U.S. patent application number 16/737895 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 for multipurpose projectile for use in sporting competition or armor penetration.
The applicant listed for this patent is Austin Thomas Jones. Invention is credited to Austin Thomas Jones.
Application Number | 20200284563 16/737895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004868368 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200284563/US20200284563A1-20200910-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200284563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Austin Thomas |
September 10, 2020 |
MULTIPURPOSE PROJECTILE FOR USE IN SPORTING COMPETITION OR ARMOR
PENETRATION
Abstract
A type of multipurpose projectile is presented which comprises a
metal core fixed within a polymer jacket, both of which are
independently producible, and may be bonded together with an
adhesive. Said projectile is capable of higher velocity and lower
recoil than other like projectiles when properly used in a firearm.
In some embodiments, said projectile also excels at penetrating
armor, and in others is also desirable for use with hard sporting
targets. Preferred embodiments for penetrating armor are also
uniquely legal to be manufactured or imported for general use under
US federal law. Said projectile may find appreciable use against
modern engineered armors, against dangerous or threatening animals,
in game hunting, and in sport and competition shooting, and is
specifically designed to be produced with cheaper and/or more
available tools relative to other jacketed projectiles.
Inventors: |
Jones; Austin Thomas;
(Norman, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jones; Austin Thomas |
Norman |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004868368 |
Appl. No.: |
16/737895 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62789521 |
Jan 8, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/78 20130101;
F42B 12/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/06 20060101
F42B012/06; F42B 12/78 20060101 F42B012/78 |
Claims
1. A solid and cohesive multicomponent projectile which may be used
in a handgun or a long gun comprising: a. an independently
producible voluminous polymer jacket, and b. an independently
producible metal core fixed within said polymer jacket.
2. The projectile of claim 1 in which further a quantity of
adhesive between corresponding joint surfaces on the polymer jacket
and metal core is utilized to bond together said core and jacket
and ensure cohesion of the entire projectile during the course of
ballistic flight.
3. The projectile of claim 1 in which also the composition of the
metal core excludes compositions entirely (excluding the presence
of traces of other substances) of one or a combination of Tungsten
alloys, Steel, Iron, Brass, Bronze, Beryllium Copper, or Depleted
Uranium, and in which also the weight of the polymer jacket is less
than 25 percent that of the entire projectile.
4. The projectile of claim 2 in which also the composition of the
metal core excludes compositions entirely (excluding the presence
of traces of other substances) of one or a combination of Tungsten
alloys, Steel, Iron, Brass, Bronze, Beryllium Copper, or Depleted
Uranium, and in which also the weight of the polymer jacket is less
than 25 percent that of the entire projectile.
5. The projectile of claim 3 in which also the metal core is
specifically composed of Cobalt or a Cobalt alloy.
6. The projectile of claim 4 in which also the metal core is
specifically composed of Cobalt or a Cobalt alloy.
7. The projectile of claim 3 in which also the metal core is
composed of metal of sufficiently low durability as to fail to in
any way deform 1/4'' thick steel plate of 500 Brinell hardness on
impact when fired at the plate in an otherwise usual manner.
8. The projectile of claim 4 in which also the metal core is
composed of metal of sufficiently low durability as to fail to in
any way deform 1/4'' thick steel plate of 500 Brinell hardness on
impact when fired at the plate in an otherwise usual manner.
9. The projectile of claim 1 in which also the polymer jacket is
specifically composed of PEI (polyetherimide) polymer.
10. The projectile of claim 2 in which also the polymer jacket is
specifically composed of PEI (polyetherimide) polymer.
11. The projectile of claim 1 in which also the polymer jacket
forms a cup around the metal core so that the rear of the metal
core is enclosed by the polymer jacket while the polymer jacket is
open at the forward end of the projectile such to expose the tip of
the metal core.
12. The projectile of claim 2 in which also the polymer jacket
forms a cup around the metal core so that the rear of the metal
core is enclosed by the polymer jacket while the polymer jacket is
open at the forward end of the projectile such to expose the tip or
forward end of the metal core.
13. The projectile of claim 1 in which also said metal core is
pointed at the forward end of the projectile so to minimize general
sectional area of the tip of said metal core orthogonal to the axis
of general symmetry of the projectile.
14. The projectile of claim 2 in which also said metal core is
pointed at the forward end of the projectile so to minimize general
sectional area of the tip of said metal core orthogonal to the axis
of general symmetry of the projectile.
15. The projectile of claim 1 in which also said metal core is
blunt or concave toward the forward end of the projectile so to
maximize general sectional area of the tip of said metal core
orthogonal to the axis of general symmetry of the projectile.
16. The projectile of claim 2 in which also said metal core is
blunt or concave toward the forward end of the projectile so to
maximize general sectional area of the tip of said metal core
orthogonal to the axis of general symmetry of the projectile.
17. The projectile of claim 11 in which also the polymer jacket
ogive extends forward of the joint surface of the metal core such
to produce a cavity or hollow bounded by the wall of the polymer
jacket and the forward tip and/or end of the metal core such to
initiate and/or augment fragmentation and/or expansion of the
polymer jacket by hydrostatic shock upon impact into a dense
ballistically fluid medium.
18. The projectile of claim 12 in which also the polymer jacket
ogive extends forward of the joint surface of the metal core such
to produce a cavity or hollow bounded by the wall of the polymer
jacket and the forward tip and/or end of the metal core such to
initiate and/or augment fragmentation and/or expansion of the
polymer jacket by hydrostatic shock upon impact into a dense
ballistically fluid medium.
