %
zinc.
[0018] Other prior attempts to form firearm ammunition from
conventional zinc alloys produced unsuitable projectiles, such as
due to "zinc pest." Zinc pest refers to the demonstrated
incompatibility between lead and zinc, with even 0.01 wt % lead
resulting in an unsatisfactory zinc alloy. This lead may be
introduced, for example, when zinc alloys and/or projectiles are
cast from equipment that has been used for casting lead and/or
articles formed from lead.
SUMMARY
[0019] Firearm cartridges, firearm projectiles, and/or projectile
components may be formed at least in part from a disclosed
ballistic zinc alloy. These enhanced zinc alloys overcome
shortcomings of other lead substitutes for firearm projectiles,
including Zamak alloys and other conventional zinc alloys. In some
embodiments, and as compared to a firearm projectile formed from a
conventional zinc alloy, a ballistic zinc alloy firearm projectile
has at least one of an increased ductility, an increased
frangibility, and/or a decreased tendency to smear or gall within a
rifled firearm barrel. In some embodiments, the ballistic zinc
alloy is a zinc-aluminum alloy that includes additional alloy
components that collectively enhance the properties of the
ballistic zinc alloy for use in firearm projectiles.
[0020] Firearm cartridges, such as bullet cartridges and/or shot
shells, include a casing adapted to be received into a firearm, a
primer and a propellant within the casing, and a firearm projectile
at least partially received into the casing. The firearm
projectiles include a ballistic zinc alloy with enhanced properties
and/or which does not have the same composition as a known,
conventional zinc alloy. For example, a ballistic zinc alloy may
have a hardness of less than 60 BHN while remaining compatible with
firearm use (e.g., frangible, ductile, and/or non-galling).
[0021] Ballistic zinc alloys are alloys of zinc (Zn), aluminum
(Al), and at least one of magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe),
and nickel (Ni). For example, ballistic zinc alloys may comprise
(by weight percent) at least 90% zinc and one or more of: at most
3.5% Al, at most 0.025% Mg, at most 0.075% Fe, at least 4.3% Al, at
least 0.08% Mg, and at least 0.1% Fe. In some embodiments, e.g.,
ductile embodiments, a ballistic zinc alloy may comprise at most
3.5% Al, at most 0.025% Mg, and/or at most 0.075% Fe. In other
embodiments, e.g., frangible embodiments, a ballistic zinc alloy
may comprise at least 4.3% Al, at least 0.08% Mg, and/or at least
0.1% Fe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation, in cross section, of a
firearm projectile in the form of a bullet.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation, in cross section, of a
firearm cartridge that includes a firearm projectile in the form of
a bullet.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation, in cross section, of a
firearm projectile with a coating.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation, in cross section, of a
firearm cartridge that includes a firearm projectile with a
coating.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a firearm projectile
in the form of a shot pellet.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation, in cross section, of a
firearm cartridge in the form of a shot shell that includes a
plurality of firearm projectiles in the form of shot pellets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Firearm projectiles produced according to the present
disclosure include at least one component, or portion, that is
formed at least substantially, if not completely, from a ballistic
zinc alloy. As discussed in more detail herein, the ballistic zinc
alloy contributes to the corresponding projectile having improved
performance over firearm projectiles produced from zinc and
conventional zinc alloys, such as Zamak alloys.
[0029] As used herein, the term "ballistic zinc alloy" refers to a
zinc alloy that is disclosed herein and which has the enhanced
properties disclosed and/or which does not have the same
composition as a known, conventional zinc alloy. For example, the
ballistic zinc alloy may include more or less of one or more
constituent components of a known zinc alloy, may include at least
one additional component that is not present in a similar known
zinc alloy, and/or may not include a component that typically is
present in a similar known zinc alloy. As discussed in more detail
herein, while there are many known zinc alloys that have been used
effectively for many years in a variety of applications and
industries, known zinc alloys have not proven effective for use as
firearm projectiles. Accordingly, the present disclosure is
directed to ballistic zinc alloys that have different compositions
and properties from these known zinc alloys, with the differences
in composition and properties being selected, or designed, to
improve the ballistic/performance property(ies) of firearm
projectiles produced at least in part, if not substantially or
completely, from the ballistic zinc alloys. A ballistic zinc alloy
according to the present disclosure additionally or alternatively
may be referred to herein as an improved zinc alloy, a
zinc-aluminum alloy, a ductile zinc alloy, a frangible zinc alloy,
an enhanced zinc alloy, a modified Zamak alloy, and/or simply as an
alloy.
[0030] FIG. 1 schematically represents an article 10 that includes
a ballistic zinc alloy 12. As represented in the figure, the
article may be a firearm projectile 40 and may have any suitable
shape, size, and/or configuration for use as a firearm projectile.
For example, the projectile may take the form of a bullet 42, a
slug, a pellet, shot, and/or a shot pellet 44 (as discussed further
herein with reference to FIGS. 5-6). Firearm projectiles 40 may
include a core 46 (also called a core portion and/or a central
core) and/or additional components or structures, such as exterior
coatings, surface coatings, lubricants, etc.
[0031] In some embodiments, only a portion, such as a nose portion
54 (also called a nose or a tip), of the firearm projectile 40 is
formed from a ballistic zinc alloy 12. When only a portion of the
firearm projectile is formed from a ballistic zinc alloy, this
portion may be joined to one or more other portions, such as a
shank portion 56 (also called a tail, a rear, or a heel portion),
that are not formed from a ballistic zinc alloy. In FIG. 1, the
distinction between two optional portions of the firearm
projectile, the nose portion 54 and the shank portion 56, is
schematically indicated with a dashed line. The portions of the
firearm projectile may be joined by any suitable mechanism or
material, for example with an adhesive, solder, sintering process,
and/or a jacket. Portions of the firearm projectile that are not
formed from a ballistic zinc alloy may be formed of conventional
materials for firearm projectiles. For example, the shank portion
may include steel and/or copper-clad steel.
[0032] Firearm projectiles 40 (optionally excluding any form of
coating), cores 46, nose portions 54, and/or other portions may be
at least substantially (at least 80 wt %), if not nearly completely
(at least 90 wt %), or completely, formed from at least one
ballistic zinc alloy. Other components of the firearm projectile
and/or portion thereof may include binders, additives, other
metals, other alloys, and/or other types of ballistic zinc alloy.
Reference to being formed from ballistic zinc alloy may include
being formed from a single disclosed ballistic zinc alloy and
further may include being formed from two or more ballistic zinc
alloys. When two or more ballistic zinc alloys are utilized, they
may be themselves alloyed together to form a further/composite
ballistic zinc alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the two or
more ballistic zinc alloys may form separate regions or portions of
the firearm projectile, such as layers or distinct/separate regions
thereof. Furthermore, when a firearm projectile or component
thereof is described as being formed from a ballistic zinc alloy,
it does not require this portion to contain only the ballistic zinc
alloy, although such a construction also is within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0033] Firearm projectiles 40, cores 46, nose portions 54, and/or
other portions may be produced via any suitable process for
manufacturing the same. Various illustrative, non-exclusive
examples of formation processes are powder metallurgy, sintering,
casting, forging, machining, and/or swaging. Forming the firearm
projectile, and/or a portion thereof, from a ballistic zinc alloy
12 does not preclude the use of an exterior coating, a surface
coating, a jacket, a lubricant, etc. It also does not preclude the
inclusion of one or more additional components into the firearm
projectile. For example, in powder metallurgy applications,
particulate/powders formed from a ballistic zinc alloy may be mixed
with particulate/powders with different compositions. In
melt-and-cast applications, one or more additives may be added to
the ballistic zinc alloy, provided that the additive is not itself
a constituent component of the ballistic zinc alloy.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, firearm projectiles 40 may be
incorporated into firearm cartridges 20. FIG. 2 schematically
illustrates a firearm cartridge 20 that contains a bullet 42.