19. The projectile of claim 2 in which also the quantity of
adhesive is of any type of adhesive, including but not limited to,
epoxy, cyanoacrylate, acrylate, methacrylate, urethane, and
silicone.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/789,521, filed Jan. 8,
2019, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e). The No. 62/789,521
provisional patent application is herein incorporated by this
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present inventive subject matter relates to ballistic
projectiles for use in firearms. More particularly, the inventive
subject matter relates to projectiles designed and/or intended to
easily penetrate armor when used in a firearm by virtue of their
construction. Said inventive matter also particularly relates to
projectiles which may be preferable for use in target shooting for
exhibiting inability to inflict damage to hard sporting targets by
virtue of their construction.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional projectiles include commercially available
projectiles of solid Lead alloy and projectiles of a Lead or Lead
alloy core which are jacketed or plated in a Copper or Copper
alloy, which account for the vast majority of projectiles for use
in firearms. Conventional projectiles further include commercially
available projectiles of a Lead alloy core which are jacketed in a
polymer coating of a thickness less than 0.02'' (inches). Further
still, conventional projectiles include projectiles otherwise
identical to projectiles described above except in which Zinc alloy
and/or Bismuth alloy compose the projectile or projectile core in
lieu of Lead or Lead alloy. Further still, conventional projectiles
include commercially available projectiles composed of monolithic
solid Copper or Copper alloy, and those composed of a Copper
composite or sintered Copper or Copper alloy. Those knowledgeable
of firearms will agree that it is rare to find ammunition now in
use which is not described above, and the above descriptions are to
be referenced in conjunction with "more conventional projectiles"
and other terms used herein to refer to more typical projectile
construction.
[0004] More conventional projectiles are limited in ability to
penetrate targets, including armor, because of compositions of
non-durable materials, excessive weight which limits ballistic
velocity, and/or a non-ideal shape for maximizing penetration
ability. Projectiles have therefore been designed and used to
penetrate armor which reliably penetrate armor by virtue of
composition of high durability material, increased velocity, and/or
ideal shape for armor penetration. Typically, such projectiles
either comprise a Steel or Tungsten alloy core in a metal jacket,
or a Steel or Tungsten alloy projectile contained within a
discarding sabot.
[0005] However, the Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of
1985, the text of which is incorporated by reference herein,
effectively criminalized the manufacture and importation of "armor
piercing ammunition" for use by the general population. "Armor
piercing ammunition" is defined in the Act and in 18 U.S.C. .sctn.
921(a)(17)(B) as: [0006] "(i) a projectile or projectile core which
may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely
(excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or
a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze,
beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or [0007] (ii) a full
jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended
for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25
percent of the total weight of the projectile." Despite this
definition, a projectile or projectile core of sufficient
durability, velocity, and shape may maximize armor penetration, and
this may be achieved by projectiles which do not fit the given
definition of "armor piercing ammunition". The language of the
prohibition applies only to handgun ammunition, but the advent of
pistols chambered for rifle cartridges has allowed controllers to
enforce the regulation on projectiles for many common rifle
cartridges as well Now there is a market demand for armor-piercing
ammunition which is partially filled by illegal and/or black-market
sources. Consumers wish to possess such ammunition for
antipersonnel capability, for use against animals, to utilize the
unique ballistic properties of such ammunition, out of curiosity,
and for sport and entertainment.
[0008] The word "armor" used in any description of this inventive
subject matter is to be broadly interpreted to mean any protective
layer on and/or around and/or in front of any ballistic target,
including but not limited to, garments and barriers intended for
ballistic protection, garments and barriers not intended for
ballistic protection, and/or animal hide and tissue Therefore,
projectiles designed and used to penetrate armor may find broad and
appreciable application in hunting and protection from dangerous
and/or threatening wildlife and/or animals in addition to
antipersonnel application.
[0009] Projectiles designed and used to penetrate armor are
typically significantly lacking in terminal performance associated
with projectile expansion and/or fragmentation relative to
projectiles intended to increase wound trauma, including but not
limited to more conventional projectiles of a "hollow point"
design, described later. Such terminal trauma is typically
desirable in hunting and combat applications, but users must choose
between projectiles which optimize wound trauma and those which
maximize armor penetration. A projectile may then be uniquely
desirable for versatility if it may expand and/or fragment while
also able to penetrate armor.
[0010] In addition, conventional projectiles which more easily
and/or greatly experience structural failure on impact with hard
targets are typically preferred for shooting sport and competition
targets, including but not limited to those cut from steel plate of
at least 500 Brinell hardness and at least 1/4'' in thickness, as
they may fail to damage, or minimize damage to, said targets.
However, the lighter mass and increased velocity typical of
projectiles designed and used to penetrate armor may also be
favorable in sporting competitions to reduce recoil and flatten
ballistic trajectory, respectively A projectile may then be
uniquely desirable for use in sport and/or competition if it is
lighter and faster than more conventional projectiles while also
unable to significantly damage hard targets used in sport and
competition.
[0011] Conventional projectiles may be relatively easy to produce
with tools appropriate for home manufacture by casting if composed
only of a solid castable element or alloy, or with general tools if
machined of Copper or Copper alloy, but conventional projectiles
and many designed and used to penetrate armor which bear any type
of jacket require special equipment to apply jackets as a coating
or plating, or swage them on, as with sheet copper. Further then, a
jacket cannot be fully formed until simultaneously assembled with
the core. The first of these factors limits the production of such
ammunition only to facilities which possess such specialized tools,
potentially increasing cost and decreasing availability. The second
of these factors prevents modularity in projectile construction,
and precludes the versatility and efficiency benefits of
interchangeable parts. A projectile construction in which both the
core and jacket are independently producible, that is, able to be
fully formed independent of the other, may not be limited by either
factor.
SUMMARY
[0012] The term "armor" used herein is to be broadly interpreted to
mean any outer protective layer on and/or around and/or in front of
any ballistic target, including but not limited to, garments and
barriers intended for ballistic protection, garments and barriers
not intended for ballistic protection, and animal hide, bone, and
tissue.
[0013] A projectile to be used in a firearm is comprised of: [0014]
i. a polymer jacket and [0015] ii. a metal core which is enveloped
by and fixed within said jacket.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, a quantity of adhesive is utilized
for fixing the metal core into the polymer jacket.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the compositions and weights of
said core and said jacket are such as to disqualify said projectile
as "armor piercing ammunition" defined by the Code of Federal
Regulations and/or United States Code, including but not limited to
18 U.S.C. .sctn. 921(a)(17)(B), when used in a handgun.
[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the physical properties of
this specified projectile are such as to enable this specified
projectile to exhibit an initially flatter trajectory than more
conventional projectiles when fired in an otherwise identical
fashion without causing excessive damage to many hard sporting
targets, including but not limited to targets composed of steel of
500 Brinell Hardness, by virtue of a non-durable composition, blunt
shape, and light weight (which enables high velocity).
[0019] In other exemplary embodiments, the physical properties of
this specified projectile are such as to enable this specified
projectile to penetrate armor more effectively than more
conventional projectiles when fired in an otherwise identical
fashion, by virtue of durable composition, pointed shape, and light
weight (which enables high velocity).
[0020] According to some exemplary embodiments, the physical
geometry of this specified projectile is further constructed such
as to promote and/or augment expansion and/or fragmentation in
terminal ballistics upon impact relative to other projectile
designs intended to penetrate armor when fired in an otherwise
identical fashion.
[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments, there is provided a
metal core of said projectile of composition and properties which
mitigate damage to hard sporting targets shot with said projectile,
such as those cut from steel plate of at least 500 Brinell hardness
and at least 1/4'' in thickness, and a method for producing said
core.
[0022] According to other exemplary embodiments, there is provided
a metal core of said projectile of composition and properties which
enhance armor penetration ability of said core, and a method for
producing said core.
[0023] According to one aspect, there is provided a polymer jacket
of said projectile and a method for producing said jacket.
[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a
method for assembling and producing said projectile with said
constituent components.
[0025] According to preferred embodiments, the construction of the
specified projectile is such as to ensure easier and/or cheaper
home or light commercial manufacture than more conventional
projectiles of multipart construction.
[0026] According to another aspect, both the metal core and the
polymer jacket of the specified projectile are produced independent
of the other such that said components are interchangeable with
others of the same.
[0027] According to some embodiments, said projectile may be used
for hunting game animals which may possess armor which may
otherwise be more difficult to penetrate or when there may be armor
positioned between a hunter and a game animal.
[0028] According to some embodiments, said projectile may be used
in the course of defense against dangerous wildlife and hostile
animals, including but not limited to, canines, bears, wildcats,
cervids, and bovine which may possess armor which may otherwise be
more difficult to penetrate or when there may be armor positioned
between a shooter and dangerous wildlife or hostile animals.
[0029] According to some embodiments, said projectile may be used
for combat against personnel in which there may exist armor
positioned between a shooter and the bodies of target
personnel.
[0030] According to some embodiments, said projectile may be used
for combat or hunting or sporting competition in which low recoil
may be favored.
[0031] According to yet another aspect, said projectile may be used
for hunting and/or defense against animals and/or combat and/or
sporting competition in which a projectile of high velocity and/or
flat trajectory and/or lighter recoil is favored.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0032] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated to more completely confer the matter, mode, and
advantages of the present disclosure, and the inventive matter is
not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which
like reference characters designate same or similar elements
throughout the several views, and in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a preferred embodiment
of the described projectile, specifically of 9 mm caliber, which is
preferred for use in penetrating armor, comprised of a Cobalt alloy
core within a PEI (Ultem.RTM.) jacket.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a profile view of the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1, in which the forward end of the projectile faces
upward.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,
sectioned on the plane 1-1 indicated in FIG. 2. Further, a detail
view is pulled out to better depict the joint surfaces of the core
and jacket and the gap between them.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts a dimensioned, profile-view mechanical
drawing of the Cobalt alloy core found in the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 1, in which the forward end of the projectile faces upward.
Dimensions are in inches.
[0037] FIG. 5 depicts a dimensioned, profile-view mechanical
drawing of the PEI jacket found in the embodiment depicted in FIG.
1, in which the forward end of the projectile faces upward.
Dimensions are in inches.
[0038] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary
embodiment of the described projectile for use in another exemplary
caliber, which is generally shaped such to minimize air drag.
[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a profile view of the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 6, in which the forward end of the projectile faces
upward.
[0040] FIG. 8 depicts a view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6,
sectioned on the plane 2-2 indicated in FIG. 7.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary
embodiment of the described projectile, which is preferred for use
in sporting and/or competition purposes in which it is favorable to
avoid damage to hard targets, comprised of a frangible Sintered
Copper core within a polymer jacket.
[0042] FIG. 10 depicts a profile view of the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 9, in which the forward end of the projectile faces
upward.
[0043] FIG. 11 depicts a view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9,
sectioned on the plane 3-3 indicated in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/789,521, filed Jan. 8,
2019, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e). The No. 62/789,521
provisional patent application is herein incorporated by this
reference in its entirety.
[0045] The present inventive subject matter comprises ammunition
which when properly employed may enable handguns and long guns to
more easily penetrate armor than the same operating with more
conventional projectiles, while maintaining compliance with federal
prohibitions on the manufacture and importation of "armor piercing
ammunition" for general use. The term "armor" used herein is to be
broadly interpreted to mean any outer protective layer on or around
any ballistic target, including but not limited to, garments and
barriers intended for ballistic protection, garments and barriers
not intended for ballistic protection, and animal hide, bone, and
tissue. Therefore the present disclosure pertains to both use
against animals, including but not limited to cases of game hunting
and protection from dangerous or threatening animals, and against
personnel, including but not limited to personnel who may be
wearing body armor and the same who may be obscured by substantial
barriers. Additionally, the higher velocity and lower recoil
featured in such a projectile may offer significant advantages in
sport and/or competition shooting when deviated somewhat from
embodiments preferred for armor penetration.
[0046] The presently described projectile comprises: [0047] 1. a
metal core 11 and [0048] 2. a polymer jacket 12 in which said metal
core 11 is centered and fixed within said polymer jacket 12 to form
a cohesive projectile which survives intact during ballistic flight
until impact, and in which both said core and said jacket may be
produced independent of the other. Preferred embodiments also
utilize a quantity of adhesive for fixing said core 11 within said
jacket 12.
[0049] In embodiments of the described projectile preferred to
penetrate armor, while the core 11 and jacket 12 remain fixed and
cohesive during the course of ballistic flight, the metal core 11
functions as a penetrator on impact with armor, while the jacket 12
is intended to cause auxiliary damage and/or disintegrate on
impact, being shed from the core 11 by drag forces induced by the
target or armor thereof. In embodiments of the described projectile
preferable to shoot hard sporting targets, including but not
limited to those cut from steel plate of at least 500 Brinell
hardness and at least 1/4'' in thickness, both metal core 11 and
polymer jacket 12 are intended to disintegrate easily and quickly
on impact, experiencing total structural failure such that the
intended metal target remains significantly undamaged.
[0050] Features and aspects of the described projectile will be
disclosed in light of exemplary and/or preferred embodiments which
are not to be construed as limiting of the scope and variation of
the inventive matter Discussed first are features, aspects, and
embodiments of the metal core 11, followed by those of the polymer
jacket 12, then those of the whole projectile and assembly thereof,
and finally concise instructions for the production of an exemplary
embodiment.