Accordingly, such a firearm cartridge may be referred to as a
bullet cartridge. Firearm cartridges 20 comprise a firearm
projectile 40 and a casing 22 (also called a case). The casing
includes a base 28, a propellant 26 (also called a charge) and a
primer 24 (also called a priming mixture). Casing 22, primer 24,
and propellant 26 may be of any suitable materials, construction,
and/or design as is known in the art of firearms. As shown in FIG.
2, firearm cartridge 40 is ready to be loaded into a gun, such as a
handgun, rifle or the like, and upon firing, discharges bullet 42
at high speed and with a high rate of rotation. Although
illustrated in FIG. 2 as a centerfire cartridge, in which the
primer is located in the center of the base of the casing, bullets
according to the present disclosure also may be incorporated into
other types of firearm cartridges, such as a rimfire cartridge, in
which the casing is rimmed or flanged and the primer is located
inside the rim of the casing.
[0035] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, firearm projectiles
40 optionally may include a coating 50 (which may be an exterior
coating and/or a surface coating), such as a jacket 52. In such an
embodiment, firearm projectiles may be referred to as a coated,
clad, and/or jacketed firearm projectile (e.g., a jacketed bullet).
The coating and/or the jacket may at least substantially, if not
completely, enclose a core 46 formed at least substantially from
ballistic zinc alloy 12.
[0036] In FIG. 4, a coated firearm projectile 40 is shown forming a
component of a firearm cartridge 20. Because firearm projectiles,
such as bullets, are commonly expelled from firearms at rotational
speeds greater than 10,000 rpm, the firearm projectiles may
encounter significant rotational forces. When the firearm
projectile is formed from powders, there is a tendency for these
rotational forces to remove portions of the firearm projectile
during firing and flight. Jacket 52 may be used to prevent these
rotational forces from fragmenting, obturing (deforming on account
of fragmenting and centrifugal forces), and/or dispersing the core
during flight.
[0037] When present, jacket 52 may partially or completely enclose
the core 46. Where the jacket only partially encloses the core, a
portion of the core is not covered by the jacket. For example, the
nose portion 54 of the core may be unjacketed. Jacket 52 may have a
variety of thicknesses. Typically, jacket 52 will have an average
thickness of less than 1 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.5 mm,
and/or less than 0.3 mm. Accordingly, the depicted thickness of the
jacket and relative thickness of the jacket compared to the overall
shape and size of the firearm projectile in FIGS. 3-4 have been
exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
[0038] Some firearms, such as handguns and rifles, have barrels
with rifling that projects internally into the barrels to impart
axial rotation to the firearm projectile 40 as the firearm
projectile travels along the barrel. Accordingly, a jacketed
firearm projectile may have a jacket thickness that exceeds the
height of the rifling. Otherwise, it might be possible for the
rifling to cut through the jacket 52 and thereby expose the core
46. This, in turn, may affect the flight and performance of the
firearm projectile, as well as increase fouling of the barrel. A
jacket thickness that is at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.03 mm, at
least 0.04 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.07 mm, at least 0.1 mm,
and/or 0.05-0.1 mm thicker than the height of the rifling lands has
proven effective. For most applications, a jacket 52 that is at
least 0.1 mm thick should be sufficient. In firearms, such as
shotguns, that have barrels with smooth (non-rifled) internal
bores, a thinner jacket may be used, such as a jacket that is
0.02-0.05 mm thick. However, it is not required in these
applications for the jacket to be thinner, and thicker jackets may
be used as well.
[0039] An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a suitable
material for jacket 52 is copper, although other materials may be
used. Additionally or alternatively, jacket 52 may be formed from
one or more other metallic materials, such as alloys of copper
(like brass and/or gilding metal), a ferrous metal alloy, and/or
aluminum. In some embodiments, jacket 52 may be formed from gilding
metal (95 wt % copper and 5 wt % zinc), for example, when the
firearm projectiles are designed to be higher velocity firearm
projectiles, such as firearm projectiles that are designed to
travel at speeds of at least 600 m/s, 750 m/s, or greater than 750
m/s (2,000, 2,500, or more feet per second). Jacket 52 may also be
formed from a non-metal material, such as a polymer or a plastic.
An example of such a material is nylon.
[0040] When jacket 52 is formed from powdered metallic materials,
the firearm projectile 40 may be formed by compressing the powder
and the binder in the jacket. Alternatively, the core 46 of the
firearm projectile may be formed and thereafter placed within a
jacket 52. As another example, the core may be formed and then the
jacket may be applied over the core by electroplating, vapor
deposition, spray coating or other suitable application methods.
For non-metallic jackets, dip coating, spray coating, and similar
application methods have proven effective.
[0041] FIG. 5 schematically represents another type of firearm
projectile 40, namely a shot pellet 44 that is at least partially
formed from ballistic zinc alloy 12. As represented in solid line,
shot pellet 44 has a spherical configuration. However, shot pellet
44 may have a variety of regular and irregular configurations, with
the dashed-line shot pellet 44 of the figure schematically
representing this range of sizes and/or shapes. As illustrative,
non-exclusive examples, shot pellets 44 that are formed by casting
a molten mass of ballistic zinc alloy or via powder metallurgy tend
to have more regular configurations, while shot pellets 44 that are
formed by pouring or otherwise dropping a molten mass of ballistic
zinc alloy into a quenching liquid tend to have more irregular
shapes.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, shot pellets 44 may be a constituent
element of a firearm cartridge 20. In such a case, the firearm
cartridge may be called a shotgun cartridge, or a shot shell. As
shown, firearm cartridge 20 is ready to be loaded into a firearm,
such as a shotgun, and upon firing, discharge shot pellets 44 at
high speeds. A plurality of shot pellets 44 may be loaded into a
firearm cartridge 20, with the number of individual shot pellets 44
contained in the firearm cartridge varying from approximately 5-10
shot pellets to dozens or hundreds of shot pellets, such as
depending upon the dimensions of the shot pellets and/or the
intended application for the firearm cartridge.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, firearm cartridges 20 configured for
shot pellets 44 include a case 22 with a base 28. The base 28
typically is formed from metal and houses a wad 30, a propellant
26, and a primer 24. Firearm cartridges 20 configured for shot
pellets 44 may include other constituent elements, as are
conventional or otherwise known in the field of shotgun cartridge
construction.
[0044] Illustrative examples of firearm projectiles, firearm
cartridges that include the same, and optional components thereof
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,171,849, 7,267,794, 7,059,233,
and 7,000,547, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.
2013/0145951, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/841,075, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
[0045] A firearm projectile 40 formed from a ballistic zinc alloy
12 according to the present disclosure may be sufficiently brittle
to be effective, such as for frangible firearm projectiles, while
also being sufficiently strong and/or ductile to retain the
projectile's integrity while traveling through the barrel of a
firearm during firing of a firearm cartridge containing the
projectile. Additionally or alternatively, a firearm projectile
formed from a ballistic zinc alloy according to the present
disclosure may be sufficiently ductile to expand, deform, or
"mushroom," upon impact with an animal or other soft target.