[0051] Pertaining to the metal core 11 present in the described
projectile:
[0052] The most critical features of the specified metal core 11 to
maximize ability to penetrate armor are a composition and geometry
of high density and high resistance to deformation. Maximizing
resistance to deformation of a ballistic penetrator, in this case
said metal core 11, is in part further accomplished by maximizing
toughness, that is the ability to resist structural failure on
impact in both the ductile and brittle modes. A ballistic
penetrator of high density is desirable for the penetration of
armor to increase penetrator ballistic momentum per unit of
penetrator volume, so to minimize velocity loss during momentum
transfer on impact. Desirable density is further driven by the
inability of firearms in general to impart as much kinetic energy
into a projectile of lower mass as into a projectile of higher
mass, in addition to lighter projectile mass causing an increase in
adverse kinetic effects of air drag on ballistic trajectory and
characteristics. Further still, many autoloading firearms rely on a
projectile of sufficiently heavy mass to impart sufficient recoil
into the firearm as to cycle the action of the firearm, and
projectiles of insufficient mass may cause failure to cycle a
firearm action. It is therefore evident to the inventor that only
metals of densities exceeding about 7 g/cc (grains per cubic
centimeter) should be considered for use in the composition of the
core 11 of the described projectile, and all preferable embodiments
of the presently described projectile possess a metal core 11 of at
least 7 g/cc in density. However, high velocity is also an aspect
of a ballistic penetrator effective against armor, which may be
enabled by weight reduction. In light of the preceding, it may
advantageous to utilize a metal to compose said core 11 which is
less dense than the Lead or Lead alloys (about 11 g/cc) which
compose the majority of more conventional projectiles.
[0053] To ensure that neither the specified projectile nor the core
11 of the projectile is generally restricted under federal law to
manufacture if it may be used in a handgun, said core 11 must not
be composed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other
substances) of one or a combination of Tungsten alloys, Steel,
Iron, Brass. Bronze, Beryllium Copper, Depleted Uranium. or any
other material which may classify a projectile or projectile core
11 as "armor piercing ammunition" under the Code of Federal
Regulations and/or United States Code, including but not limited to
18 U.S.C. .sctn. 921(a)(17)(B). Of the few material options of
desirable density and toughness which remain excluded from the
definition of "armor piercing ammunition", the inventor understands
elemental Cobalt and Cobalt alloys to be the only practical
materials for use in a penetrator more capable of penetrating
modern engineered armors, that is armors which utilize modern
technology and are specifically designed to function as armor, than
more conventional projectiles which may be used in a handgun and
fired in an otherwise identical manner.
[0054] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred
embodiment for use in a 9 mm caliber firearm in applications in
which it is favorable to maximize ability to penetrate armor. The
same embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. A
specific Cobalt alloy known by compositional designation UNS
R30035, and commonly referred to by the trademark name MP35N.TM.,
composes the core 11 of said embodiment of the projectile, which is
further illustrated in FIG. 4, and the core 11 of other embodiments
preferred to penetrate armor. Illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and
FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the described projectile in another
caliber which may maximize legally unrestricted armor penetration
when the core 11 is composed of Cobalt or a Cobalt alloy including
but not limited to UINS R30035 In other embodiments, the core 11
may be composed of one or more of the materials said above to
define "armor piercing ammunition" under the Code of Federal
Regulations and/or United States Code, including but not limited to
18 U.S.C. .sctn. 921(a)(17)(B), many of which may also be useful to
compose a penetrator effective in penetrating modern engineered
armors, and many of which may be useful to penetrate other types of
armor.
[0055] In still other embodiments, the core 11 may be composed of
any metal of desirable density which is not Cobalt or Cobalt alloy
nor would classify the projectile or projectile core 11 as "armor
piercing ammunition" under the Code of Federal Regulations and/or
United States Code, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. .sctn.
921(a)(17)(B). Such embodiments may be intended and/or more
appropriate for the penetration of armor other than modem
engineered armor, including but not limited to, animal hide, bone,
animal flesh, construction materials, and natural objects. Some
projectiles intended for use against such non-engineered armors may
be often referred to as "barrier blind", and embodiments of the
described projectile intended for use against such non-engineered
armors may find useful purpose in applications including but not
limited to, hunting and protection from dangerous and/or
threatening animals and more general personal defense, in which the
user may desire lower recoil and/or increased ballistic velocity
and/or a small increase in penetration ability relative to more
conventional projectiles.
[0056] In another preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG.
10, and FIG. 11, the core 11 is composed of a desirably dense metal
which is also sufficiently weak, and/or brittle, and/or soft as to
experience such structural failure upon ballistic impact, in either
brittle or ductile modes, with a hard sporting and/or competition
target, including but not limited to those cut from steel plate of
at least 500 Brinell Hardness and at least 1/4'' in thickness, as
to fail to damage or deform said target, such as but not limited to
Zinc or Zinc alloys or Copper or Copper alloys or Lead or Lead
alloys or Bismuth or Bismuth alloys. Sintered Copper often composes
more conventional projectiles of a frangible construction (as
exhibited by U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,454, the text of which is
incorporated herein by reference) and also composes the core 11 of
embodiments most preferred for applications involving hard sporting
targets or other targets which are unfavorable to penetrate or
damage while it is favorable to maximize velocity and/or minimize
recoil relative to more conventional ammunition such as that
illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11.
[0057] Seen also in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7,
and FIG. 8, which depict embodiments preferred for penetrating
armor, and present also in other embodiments preferred for
penetrating armor, is a metal core 11 which is pointed on the
forward end of the projectile so to produce a tip 41 geometry which
reduces sectional area at the forward end, or tip 41, of the core
11 relative to the widest section of said core 11, sectioned in
planes orthogonal to the axis of general symmetry of the
projectile. The exemplary preferred embodiments for armor
penetration illustrated in said figures possess a conic and
conicoid (solid of revolved conic section), respectively, as a tip
41 geometry which minimizes sectional area. Other embodiments
possessing reduced tip 41 sectional area may utilize any geometry
which reduces sectional area at the tip 41, including but not
limited to, revolution of a conic section, conicoid, revolution of
a spline, cone, wedge, and pyramid. Such reduction in tip 41
sectional area may increase armor penetration ability by further
increasing resistance to deformation of the metal core 11, by
presenting a more stable geometry for on which the target body to
act. Such reduction in tip 41 geometry may still further increase
armor penetration ability by concentrating impact loading on the
armor imparted by the penetrator on a smaller volume of the
armor.