Further additionally, or alternatively, a firearm projectile formed
from a ballistic zinc alloy according to the present disclosure may
(1) exhibit reduced, if not no, sparking, such as when fired
against a steel plate at close range, e.g., less than 25 yards
(about 23 m), and/or (2) be produced without requiring mechanical
sizing to have a desired shape and/or size for use in a firearm
cartridge. Similarly, while annealing or heat-treating optionally
may be performed on a firearm projectile produced with a ballistic
zinc alloy according to the present disclosure, such as to increase
the ductility of and/or to artificially age (for shrinkage) the
firearm projectile, it is not required.
[0046] Consideration of conventional Zamak alloys and their
properties, such as presented herein, reveals that these alloys
generally include approximately 3.5-4.3 wt % aluminum and
approximately 1-3 wt % (combined) of copper, magnesium, iron, and
nickel, as well as measureable amounts of impurities, such as lead,
cadmium, and tin.
[0047] Experiments and research have demonstrated that none of
these conventional Zamak alloys are ideal for forming firearm
projectiles. For example, most are far too brittle and/or not
sufficiently ductile for effective use as an expanding/mushrooming
or frangible firearm projectile. For example, none of the
conventional Zamak alloys have proven to be sufficiently frangible
to meet FLETC standards for frangible bullets. Of the Zamak alloys,
Zamak-7 is perhaps the closest to being suitable for use as a
firearm projectile, but it still does not result in a firearm
projectile with acceptable performance.
[0048] As the name implies, a ballistic zinc alloy according to the
present disclosure will include zinc as its primary component, such
as with zinc constituting at least 75 wt %, at least 80 wt %, at
least 85 wt %, at least 90 wt %, at least 93 wt %, at least 95 wt
%, at least 96%, at least 97 wt %, 70-95 wt %, 80-97 wt %, 90-95 wt
%, 90-96 wt %, 90-98 wt %, 95-98 wt %, less than 98 wt %, less than
97 wt %, less than 96 wt %, less than 95 wt %, less than 94 wt %,
and/or less than 93 wt % zinc.
[0049] Many ballistic zinc alloys according to the present
disclosure also will include aluminum. For example, a ballistic
zinc alloy may include at least 2.0 wt %, at least 2.25 wt %, at
least 2.4 wt %, at least 2.5 wt %, at least 2.6 wt %, at least 3.0
wt %, at least 3.5 wt %, at least 4.0 wt %, at least 4.3 wt %, more
than 4.3 wt %, at least 4.4 wt %, at least 4.5 wt %, at least 4.6
wt %, at least 4.7 wt %, at least 4.8 wt %, at least 4.9 wt %, at
least 5.0 wt %, more than 5.03 wt %, at least 5.04 wt %, at least
5.1 wt %, at least 5.5 wt %, at least 6.0 wt %, 2-3.4 wt %, 2-3.8
wt %, 2-4 wt %, 2.2-3.4 wt %, 2.3-3.8 wt %, 2.45-2.75 wt %, 2.5-6.5
wt %, 2.5-5 wt %, 3-5 wt %, 3-3.4 wt %, 4-5 wt %, 4.4-5.1 wt %,
4.4-5.2 wt %, 4.4-5.5 wt %, 4.4-6 wt %, 4.5-5.1 wt %, 4.6-5.0 wt %,
4.65-4.95 wt %, 5-5.1 wt %, 5.1-6.5 wt %, 5.5-6.5 wt %, less than
6.5 wt %, less than 6.0 wt %, less than 5.5 wt %, less than 5.3 wt
%, less than 5.1 wt %, less than 5.03 wt %, less than 5.0 wt %,
less than 4.9 wt %, less than 4.7 wt %, less than 4.5 wt %, less
than 4.2 wt %, less than 4.1 wt %, less than 4.0 wt %, less than
3.9 wt %, less than 3.8 wt %, less than 3.7 wt %, less than 3.6 wt
%, less than 3.5 wt %, less than 3.4 wt %, less than 3.0 wt %,
and/or less than 2.5 wt % aluminum, and/or not 3.5-4.3 wt %
aluminum. Zinc and aluminum may form at least 85 wt %, at least 90
wt %, at least 95 wt %, at least 96 wt %, at least 97 wt %, at
least 98 wt %, at least 99 wt %, at least 99.5 wt %, 85-99 wt %,
90-99 wt %, 95-99 wt %, less than 99.9 wt %, less than 99.5 wt %,
less than 99 wt %, less than 98 wt %, less than 97 wt %, less than
96 wt % and/or less than 95 wt % of a ballistic zinc alloy
according to the present disclosure.
[0050] A ballistic zinc alloy 12 according to the present
disclosure also may include, or specifically not include, one or
more additional components. As illustrative examples, a ballistic
zinc alloy may include one, two, three, or all four of magnesium,
copper, iron, and nickel. When present, this/these component(s) may
be present in the alloy individually and/or collectively, in
concentrations of less than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %, less than
1.75 wt %, less than 1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.75 wt
%, less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.25 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %,
less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.025 wt %, less
than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %, 2-0.25 wt %,
1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25 wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005 wt %, at
least 0.1 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least
0.4 wt %, and/or at least 0.5 wt %.
[0051] When present, magnesium may increase corrosion resistance of
the ballistic zinc alloy and firearm projectiles formed therefrom.
In this regard, magnesium may mitigate and/or prevent some of the
decreased corrosion resistance that otherwise may result if the
alloy contains lead, cadmium, and/or tin. Including magnesium in a
ballistic zinc alloy may provide a degree of buffer, or guard,
against unintended concentrations of lead, cadmium, and/or tin.
[0052] When present, copper may increase the strength of the
ballistic zinc alloy and firearm projectiles formed therefrom.
However, the inclusion of copper in the ballistic zinc alloy may
increase the likelihood of the alloy shrinking slightly over time,
especially in the initial weeks after formation of a firearm
projectile from the alloy. Thus, when copper is included in the
ballistic zinc alloy, the resulting alloy and/or projectiles formed
therefrom may be annealed or otherwise heat-treated to accelerate
this shrinkage, such as prior to incorporation of the projectile
into a firearm cartridge.
[0053] When present, iron may promote frangibility of the ballistic
zinc alloy and firearm projectiles formed therefrom.
[0054] When present, nickel may increase corrosion resistance of
the ballistic zinc alloy and firearm projectiles formed therefrom.
In this regard, nickel may mitigate and/or prevent some of the
decreased corrosion resistance that otherwise may result if the
alloy contains lead, cadmium, and/or tin. Including nickel in a
ballistic zinc alloy may provide a degree of buffer, or guard,
against unintended concentrations of lead, cadmium, and/or tin.
[0055] Impurities may be any component other than the intentionally
alloyed components of the ballistic zinc alloy and may include, for
example, trace amounts of lead, cadmium, tin, antimony, silicon,
etc. In some embodiments, components such as copper, magnesium,
iron, and/or nickel may be impurities.
[0056] In some embodiments, a ballistic zinc alloy 12 may not
include (i.e., be free of, or essentially free of) lead, cadmium,
tin, and/or other impurities. In such embodiments, ballistic zinc
alloys generally are considered nontoxic, or at least substantially
less toxic than firearm projectiles that include lead and/or
cadmium. For example, a ballistic zinc alloy may include less than
0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005
wt %, less than 0.003 wt %, less than 0.002 wt %, less than 0.001
wt %, 0.1-0.001 wt %, 0.01-0.005 wt %, 0.005-0.001 wt %, at least
0.0005 wt %, at least 0.001 wt %, and/or at least 0.003 wt %
(individually and/or collectively) of one, two, or all of lead,
cadmium, and/or tin.
[0057] When preparing firearm projectiles 40 from a ballistic zinc
alloy 12 according to the present disclosure, the selected
composition of the alloy and/or design of the projectile may
include consideration of whether the projectile is intended to be
primarily a frangible projectile, such as for use at
indoor/enclosed shooting ranges, or primarily a ductile projectile,
such as used for hunting. For example, ductile projectiles may be
desired for big-game hunting, varmint hunting, and/or outdoor
target shooting, and frangible projectiles may be desired for
indoor target shooting, outdoor target shooting, and/or varmint
hunting.
[0058] As discussed, when forming a ductile firearm projectile
(e.g., a ductile bullet), at least the nose portion (as shown in
FIGS. 1-4) ideally should expand, deform, or "mushroom," when the
projectile strikes an animal or other target. Although other ranges
and criteria may be adopted, ductile ballistic zinc alloy
projectiles may expand in diameter by at least 10%, at least 25%,
at least 50%, at least 75%, and/or at least 100%, when fired at
normal (conventional) velocities and distances and when striking a
"soft" target, such as an animal or ordnance gelatin.
[0059] While it may be desirable that at least the nose portions of
expanding/mushrooming bullets be as ductile as possible, portions
of bullets that are full diameter for the selected caliber also
should be strong enough to effectively engage gun barrel rifling
"lands" and "grooves" without failing in shear by smearing or
crumbling. As a reference point for suitable properties, typical
mechanical properties of the most commonly used bullet (and/or
bullet jacket) material, gilding metal (95 wt % Cu and 5 wt % Zn),
and also of the second most popular material, pure copper, are
summarized in Table III. Both gilding metal and copper are utilized
in bullets in a variety of cold-worked conditions (from "dead-soft
annealed" to "full hard"). "Half hard" values also are summarized
in Table III.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Mechanical Properties of Copper Alloys
Gilding Gilding Metal, Copper, Metal Copper "half hard" "half hard"
Ultimate Tensile 234-441 221-393 330 290 Strength, MPa Yield
Strength, MPa 69-400 76-366 276 248 % Elongation 4-45 4-45 12 14
Shear Strength, MPa 193-276 159-200 234 179 Hardness, BHN 10-45.5
10-40.5 36 30.8
[0060] Some ballistic zinc alloys 12 according to the present
disclosure may have properties that approximate the indicated "half
hard" values of the conventional copper alloys, while recognizing
that ductile firearm projectile types may especially benefit from
maximizing ductility (e.g., maximizing the "% Elongation").
[0061] Of the conventional zinc die-casting alloys, only Zamak-7
(as detailed in Table II) has strength and ductility values that
are somewhat similar to the corresponding strength and ductility
values of these illustrative copper alloys. However, Zamak-7 also
has a hardness of about 80 BHN, considerably higher than these
copper alloys. Therefore, some ballistic zinc alloys according to
the present disclosure have compositions that are similar to
Zamak-7, but which have reduced hardness, optionally a hardness
that is less than 60 BHN, less than 50 BHN, less than 40 BHN, less
than 30 BHN, at least 10 BHN, at least 20 BHN, at least 30 BHN,
and/or at least 40 BHN. Accordingly, a ballistic zinc alloy may
have an ultimate tensile strength of 200-420 MPa, 240-380 MPa,
270-350 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 240 MPa, at least 270 MPa,
at least 310 MPa, at least 340 MPa, less than 420 MPa, less than
350 MPa, less than 310 MPa, and/or less than 280 MPa; a ductility
(% elongation) of 4-30%, 5-30%, 7.5-20%, 10-25%, 6-40%, 8-30%,
12-30%, 10-20%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 12%, at least
15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, less than 40%, less
than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, and/or less than 15%; a
yield strength of 200-420 MPa, 240-380 MPa, 270-350 MPa, at least
70 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 240 MPa, at least 270 MPa, at
least 310 MPa, at least 340 MPa, less than 420 MPa, less than 350
MPa, less than 310 MPa, less than 280 MPa, and/or less than 200
MPa; and/or a shear strength of at least 160 MPa, at least 180 MPa,
at least 200 MPa, less than 280 MPa, less than 220 MPa, less than
200 MPa, and/or less than 180 MPa.
[0062] Adjusting, or enhancing, the properties of a conventional
zinc alloy may be accomplished in a variety of ways, with the scope
of the present disclosure not being limited to the examples that
are described herein, as the ballistic zinc alloy compositions that
are disclosed herein, as well as firearm projectiles that are
formed (entirely or in part) from the same, also are considered to
be inventive and within the scope of the present disclosure
regardless of the specific method that is utilized to produce the
alloys and/or projectiles.
[0063] For some ductile ballistic zinc alloys, the concentration of
aluminum in the alloy may be less than 4.1 wt %, less than 4.0 wt
%, less than 3.9 wt %, less than 3.8 wt %, less than 3.7 wt %, less
than 3.6 wt %, less than 3.5 wt %, less than 3.4 wt %, less than 3
wt %, less than 2.5 wt %, 2-4 wt %, 2-3.8 wt %, 2-3.4 wt %, 2.2-3.4
wt %, 2.3-2.8 wt %, 2.45-2.75 wt %, at least 2 wt %, at least 2.25
wt %, at least 2.4 wt %, and/or at least 2.6 wt %.
[0064] For example, a ductile ballistic zinc alloy may have the
following composition: Al: 4.0 wt %, max.; Mg: 0.015 wt %, max.;
Cu: 0.20 wt %, max.; Pb: 0.003 wt %, max.; Cd: 0.002 wt %, max.;
Sn: 0.001 wt %, max.; Fe: 0.05 wt %, max.; Ni: 0.005-0.15 wt %;
balance Zn and incidental impurities. Hollow-point 0.30 caliber
(0.308-in.-dia.) rifle bullets cast with this approximate
composition display ductile "mushrooming" deformation when shot at
about 750 m/s into ordnance gelatin, and are properly engraved with
distinctive rifling marks. As another example, a ductile ballistic
zinc alloy may have the following composition: Al: 2.45-2.75 wt %;
Mg: 0.005-0.02 wt %; Cu: 0.25 wt %, max; Pb: 0.003 wt %, max; Cd:
0.002 wt %, max; Sn: 0.001 wt %, max; Fe: 0.075 wt %, max; Ni:
0-0.15 wt %; balance Zn and incidental impurities. Another example
is a Zamak-7 alloy to which sufficient additional components have
been added to reduce the alloy's hardness to within 30%, within
20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of the hardness of copper
or copper alloys that conventionally are used in firearm
projectiles, such as the alloys presented in Table III. For
example, adding zinc to a Zamak-7 composition may dilute the
aluminum, iron, and/or magnesium concentrations and result in a
ballistic zinc alloy that is more ductile than Zamak-7.