[0058] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG.
10, and FIG. 11, and in other embodiments which are preferred for
sporting and/or competition shooting in which is unfavorable damage
to hard targets, including but not limited to those cut from steel
plate of at least 500 Brinell hardness and at least 1/4'' in
thickness, the metal core 11 of the described projectile is blunt
on the forward end or tip 41 such that the sectional area of the
tip 41 is not generally significantly smaller than that of the
widest section of the core 11, sections in planes orthogonal to the
symmetrical axis of the projectile. In the preferred embodiment
illustrated in said figures, the tip 41 of the core 11 is flat and
orthogonal to the symmetrical axis of the projectile. In other
embodiments, preferred for such use in sport and/or competition
shooting, the tip 41 geometry may be slightly concave or slightly
convex or of any other geometry which does not generally
significantly reduce the sectional area of the tip 41 relative to
the widest section of the core 11. Such a blunt tip 41 decreases
armor penetration ability of a projectile and/or penetrator due to
same mechanics described above which cause pointed tips 41 to
increase armor penetration ability.
[0059] The core 11 of the described projectile possesses a body 42,
which is the portion of the core 11 which lies rearward of any
distinct forward end or tip 41 geometry and/or forward of any
distinct geometry at the rear end 43 of the core 11, depending on
the presence or non-presence of distinct forward end 41 and/or rear
end 43 geometry. In the absence of any distinct geometry at either
end of the core 11, the entire core 11 is the body 42 of the core
1, such as a core 11 in the shape of a perfect sphere or perfect
cylinder. In preferred embodiments, the described projectile
possesses a core 11 of a cylindrical body 42. In less preferred
embodiments, the body 42 of said core 11 may be in the shape of a
linear extrusion of any sectional shape including but not limited
to a regular polygon or star pattern. In still other embodiments,
said body 42 of said core 11 of preferred embodiments is tapered
from one end to the other, spherical, of conicoid shape, or
otherwise irregular and/or non-constant in profile. The outer
surface of said core 11 body constitutes the "joint surface" 34 of
the metal core 11, which interfaces at least somewhat with an
associated joint surface 35 on the polymer jacket 12 of the
described projectile.
[0060] Another feature of preferred embodiments of the described
projectile is clearly seen in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 11,
wherein the depicted metal core 11 features a small chamfer at the
rear end 43 (the end of the core 11 opposing the forward end) of
the core 11. Such a chamfer may be useful in the preferred assembly
method of the projectile discussed later herein. In other
embodiments, the chamfer may be of different dimensions or replaced
with a fillet or other distinct rear end 43 geometry or no rear end
core geometry may be present at all.
[0061] In preferred embodiments of the described projectile, said
core 11 is of a nearly same length, measured rear end to forward
end, as that of said entire projectile, as illustrated in the
sectioned images of exemplary embodiments in FIG. 3, FIG. 8, and
FIG. 11. Maximizing the length of the core 11 may be favorable for
achieving a desirable projectile weight for ballistic dynamics as
discussed above. Maximizing core length may be further advantageous
for penetrating armor as this also maximizes sectional density
relative to an otherwise identical projectile of shorter core
length, which increases armor penetration ability by similar
mechanics discussed above which cause high compositional density to
be favorable for armor penetration. In exemplary preferred
embodiments as shown in these figures, and evident also in context
of FIG. 5 of a polymer jacket 12 of the embodiment depicted in FIG.
3, and in other preferred embodiments, the difference between the
length of core and that of the entire projectile is about 0.03''
(inches). In other embodiments, the difference in end-to-end length
between said core 11 and said entire projectile may be a larger or
smaller non-zero quantity, and in still other embodiments, the
length of said core 11 and said entire projectile may be equal.
[0062] In embodiments preferred for penetrating armor, said metal
core 11 of the described projectile is produced by machining of
solid metal stock. In other embodiments, said core 11 may be
produced by any one or more processes fit for producing metal parts
of the described core composition and geometry, including but not
limited to, machining, sintering, casting, swaging, and forging. In
embodiments preferred for shooting hard sporting targets, including
but not limited to those cut from steel plate of at least 500
Brinell hardness of of at least 1/4'' in thickness, such to prevent
damage to said targets, said metal core 11 is produced by sintering
in such a way as to impart a frangible quality to said produced
core 11 similar to more conventional projectiles of frangible
construction, but may also be produced by any one or more processes
fit for producing metal parts of the described core shape and
density, including but not limited to, machining, casting, swaging,
and forging.
[0063] In preferred embodiments, such as shown in the figures, the
metal core 11 of the described projectile is monolithic, comprised
of a single piece of homogeneous material. In other embodiments,
said core 11 may be multipart, comprised of more than one piece of
homogeneous material.
[0064] Pertaining to the polymer jacket 12 present in the described
projectile:
[0065] A bare ballistic penetrator of Cobalt alloy or other alloy
preferable to compose a ballistic penetrator for armor penetration
fired through the barrel of a firearm may induce major and/or
catastrophic damage to the firearm barrel as said penetrator of
said alloys may not readily take the form of the interior of said
barrel and/or may be abrasive to the metal which composes the
barrel. Other metals desirable for composing a ballistic penetrator
to penetrate armor, or a projectile for sport and/or competition
shooting, may transfer residue, or fouling, to the barrel. For
these reasons, the described projectile comprises a jacket 12 in
addition to a metal core 11, one or more outer surfaces of which
function as the bearing surface 21 of the projectile in and against
a firearm barrel. Many modern polymers may be adequately durable
for use as a projectile jacket 12, and projectile jackets 12
composed of said polymers may readily take the form of a firearm
barrel, may minimize barrel wear relative to jackets of more
conventional construction, and may leave no detectable fouling
residue when fired through said barrel. Further, polymers may be
generally cheaper than materials which compose more conventional
projectile jackets, may lend to simpler and/or cheaper and/or more
easily achievable projectile construction methods than more
conventional materials for composing projectile jackets, including
sheet copper, and may deform more readily and consistently than
more conventional materials for composing projectile jackets so to
ensure more predictable and/or proper disintegration on impact into
armor or on a hard sporting target, in turn producing more
consistent terminal behavior. For these reasons, the jacket 12 of
the described projectile is composed of polymer, which may also
include composite materials thereof.
[0066] Another feature of the described projectile is a
manufacturing process from raw materials to complete projectile
which may be simpler, and/or which may require simpler and/or more
available and/or cheaper tools than manufacturing processes
typically employed to produce more conventional projectiles of
multi-part construction. Projectiles for use in firearms may
require relatively tight and/or precise and/or controllable and/or
repeatable geometric dimensioning and/or tolerances. Of production
technologies in common use for producing polymer parts of a desired
dimension, machining may be generally capable of producing parts of
the most precise and/or controllable and/or repeatable dimensions,
and therefore preferred embodiments of the described projectile
possess a jacket 12 which is produced by machining solid round bar
stock. Other embodiments may possess a jacket 12 which is produced
by any one or more of manufacturing processes commonly referred to
as "3D printing", including but not limited to, stereolithography,
fused deposition modeling, and selective laser sintering.
Stereolithography in particular may be able to produce said polymer
jacket 12 of sufficient precision and other desirable qualities. In
still other embodiments, said jacket 12 may be produced using one
or more processes suitable to produce polymer parts of a particular
shape, including but not limited to, machining, casting, forging,
swaging, molding, sintering, and any manufacturing process commonly
referred to as "3D printing". Tools for producing said jacket by
machining or stereolithography may also be cheaper and more
available for home and/or light industrial production. Further, the
production of the jacket independent of the core of the described
projectile is unique relative to more conventional projectiles, and
may see benefit in modularity of the multi-part projectile,
allowing the use of interchangeable parts, in this case said core
and said jacket, and enjoying the understood manufacturing and/or
versatility benefits thereof.
[0067] Turning to FIG. 5 which illustrates the polymer jacket 12 of
an exemplary embodiment of the described projectile, the polymer
jacket 12 is further comprised of geometric features, including a
wall 32 on which is found at least the projectile bearing surface
21 on the exterior of the wall 32, and a "joint surface" 35 on the
interior surface of said wall 32, which closely follows the
geometry of at least a portion of the joint surface 34 of the metal
core 11. Sections of said wall 32 in planes orthogonal to the axis
of general symmetry of the projectile are generally ring-shaped,
the outer bounds of said rings typically being circles and the
inner bounds of said ring typically being a circle or closed
polygon or conic section. The bearing surface 21 found on said wall
32 may be continuous, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5,
or interrupted so to cause discontinuities between rings which
engage a firearm barrel when fired in a firearm. Other features,
including but not limited to ogive 22, may or may not also be found
on the jacket wall 32. In preferred embodiments, said polymer
jacket 32 also comprises a floor 33, which at least partially, or
more preferably entirely, encloses the rear end 43 of the metal
core 11 and also comprises the rear of the projectile Such a floor
33 may be desirable for aspects of projectile assembly discussed
later, and to better fix the metal core 11 within the polymer
jacket 12, and other embodiments may or may not exhibit a floor 33
feature. Further, preferred embodiments of the polymer jacket 12
exhibit a projectile ogive 22, which is projectile geometry forward
of the bearing surface 21, which may include the location on the
exterior of the projectile which first engages barrel rifling when
fired in a rifled firearm. Other embodiments may or may not exhibit
distinct ogive 22 geometry on the polymer jacket 12. Further still,
preferred embodiments of the polymer jacket 12 of the described
projectile possess a distinct geometry at the rear 23 of the jacket
12 such to taper the sectional area of the bearing surface 21 of
said projectile into a smaller sectional area at the rear end 23 of
said projectile, sectioned in planes orthogonal to the axis of
general symmetry of the projectile. In preferred embodiments, said
distinct geometry serves to ease loading of the described
projectile into a cartridge case and/or to function as a "boat
tail" to reduce air drag on said projectile during ballistic
flight. The polymer jacket 12 of the preferred embodiment of the
described projectile in 9 mm caliber for armor penetration
illustrated in FIG. 5 exhibits a rear end taper 23 which is a
minimal chamfer of about 30 degrees. Other exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the figures also exhibit a chamfer 23 of about 30
degrees at the rear of the polymer jacket 12, but that depicted in
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is larger to function better as a boat tail.
Other embodiments may exhibit no distinct feature at the rear of
the jacket 12, or a feature of any geometry, including but not
limited to one or more of, chamfer of any angle, fillet, rotation
of a conic section, cone, pyramid, and/or wedge.
[0068] Both the most preferred process for producing said polymer
jacket 12, machining, and the second most preferred process for
producing said polymer jacket 12, stereolithography, may require
the geometry of parts to be somewhat self-supportive during said
processes to achieve sufficient dimensional precision. To provide
said support, preferred embodiments of the described projectile
possess a "voluminous" polymer jacket 12, which is a polymer jacket
12 exhibiting a wall 32 of at least 0.035'' (inches) in thickness,
significantly thicker than that of more conventional projectiles,
including those of sheet copper.
[0069] In further consideration of machinability of the polymer
jacket 12, some species of polymer are easier to machine than
others of the same, and some species of polymer are capable of
holding more precise and/or repeatable machined dimensions than
others of the same. It is preferred that the polymer species which
composes a jacket 12 be of properties favorable to dimensional
stability and/or ease of machining if said jacket 12 is to be
machined. Polymer species which exhibit such favorable properties
include but are not limited to PEI, PMMA, POM, and PI Of these, PEI
(polyetherimide), or trademark name Ultem.RTM., may be most
favorable according to the inventor for its relatively high
durability, economy, machinability, and dimensional stability.
Therefore, preferred embodiments of the described projectile
possess a polymer jacket 12 composed of PEI. Other embodiments may
possess a jacket 12 composed of one or more of any polymer or
polymer composite species, including but not limited to those
specified above and composites of those specified above.
[0070] In preferred embodiments, such as shown in the figures, the
polymer jacket 12 of the described projectile is monolithic,
comprised of a single piece of homogeneous material. In other
embodiments, said jacket 12 may be multipart, comprised of more
than one piece of homogeneous material.