[0065] When forming a frangible firearm projectile from a ballistic
zinc alloy 12, it is more likely, but not required, that the entire
projectile 40 will be formed from the alloy (or potentially, the
alloy with a surface coating of a different material). Although not
required for all frangible firearm projectiles formed from
ballistic zinc alloys, the frangible firearm projectiles may be
sufficiently strong to remain intact during firing of a
corresponding cartridge and travel along the barrel of a
corresponding firearm, while also breaking up into particulate that
is within maximum and/or minimum particle size values. For example,
U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) guidelines
recommend that particle sizes from frangible bullets be no greater
than 5 grains (0.324 grams). As another example, Table IV lists
examples of maximum dust concentrations according to the U.S.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible
Exposure Limit (PEL) standards.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) maximum
dust concentrations in air (mg/m.sup.3, time-weighted average for
an 8-hr shift) Zn Al Mg Cu Pb Cd Sn 15 15 no limit 0.1 0.05 0.0025
2
[0066] A binary alloy of zinc and aluminum has a eutectic point at
5.03 wt % aluminum. Thus, a zinc-aluminum alloy with 5.03 wt %
aluminum should be the most brittle zinc-aluminum binary alloy. It
follows then that zinc-aluminum alloys having a greater or lesser
amount of aluminum should be less brittle and/or more ductile than
an alloy containing this eutectic composition.
[0067] From the preceding Table I, it can be seen that Zamak alloys
have "hypoeutectic" compositions (alloys with less aluminum than
the eutectic point), in which the concentration of aluminum does
not exceed 4.3 wt %. However, the brittleness of zinc-aluminum
alloys changes significantly with changes in the aluminum
concentration, especially as the aluminum concentration nears, or
even exceeds, the eutectic concentration. For example, a
zinc-aluminum binary alloy containing 4.5 wt % aluminum generally
is regarded as being "measurably" brittle, whereas a zinc-aluminum
alloy containing 5 wt % aluminum is considered to be "completely
brittle."
[0068] Accordingly, a frangible ballistic zinc alloy according to
the present disclosure may include a greater concentration of
aluminum and/or a lower concentration of zinc, than is present in
conventional Zamak alloys. For example, a frangible ballistic zinc
alloy may contain at least 4.5 wt %, at least 4.6 wt %, at least
4.7 wt %, at least 4.8 wt %, at least 4.9 wt %, more than 5.03 wt
%, at least 5.1 wt %, 4.4-5.5 wt %, 4.4-5.2 wt %, 4.5-5.1 wt %,
4.6-5.0 wt %, 4.65-4.95 wt %, 5-5.1 wt %, less than 5.5 wt %, less
than 5.3 wt %, less than 5.1 wt %, less than 5.0 wt %, less than
4.9 wt %, less than 4.7 wt %, and/or less than 4.5 wt %
aluminum.
[0069] Another example of a frangible ballistic zinc alloy
according to the present disclosure is Zamak-3 to which sufficient
iron, magnesium, and/or other hardness-increasing component is
added to produce the desired frangibility, and optionally such an
alloy in which the concentration of copper has been reduced by at
least 50%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 95%, or 100%. As
further examples, a frangible ballistic zinc alloy may include
modifying the Zamak-3 alloy and/or one of the ballistic zinc alloys
disclosed herein to include (1) at least 0.12 wt %, at least 0.15
wt %, at least 0.2 wt %, at least 0.3 wt %, at least 0.5 wt %,
0.11-0.5 wt %, and/or 0.12-0.5 wt % iron, and/or (2) at least 0.001
wt %, at least 0.002 wt %, at least 0.003 wt %, at least 0.005 wt
%, at least 0.01 wt %, at least 0.02 wt %, 0.001-0.02 wt %,
0.005-0.01 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %, and/or less than 0.05 wt %
nickel.
[0070] As a further example, a frangible ballistic zinc alloy may
have the following composition: Al: 4.65-4.95 wt %; Mg: 0.025-0.05
wt %; Cu: 0.25 wt %, max; Pb: 0.005 wt %, max; Cd: 0.004 wt %, max;
Sn: 0.003 wt %, max; Fe: 0.1 wt %, max; balance Zn. As another
example, a frangible ballistic zinc alloy may have the following
composition: Al: 3.9-5.1 wt %; Mg: 0.050 wt %, min.; Fe: 0.12 wt %,
min.; Pb: 0.005 wt %, max.; Cd: 0.004 wt %, max.; Sn: 0.003 wt %,
max.; balance Zn and incidental impurities.
[0071] Bullets made with frangible ballistic zinc alloys according
to the present disclosure, in experimental testing, have not only
exhibited markedly improved frangibility over bullets formed from
conventional zinc alloys, but also result in particle sizes that
satisfy OSHA's PEL standard and the FLETC guideline for indoor
firing ranges.
[0072] It is believed that firearm projectiles formed from
ballistic zinc alloys according to the present disclosure may be
cast or otherwise formed within acceptable size tolerances, such as
with a diameter tolerance of .+-.0.02 mm without requiring
post-formation (i.e., post-compaction or post-casting) mechanical
grinding, abrasion, or other sizing steps. However, post-formation
annealing, heat-treating, or other sizing steps may be utilized
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Post-formation annealing and/or other heat-treating may increase
the ductility of some ballistic zinc alloys and/or firearm
projectiles formed therefrom. For example, utilizing such a process
step may further improve the dimensional stability of firearm
projectiles formed from a ballistic zinc alloy, such as to
"match-grade" bullets that require tolerances of .+-.0.01 mm.
Heating the projectiles at a temperature of 90.degree.
C.-120.degree. C., such as 100.degree. C., for at least 2 hours,
such as 3-6 hours, has proven effective, although other
temperatures and durations may be utilized.
[0073] Finally, it should be noted that firearm projectile
deformation behavior, as it relates to the various degrees of
firearm projectile "frangibility," ranging from "powdering" upon
impact to ductile "mushrooming," is not solely dependent upon the
firearm projectile's and/or ballistic zinc alloy's material
properties. For example, bullet and cartridge design criteria may
play a role in the terminal ballistic behavior of any given
projectile that strikes a particular type of target. Firearm
projectile and/or firearm cartridge designs can be manipulated to
either encourage or discourage terminal performance, including
frangibility, degree of "mushrooming," weight retention, sparking,
etc. Die-casting and other tooling designs may advantageously
feature optimum placement of "parting lines," "gating" points, etc.
in order to optimize firearm projectile rotational symmetry, spin
stabilization, etc.
[0074] Another factor to consider is the ability of a firearm
projectile's exterior (perimeter) surfaces to properly engage a gun
barrel's rifling "lands" and "grooves" such that stabilizing spin
is imparted to the firearm projectile as it is propelled along the
length of the barrel. The traditional materials used to fulfill
this requirement, especially in lead-based pistol and rifle
bullets, include gilding metal (95 wt % Cu and 5 wt % Zn) and pure
copper. Common Zamak and similar known zinc alloys offer little
potential for perfoiming this function, especially at relatively
high velocities (e.g., greater than approximately 600 m/s), due to
insufficient ductility. Instead, engagement with the rifling tends
to cause conventional zinc-alloy bullets to crumble or "smear"
(gall or otherwise impart metal on the inside of the barrel).
[0075] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject
matter according to the present disclosure are described in the
following enumerated paragraphs.
[0076] A1. A zinc alloy, comprising:
[0077] aluminum;
[0078] a combination of at least one of magnesium, copper, iron,
and nickel; and
[0079] the balance being zinc and incidental impurities.