[0071] In embodiments of the described projectile preferred for
applications in which capability may be desirable for more severe
wounding, such as antipersonnel, hunting, and defense against
dangerous and/or threatening animals, an exemplary embodiment of
which is illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the wall 32 of
said polymer jacket 12 extends forward of the joint surface 34 of
the core 11, so to form a cavity or hollow 31 which is partially
bounded by the jacket wall 32, and one or both of the core tip 41
and core body 42. On an occasion that such an embodiment of said
projectile is fired into a soft body, that is one which may
reasonably be considered a fluid when modeling terminal ballistics,
hydrostatic pressure within said jacket wall 32 extension may
initiate and/or assist expansion and/or fragmentation of said
jacket 12 off of and/or away from said core 11, similar to the
understood expansion dynamics exhibited in more conventional
"hollow point" projectiles (U.S. Pat. No. 3,157,137, the text of
which is incorporated herein by reference). Said expansion and/or
fragmentation may increase severity of a resulting wound, which may
be favorable in further incapacitating living targets, including
but not limited to game animals and dangerous and/or threatening
animals, and personnel. The integration of such increased capacity
to expand and/or fragment in soft targets into a projectile which
also may excel in penetrating armor, including but not limited to
modern engineered armors, is a novel and notable feature which may
significantly increase the versatility of said embodiments of the
described projectile. For example, a firearm loaded with such
ammunition may be more immediately capable of causing maximal
damage to both unarmored living targets AND those which may possess
armor.
[0072] Pertaining to Projectile Assembly
[0073] After production of both the metal core 11 and the polymer
jacket 12 described above, said parts are assembled to compose the
entire described projectile, such that said metal core 11 is fixed
within said polymer jacket 12, and the joint surface 34 of said
metal core 11 at least partially interfaces with the joint surface
35 of said polymer jacket 12. In preferred embodiments as
illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 8, and FIG. 11, this is achieved by
first aligning the metal core 11 and polymer jacket 12 such that
the axes about which each is generally symmetrical are coincident
and/or the joint surfaces 34,35 of each component are concentric,
further orienting both components so that the forward end of each
faces upward and the metal core 11 lies above the polymer jacket
12, and then pressing or otherwise moving said core 11 into the
interior space within the wall 32 of said polymer jacket 12 so that
the rear end of said core 11 abuts the floor 33 of said jacket 12.
The tapered rear geometry 43 exhibited by the core 11 of said
preferred embodiments is helpful here for proper alignment and/or
fitment during this described preferred assembly process. Other
embodiments may be assembled in this same or any manner which
positions and fixes said metal core 11 properly within said polymer
jacket 12 such that the components are properly oriented and
positioned relative to each other after assembly, so that the joint
surface 34,35 of each component at least partially interfaces with
that of the other.
[0074] Further in preferred embodiments, a quantity of adhesive is
utilized to fix said metal core 11 within said polymer jacket 12.
In other embodiments, said metal core 11 may be fixed within said
polymer jacket 12 by any one or more mechanisms, including but not
limited to, adhesive bonding, friction, mechanical fastening, and
normal contact force. Further still, the species of adhesive
present in preferred embodiments is a tough, low-viscosity
cyanoacrylate adhesive such as, but not limited to, LOCTITE.RTM.
435.TM., a rubber-toughened ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive with
increased flexibility and peel strength Other embodiments which may
utilize adhesive to fix the metal core 11 within the polymer jacket
12 may utilize any one or more adhesives of any one or more
chemistries, including but not limited to cyanoacrylate, epoxy,
acrylic, methacrylate, urethane, and silicone.
[0075] In particular, in preferred embodiments, said quantity of
adhesive is dispensed onto the center of the floor 33 of the
polymer jacket 12 of the described projectile just before mating
with the associated metal core 11. When said metal core 11 is then
pressed into said polymer jacket 12 per described preferred
assembly, said quantity of adhesive may be pressed adequately into
and throughout a gap 36 which may lie between the interfacing joint
surfaces 34,35 of said core 11 and said jacket 12. In other
embodiments which may utilize a quantity of adhesive to fix said
core 11 within said jacket 12, said adhesive may be applied by any
method which fixes said core 11 within said jacket 12 during the
course of ballistic flight, and additional adhesive may be used at
locations other than the gap 36 between said joint surfaces 34,35
to fix said core 11 within said jacket 12.
[0076] Pertaining to the Entire Assembled Projectile:
[0077] To ensure legally non-restricted manufacture of the
described projectile, in preferred embodiments, the weight of said
jacket is less than 25 percent that of said projectile, so to
preclude classification as "armor piercing ammunition" by the Code
of Federal Regulations and/or United States Code, including but not
limited to 18 U.S.C. .sctn. 921(a)(17)(B). Such a weight
distribution is also a likely result of preferred tailoring of
projectile mass, discussed below. Other embodiments, such as those
non-compliant to said US federal regulations or for use in exempted
purposes, may posses a jacket of more than 25 percent that of said
projectile.
[0078] The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures are
just 3 of innumerably many useful embodiments of the described
projectile. There exist preferred embodiments of the described
projectile for each caliber of firearm for each described useful
application. An aspect of all preferred embodiments of the
described projectile is that the total projectile weight is
significantly less than that of a more conventional projectile,
preferably by at least 35%, and more preferably by as much as
possible, but still high enough to ensure desirable projectile
kinetic energy, momentum transfer, and ballistic mechanics as
discussed earlier in conjunction with metal core 11 density. This
is because a lighter projectile may be propelled faster and with
less recoil from a firearm than a heavier projectile fired in an
otherwise identical manner, gaining the associated benefits to
armor penetration ability and/or ballistic trajectory and/or recoil
reduction. Projectile weight may be further tailored in any
embodiment by altering the volume of said metal core 11 of the said
projectile. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG.
2, and FIG. 3, which is also the preferred embodiment for a 9 mm
projectile for use in applications which may include armor
penetration, the total projectile weight is about 50 gr.
(grains).
[0079] A further quality of preferred embodiments of said
projectile is that any volume of void internal to said projectile
is minimized. Exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 8,
and FIG. 11 exhibit a minimally small void between the polymer
jacket 12 and the chamfer 43 at the rear of the core 11. Such voids
between said jacket 12 and said core 11 are preferably as
diminutive as possible, as said voids may compromise structural
integrity of said projectile, while maintaining the advantages of
the geometry which de facto defines and/or bounds them. Further
mitigating the structural weakness which may be attributed to said
void exhibited in said exemplary embodiments, the quantity of
adhesive distributed during assembly at least partially, and
preferably entirely, fills said void.