[0080] A2. The zinc alloy of paragraph A1, wherein aluminum is at a
concentration of at least 2.0 wt %, at least 2.25 wt %, at least
2.4 wt %, at least 2.5 wt %, at least 2.6 wt %, at least 3.0 wt %,
at least 3.5 wt %, at least 4.0 wt %, at least 4.3 wt %, more than
4.3 wt %, at least 4.4 wt %, at least 4.5 wt %, at least 4.6 wt %,
at least 4.7 wt %, at least 4.8 wt %, at least 4.9 wt %, at least
5.0 wt %, more than 5.03 wt %, at least 5.04 wt %, at least 5.1 wt
%, at least 5.5 wt %, at least 6.0 wt %, 2-3.4 wt %, 2-3.8 wt %,
2-4 wt %, 2.2-3.4 wt %, 2.3-3.8 wt %, 2.45-2.75 wt %, 2.5-6.5 wt %,
2.5-5 wt %, 3-5 wt %, 3-3.4 wt %, 4-5 wt %, 4.4-5.1 wt %, 4.4-5.2
wt %, 4.4-5.5 wt %, 4.4-6 wt %, 4.5-5.1 wt %, 4.6-5.0 wt %,
4.65-4.95 wt %, 5-5.1 wt %, 5.1-6.5 wt %, 5.5-6.5 wt %, less than
6.5 wt %, less than 6.0 wt %, less than 5.5 wt %, less than 5.3 wt
%, less than 5.1 wt %, less than 5.03 wt %, less than 5.0 wt %,
less than 4.9 wt %, less than 4.7 wt %, less than 4.5 wt %, less
than 4.2 wt %, less than 4.1 wt %, less than 4.0 wt %, less than
3.9 wt %, less than 3.8 wt %, less than 3.7 wt %, less than 3.6 wt
%, less than 3.5 wt %, less than 3.4 wt %, less than 3.0 wt %,
and/or less than 2.5 wt %.
[0081] A3. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein zinc
is at a concentration of at least 75 wt %, at least 80 wt %, at
least 85 wt %, at least 90 wt %, at least 93 wt %, at least 95 wt
%, at least 96%, at least 97 wt %, 70-95 wt %, 80-97 wt %, 90-95 wt
%, 90-96 wt %, 90-98 wt %, 95-98 wt %, less than 98 wt %, less than
97 wt %, less than 96 wt %, less than 95 wt %, less than 94 wt %,
and/or less than 93 wt %.
[0082] A4. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein zinc
and aluminum are at a combined concentration of at least 85 wt %,
at least 90 wt %, at least 95 wt %, at least 96 wt %, at least 97
wt %, at least 98 wt %, at least 99 wt %, at least 99.5 wt %, 85-99
wt %, 90-99 wt %, 95-99 wt %, less than 99.9 wt %, less than 99.5
wt %, less than 99 wt %, less than 98 wt %, less than 97 wt %, less
than 96 wt % and/or less than 95 wt %.
[0083] A5. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the
combination includes at least two of magnesium, copper, iron, and
nickel, optionally wherein the combination includes at least three
of magnesium, copper, iron, and nickel, and further optionally
wherein the combination includes all of magnesium, copper, iron,
and nickel.
[0084] A5.1 The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the
combination is at a concentration of less than 3 wt %, less than 2
wt %, less than 1.75 wt %, less than 1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %,
less than 0.75 wt %, less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.25 wt %, less
than 0.2 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than
0.025 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %,
2-0.25 wt %, 1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25 wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005
wt %, at least 0.1 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at
least 0.4 wt %, and/or at least 0.5 wt %.
[0085] A6. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A5.1, wherein the
combination includes magnesium and wherein magnesium is at a
concentration of less than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %, less than 1.75
wt %, less than 1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.75 wt %,
less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.25 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, less
than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.025 wt %, less than
0.02 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %,
2-0.25 wt %, 1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25 wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005
wt %, at least 0.005 wt %, at least 0.02 wt %, at least 0.05%, at
least 0.08%, at least 0.1 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %, at least 0.25
wt %, at least 0.4 wt %, and/or at least 0.5 wt %.
[0086] A7. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the
combination includes copper and copper is at a concentration of
less than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %, less than 1.75 wt %, less than
1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.75 wt %, less than 0.5 wt
%, less than 0.25 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %,
less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.025 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %,
less than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %, 2-0.25 wt %, 1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25
wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005 wt %, at least 0.1 wt %, at least
0.15 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least 0.4 wt %, and/or at least
0.5 wt %.
[0087] A8. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the
combination includes iron and iron is at a concentration of less
than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %, less than 1.75 wt %, less than 1.5
wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.75 wt %, less than 0 5 wt %,
less than 0.25 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %, less
than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.025 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less
than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %, 2-0.25 wt %, 1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25 wt
%, 0.5-0.11 wt %, 0.5-0.12 wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005 wt %,
at least 0.05 wt %, at least 0.1 wt %, at least 0.12 wt %, at least
0.15 wt %, at least 0.2 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least 0.3 wt
%, at least 0.4 wt %, and/or at least 0.5 wt %.
[0088] A9. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the
combination includes nickel and nickel is at a concentration of
less than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %, less than 1.75 wt %, less than
1.5 wt %, less than 1 wt %, less than 0.75 wt %, less than 0.5 wt
%, less than 0.25 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %,
less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.025 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %,
less than 0.005 wt %, 3-0.2 wt %, 2-0.25 wt %, 1.5-0.5 wt %, 1-0.25
wt %, 0.25-0.05 wt %, 0.02-0.005 wt %, 0.02-0.001 wt %, 0.01-0.005
wt %, at least 0.001 wt %, at least 0.002 wt %, at least 0.003 wt
%, at least 0.005 wt %, at least 0.01 wt %, at least 0.02 wt %, at
least 0.1 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least
0.4 wt %, and/or at least 0.5 wt %.
[0089] A10. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A9, further
comprising an impurity combination of at least one of lead,
cadmium, and tin.
[0090] A10.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A10, wherein the impurity
combination is at a concentration of less than 0.1 wt %, less than
0.05 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, less than
0.003 wt %, less than 0.002 wt %, less than 0.001 wt %, 0.1-0.001
wt %, 0.01-0.005 wt %, 0.005-0.001 wt %, at least 0.0005 wt %, at
least 0.001 wt %, and/or at least 0.003 wt %.
[0091] A10.2. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A10-A10.1,
wherein the impurity combination includes lead and lead is at a
concentration of less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than
0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, less than 0.003 wt %, less than
0.002 wt %, less than 0.001 wt %, 0.1-0.001 wt %, 0.01-0.005 wt %,
0.005-0.001 wt %, at least 0.0005 wt %, at least 0.001 wt %, and/or
at least 0.003 wt %.
[0092] A10.3. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A10-A10.2,
wherein the impurity combination includes cadmium and cadmium is at
a concentration of less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less
than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, less than 0.003 wt %, less
than 0.002 wt %, less than 0.001 wt %, 0.1-0.001 wt %, 0.01-0.005
wt %, 0.005-0.001 wt %, at least 0.0005 wt %, at least 0.001 wt %,
and/or at least 0.003 wt %.
[0093] A10.4. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A10-A10.3,
wherein the impurity combination includes tin and tin is at a
concentration of less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than
0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, less than 0.003 wt %, less than
0.002 wt %, less than 0.001 wt %, 0.1-0.001 wt %, 0.01-0.005 wt %,
0.005-0.001 wt %, at least 0.0005 wt %, at least 0.001 wt %, and/or
at least 0.003 wt %.