[0080] Another important consideration of the design and/or
configuration of an embodiment of the described projectile is the
width of the gap 36 between the joint surface 34 of the metal core
11 and that 36 of the polymer jacket 12. In preferred embodiments,
said gap 36 is between about 0.0005'' (inches) and 0.001'' (inches)
in width. A gap 36 which is excessively wide may not sufficiently
center said core 11 within said jacket 12, which may induce
unfavorable ballistic dynamics when fired, and may also inhibit the
ability of an adhesive to wick throughout said gap 36 and/or adhere
to the entirety of both joint surfaces 34,35. A gap 36 which is
excessively narrow may also inhibit adhesive flow throughout said
gap 36 and/or cause excessive hydraulic pressure during assembly,
which may in turn cause structural failure of the polymer jacket
12. In other embodiments, there may be no such measurable gap 36,
such as but not limited to embodiments which utilize an
interference fit to fix the metal core 11 within the polymer jacket
12. In still other embodiments, said gap 36 may be of a different
width, such as but not limited to embodiments which utilize a more
viscous adhesive species.
[0081] In preferred embodiments of the described projectile in
which said projectile is loaded into a cartridge case for use in a
firearm for fixed ammunition, to maximize velocity, the projectile
is seated as far forward as possible in said case without exceeding
specified cartridge maximum overall length. Further in preferred
embodiments, a cartridge of fixed ammunition which includes said
projectile contains a propellant charge which, when fired through
an exemplary firearm of appropriate caliber and chambering,
produces the highest pressure suitable for the given firearm and/or
ammunition specification, which may often be referred to as "+P"
and/or "+P+". Further still in preferred embodiments, said
propellant charge is such to ensure that the action of said
firearm, if autoloading, is able to cycle when used with said
cartridge including said projectile. Further still in preferred
embodiments, projectile geometry, including but not limited to
ogive 22, overall projectile length, and bearing surface 21, are
such as to allow said projectile to be loaded into said cartridge
case and fired in said firearm so that overall length of said
cartridge is equal to specified maximum cartridge overall length
while still maintaining proper fit in the chamber of said firearm,
and still maintaining proper function in said firearm, including
but not limited to loading, feeding, and extraction functions.
[0082] Concisely, to present the complete assembly of an exemplary
embodiment of the described projectile illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG.
2, and FIG. 3, which is also the preferred embodiment in 9 mm
caliber to penetrate armor:
[0083] The metal core 11 illustrated in FIG. 4 is produced of solid
UNS R30035, preferably by turning on a lathe. FIG. 4 illustrates
proper dimensions for this preferred embodiment of 9 mm caliber for
armor penetration. Exact dimensions and critical tolerances are
obvious to comprehend by those skilled in reading mechanical
drawings. Critical dimensions and features of the metal core 11
include: [0084] 1. Cylindrical joint surface 34 0.2500-0.0005'' in
diameter [0085] 2. Overall length of 0.523'' [0086] 3. Conical tip
41 at 30 degrees from the joint surface 34, such that said tip 41
ends at a sharp point [0087] 4. Slight chamfer of about 30 degrees
at the rear end 43. The polymer jacket 12 illustrated in FIG. 5 is
produced, preferably by stereolithography, or more preferably by
turning PEI (Ultem.RTM.) on a lathe FIG. 5 illustrates proper
dimensions for this embodiment of 9 mm caliber for armor
penetration. Exact dimensions and critical tolerances are obvious
to comprehend by those skilled in reading mechanical drawings.
Critical dimensions and features of the polymer jacket 12 include:
[0088] 1. A cylindrical bearing surface 21 of 0.356'' in diameter,
the front edge of which is 0.15'' from the rear end 23 [0089] 2. An
overall length of 0.492'' [0090] 3. Flat floor 33 0.031'' in
thickness [0091] 4. Front end chamfer of 30 degrees producing a
sharp front-end edge coincident to the joint surface 35 [0092] 5.
Cylindrical joint surface 35 of 0 251+0.0005'' in diameter and
running from the floor 33 to the front-end edge [0093] 6. Slight
chamfer of about 30 degrees at rear end 23, similar to that on the
core [0094] 7. Cylindrical ogive 22 portion 0.336'' in diameter
[0095] 8. Taper of 5 degrees from bearing surface 21 to cylindrical
ogive 22 portion.
[0096] Then both said core 11 and said jacket 12 are cleaned of all
debris, oil, and/or grease, and thoroughly dried, and said jacket
12 positioned on a digital scale sitting on its rear end.
[0097] Next, a single drop of a low viscosity, rubber-toughened
adhesive, such as LOCTITE.RTM. 435.TM., is dispensed onto the
center of the floor 33 of said jacket 12, and said core 11 is
immediately and quickly pressed into said jacket 12 until said core
11 is pressed against said floor 33 with a force of 50 lbs (pounds)
as shown on said digital scale. The final position and orientation
of said core 11 relative to said jacket 12 should match what is
illustrated in FIG. 3. It is recommended to use tools to press said
core 11 which maximize control of said assembly and preclude damage
to the tip 41 of said core 11, including but not limited to a small
arbor press and setter head which does not contact the point of
said tip 41.
[0098] Finally, said adhesive is allowed to fully cure before
loading into a firearm or cartridge case. Optionally, additional
adhesive may be dispensed into the hollow 31 at the forward end of
the assembled projectile, so to form a "moat" of adhesive which may
partially or completely fill said hollow 31 if additional
structural cohesion is necessary or desired.
[0099] The finished projectile is to be seated in a cartridge case
at maximum cartridge overall length as specified by SAAMI for 9 mm
Luger (1.169''), and the inventor finds that a propellant charge of
9.0 gr. (grains) of Winchester AutoComp smokeless powder produces
about 38.5 ksi (kilo-pounds per square inch) of pressure, commonly
referred to as "+P" for a 9 mm Luger cartridge, when used in said
cartridge case in which also is loaded said projectile at said
length, in a firearm of SAAMI specification for 9 mm Luger.
However, other users may find pressure produced by said loading of
fixed ammunition to vary considerably per small differences in
production.
[0100] Said loading may reliably penetrate some modern engineered
armors, including some body armors, by virtue of said core 11 being
composed of a Cobalt alloy.
* * * * *