[0094] A11. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A10.4, wherein
the zinc alloy is essentially free of at least one of, and
optionally at least two, three, four, five, six, or all seven of,
copper, magnesium, iron, nickel, lead, cadmium, and tin.
[0095] A11.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A11, wherein the zinc
alloy is free of at least one of, and optionally at least two,
three, four, five, six, or all seven of, copper, magnesium, iron,
nickel, lead, cadmium, and tin.
[0096] A11.2. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A11-A11.1,
wherein the zinc alloy is essentially free of optionally free of at
least one of, and optionally at least two or all three of, lead,
cadmium, and tin.
[0097] A12. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A11.2, wherein
the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0098] one or more of, and optionally two or more of, at most 3.5%
Al, at most 0.025% Mg, at most 0.075% Fe, at least 4.3% Al, at
least 0.08% Mg, and at least 0.1% Fe; and
[0099] optionally at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at
least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, 90-95%,
90-96%, and/or 90-98% Zn.
[0100] A12.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A12, wherein the zinc
alloy comprises, by weight: one or more of, and optionally two of
more of, at most 3.5% Al, at most 0.025% Mg, and at most 0.075%
Fe.
[0101] A12.2. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A12-A12.1,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0102] at most 3.5% Al, at most 0.025% Mg, and/or at most 0.075%
Fe.
[0103] A12.3. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A12-A12.2,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0104] one or more of, and optionally two of more of, at least 4.3%
Al, at least 0.08% Mg, and at least 0.1% Fe; and
[0105] at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at
least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, and/or 90-95% Zn.
[0106] A12.4. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A12-A12.3,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0107] at least 4.3% Al, at least 0.08% Mg, and/or at least 0.1%
Fe; and
[0108] at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at
least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, and/or 90-95% Zn.
[0109] A13. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A12.4, wherein
the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0110] at most 4.0% Al;
[0111] at most 0.015% Mg;
[0112] at most 0.20% Cu;
[0113] optionally, at most 0.003% Pb;
[0114] optionally, at most 0.002% Cd;
[0115] optionally, at most 0.001% Sn;
[0116] at most 0.05% Fe; and
[0117] 0.005%-0.15% Ni.
[0118] A14. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the
zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0119] 2.45%-2.75% Al;
[0120] 0.005%-0.02% Mg;
[0121] at most 0.25% Cu;
[0122] optionally, at most 0.003% Pb;
[0123] optionally, at most 0.002% Cd;
[0124] optionally, at most 0.001% Sn;
[0125] at most 0.075% Fe; and
[0126] 0%-0.15% Ni.
[0127] A15. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the
zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0128] 3.5%-4.3% Al;
[0129] 0.005%-0.02% Mg;
[0130] at most 0.25% Cu;
[0131] optionally, at most 0.003% Pb;
[0132] optionally, at most 0.002% Cd;
[0133] optionally, at most 0.001% Sn;
[0134] at least 0.12%, at least 0.15%, at least 0.2%, at least
0.3%, at least 0.5%, 0.11-0.5%, and/or 0.12%-0.5% Fe;
[0135] 0.005%-0.02% Ni; and
[0136] at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at
least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, 90-95%, and/or 90-96%
Zn;
[0137] wherein the zinc alloy has a hardness of at least 10 BHN, at
least 20 BHN, at least 30 BHN, at least 40 BHN, about 60 BHN, about
45 BHN, about 36 BHN, about 30 BHN, less than 60 BHN, less than 50
BHN, less than 40 BHN, and/or less than 30 BHN.
[0138] A16. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein the
zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0139] at least 0.12%, at least 0.15%, at least 0.2%, at least
0.3%, at least 0.5%, 0.11-0.5%, and/or 0.12-0.5% Fe; and
[0140] at least 0.001%, at least 0.002%, at least 0.003%, at least
0.005%, at least 0.01%, at least 0.02%, 0.001-0.02%, 0.005-0.01%,
less than 0.1%, and/or less than 0.05% Ni.
[0141] A16.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A16, wherein the zinc
alloy comprises, by weight:
[0142] 3.5%-4.3% Al;
[0143] 0.025%-0.05% Mg;
[0144] at most 0.25% Cu;
[0145] optionally, at most 0.005% Pb;
[0146] optionally, at most 0.004% Cd; and
[0147] optionally, at most 0.003% Sn.
[0148] A17. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A16.1, wherein
the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0149] 3.5%-4.3% or 3.9%-4.3% Al;
[0150] 0.025%-0.05% Mg;
[0151] at most 0.25% Cu;
[0152] optionally, at most 0.005% Pb;
[0153] optionally, at most 0.004% Cd;
[0154] optionally, at most 0.003% Sn;
[0155] at least 0.12% Fe; and
[0156] at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at
least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, 90-95%, and/or 90-96%
Zn.
[0157] A18. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein the
zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0158] 3.5%-5.1% Al;
[0159] at least 0.05% or at least 0.08% Mg;
[0160] optionally, at most 0.25% Cu;
[0161] optionally, at most 0.005% Pb;
[0162] optionally, at most 0.004% Cd;
[0163] optionally, at most 0.003% Sn;
[0164] at least 0.05% Fe; and
[0165] at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at
least 93%, at least 95%, 70-95%, 80-95%, 90-95%, and/or 90-96%
Zn.
[0166] A18.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A18, wherein the zinc
alloy comprises at least 0.12% Fe.
[0167] A18.2. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.1,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises at most 0.1% Fe.
[0168] A18.3. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.2,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 3.5%-4.3% Al.
[0169] A18.4. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.3,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 3.9%-4.3% Al.
[0170] A18.5. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.4,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 3.9%-5.1% Al.
[0171] A18.6. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.5,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 4.4%-5.1% Al.
[0172] A18.7. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A18-A18.6,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 4.9%-5.1% Al.
[0173] A19. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A18.7, wherein
the zinc alloy comprises, by weight:
[0174] 4.4%-5.1% Al;
[0175] 0.025%-0.05% Mg;
[0176] at most 0.25% Cu;
[0177] optionally, at most 0.005% Pb;
[0178] optionally, at most 0.004% Cd;
[0179] optionally, at most 0.003% Sn; and
[0180] at most 0.1%, at most 0.12%, at most 0.15%, or at most 0.2%
Fe.
[0181] A19.1. The zinc alloy of paragraph A19, wherein the zinc
alloy comprises 4.65%-4.95% Al.
[0182] A19.2. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A19-A19.1,
wherein the zinc alloy comprises 4.9%-5.1% Al.
[0183] A20. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A19.2, wherein
the zinc alloy is a ballistic zinc alloy.
[0184] A21. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the
zinc alloy is at least one of a frangible zinc alloy and a ductile
zinc alloy.
[0185] A22. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the
zinc alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of 200-420 MPa, 240-380
MPa, 270-350 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 240 MPa, at least 270
MPa, at least 310 MPa, at least 340 MPa, less than 420 MPa, less
than 350 MPa, less than 310 MPa, and/or less than 280 MPa.
[0186] A23. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the
zinc alloy has a yield strength of at least 200-420 MPa, 240-380
MPa, 270-350 MPa, at least 70 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 240
MPa, at least 270 MPa, at least 310 MPa, at least 340 MPa, less
than 420 MPa, less than 350 MPa, less than 310 MPa, less than 280
MPa, and/or less than 200 MPa.
[0187] A24. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the
zinc alloy has a percent elongation at fracture of 4-30%, 5-30%,
7.5-20%, 10-25%, 6-40%, 8-30%, 12-30%, 10-20%, at least 5%, at
least 10%, at least 12%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%,
at least 30%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less
than 20%, and/or less than 15%.
[0188] A25. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein the
zinc alloy has a shear strength of at least 160 MPa, at least 180
MPa, at least 200 MPa, less than 280 MPa, less than 220 MPa, less
than 200 MPa, and/or less than 180 MPa.
[0189] A26. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein the
zinc alloy has a hardness of at least 10 BHN, at least 20 BHN, at
least 30 BHN, at least 40 BHN, less than 60 BHN, less than 50 BHN,
less than 40 BHN, and/or less than 30 BHN.
[0190] A27. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the
zinc alloy has a composition that differs from a Zamak alloy
composition.
[0191] A28. The zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein any
of the preceding individual and/or collective concentrations are
"about" the value recited in the preceding paragraphs.
[0192] A29. The use of the zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A28
as at least one of a firearm projectile, a portion of a firearm
projectile, a component of a firearm cartridge, a bullet, a nose
portion of a bullet, a core of a firearm projectile, and a shot
pellet.
[0193] B1. A firearm projectile including the zinc alloy of any of
paragraphs A1-A28.
[0194] B2. The firearm projectile of paragraph Bi, wherein the
firearm projectile is at least one of a bullet, a slug, a pellet,
shot, and a shot pellet, and optionally wherein the firearm
projectile is configured to be received within a standard firearm
cartridge.
[0195] B3. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B2,
wherein the firearm projectile is at least one of a frangible
firearm projectile, a ductile firearm projectile, a hollow-point
firearm projectile, an expanding firearm projectile, and a
mushrooming firearm projectile.
[0196] B4. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B3,
wherein the firearm projectile includes a nose portion that
includes the zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A28.
[0197] B4.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B4, wherein the
nose portion consists essentially of the zinc alloy of any of
paragraphs A1-A28.
[0198] B5. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B4.1,
wherein the firearm projectile includes a core that includes the
zinc alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A28.
[0199] B5.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B5, wherein the
core consists essentially of the zinc alloy of any of paragraphs
A1-A28.
[0200] B6. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B5.1,
wherein the firearm projectile includes a shank portion.
[0201] B6.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B6 wherein the
shank portion consists essentially of materials other than the zinc
alloy of any of paragraphs A1-A28.
[0202] B6.2. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B6-B6.1,
when depending from B4 or B4.1, wherein the shank portion consists
essentially of a different material than the nose portion.
[0203] B6.3. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B6-B6.2,
wherein the shank portion includes at least one of steel and
copper.
[0204] B6.4. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B6-B6.3,
wherein the shank portion consists essentially of at least one of
steel and copper-clad steel.
[0205] B7. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B6.4,
wherein the firearm projectile includes a jacket.
[0206] B7.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B7, wherein the
jacket includes at least one of gilding metal and copper.
[0207] B7.2. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B7-B7.1,
wherein the jacket consists essentially of at least one of gilding
metal and copper.
[0208] B8. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B7.2,
wherein the firearm projectile includes at least one of an exterior
coating and a surface coating.
[0209] B9. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B8,
wherein the firearm projectile is configured to mushroom upon
impact with a target.
[0210] B9.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B9, wherein the
firearm projectile has a diameter and wherein the firearm
projectile is configured to expand in diameter by an amount
selected from the group of at least 10%, at least 25%, at least
50%, at least 75%, and at least 100%, upon impact with the
target.
[0211] B9.2. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B9-B9.1,
wherein the impact is impact with ordinance gelatin.
[0212] B9.3. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B9-B9.2,
wherein the impact results from firing the firearm projectile from
a firearm, optionally at a speed of about 750 m/s.
[0213] B10. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B9.3,
wherein the firearm projectile is configured to fragment into
particles upon impact with a target.
[0214] B10.1. The firearm projectile of paragraph B10, wherein the
maximum size of the particles is 5 grains, 0.324 g, 0.33 g, and/or
0.3 g.
[0215] B 10.2. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs
B10-B10.1, wherein the impact is impact with a steel target.
[0216] B10.3. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs
B10-B10.2, wherein the impact results from firing the firearm
projectile from a firearm, optionally at a speed of about 750
m/s.
[0217] B11. The firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B10.3,
wherein the firearm projectile is heat treated, optionally wherein
the firearm projectile has been subjected to a temperature of
90.degree. C.-120.degree. C. for a period of at least 2 hours
and/or less than 6 hours.
[0218] C1. A firearm cartridge, comprising:
[0219] a casing adapted to be received into a firearm;
[0220] a primer and a propellant within the casing; and
[0221] the firearm projectile of any of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein
the firearm projectile is at least partially received into the
casing.
[0222] C2. The firearm cartridge of paragraph C1, wherein the
firearm cartridge is at least one of a bullet cartridge, a shot
shell, a shot cartridge, a slug shell, and a slug cartridge.
[0223] C3. The firearm cartridge of any of paragraphs C1-C2,
wherein the firearm cartridge comprises a plurality of the firearm
projectiles.
[0224] Unless otherwise specified, any compositional percentages
provided herein are in weight percent, or "wt %." When ranges or
maximum/minimum bounds for a property or other value are presented
herein, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
value additionally or alternatively may be within a range that is
bounded by any of the disclosed maximum/minimum (at least, less
then, etc.) values and/or may be a value that is within any of the
disclosed ranges/bounds. For example, a value of 5-10, at least 4,
and less than 15 may include such illustrative values as 3, 4, 4.2,
5.1, 6, 9, 10, 10.5, 14, 15, and 16, as well as such ranges as
4-10, 5-15, and 4-15.
[0225] As used herein, the teim "and/or" placed between a first
entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2)
the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity.
Multiple entities listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so conjoined.
Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" may
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities
may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations,
values, and the like.
[0226] As used herein, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a
list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least
one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list
of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and
not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities.
This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present
other than the entities specifically identified within the list of
entities to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other entities). In other words, the
phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and/or" are open-ended
expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation.
For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C,"
"at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or
more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" may mean A alone, B alone,
C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B
and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with
at least one other entity.
[0227] As used herein, the phrase, "for example," the phrase, "as
an example," and/or simply the term "example," when used with
reference to one or more components, features, details, structures,
embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure,
are intended to convey that the described component, feature,
detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an example of
components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or
methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described
component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is
not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and
other components, features, details, structures, embodiments,
and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar
and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures,
embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0228] In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other
references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a
term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise
inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the
present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the
non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control,
and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control
with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or
the incorporated disclosure was present originally.
[0229] As used herein the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean
that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed
and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the
terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be construed to mean
that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply
"capable of" performing a given function but that the element,
component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected,
created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the
purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of
the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other
recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform
a particular function may additionally or alternatively be
described as being configured to perform that function, and vice
versa.
[0230] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties
disclosed herein. Similarly, when the disclosure or subsequently
filed claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent
thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation
of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two
or more such elements.
[0231] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to
one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new
claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or
directed to the same invention, whether different, broader,
narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also
regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of
the present disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0232] The systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to
the firearm and ammunition fields.
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