Patent Application
20240302147
The present invention relates generally to reloading of firearm ammunition and more particularly to firearm ammunition reloading to precisely size the case neck of a spent casing for bullet seating, neck turning, and other related operations.
When reloading firearm ammunition, it is common to use a reloading press to prepare a shell casing to receive a new bullet. Precise neck sizing for bullet tension is a significant factor for long range shooting accuracy and precision. The state-of-the-art sizing methods are either done from the outside (e.g., full length die or neck bushing) or from the inside (e.g., expander ball or mandrel). One limitation of the inside expanding with mandrels, and full-length-dies, are that apparatus blocks the user from seeing where and how the cartridge interacts with an expand mandrel.
When reloading ammunition, the expand mandrel is used with the press to properly size the opening in the shell casing for the bullet. The expand mandrel is attached to the top of the reloading press, and the shell casing is loaded into the lower, moving portion. When the operator actuates the press handle, the shell casing is pressed over the expand mandrel. To prevent the opening in the shell casing from being enlarged too much or being damaged, it is important that the casing is not pressed too far onto the expand mandrel. However, because of how the expand mandrel is mounted in the press, the operator cannot see the shell casing during this important operation. Instead, the operator must rely on a mechanical stop at the end of the expand mandrel to prevent the shell casing from going too far.
Solutions to this issue have included the use of an Expand Mandrel Window Riser (EMWR). The EMWR has an opening in the side for the operator to view the shell casing as it is pressed onto the expand mandrel. The operator can adjust the expand mandrel position to match the stroke length of the reloading press and prevent damage to the shell casings from pressing too far onto the expand mandrel. This allows the operator to directly observe every shell casing during the expand mandrel sizing operation, the EMWR makes this important step in the process easier to monitor and control. However, limitations persist with limited range of travel and reloading press compatibility, limited light intrusion, rotational dependence on visibility, unbalanced stress distributions, and limited large diameter caliber body size, amongst other factors including manufacturability. Thus, new solutions are needed to enable a more reliable and consistent process when reloading ammunition.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a ported press adapter expand mandrel system generally for reloading ammunition. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
To further enhance observation for the sizing operation, a plurality of openings 115 provide increased light intrusion, full 360° visibility, and balanced stress distribution with a pattern of port holes, slots, or other shaped openings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various shape of holes maybe be used in various orientations around the body 113. The EM 108 and mandrel holder (MH) 103 are aligned by a shank and counterbore hole 107 in each component, respectively. The two components are bolted together utilizing a threaded hole 109 and through-hole 105. Fine vertical adjustment is accomplished by smaller, finer threads 106 than the PPA threads 117. Radial graduation markings 102 indicate vertical travel per angular adjustment of the MH 103. The MH body 104 has a smaller diameter than the minor diameter of the exterior threads 106 which allows for threading fully into the PPA in a forward or backward orientation as in
The EM leverages a tapered acute angle lead-in 110 for the cartridge 119 case neck 121 to reduce down-force for minimizing cartridge deformation at the neck-shoulder junction 123 which can form a bulge or “donut” for a non-uniform neck diameter. The EM 108, 303, 317 is sized larger than the neck size 121, 307 of a casing to accommodate spring-back of the material used to form the casing. Spring-back occurs due to the plastic-elastic characteristic of the casing material. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that it is typical that any deformation will have both elastic and plastic deformation. After the casing is removed from the EM, the elastic deformation will be released and only the plastic deformation will remain.
The method of using the PPAEMS as disclosed herein begins with selecting applicable PPA and MH for a specific press and cartridge size and length. An applicable EM is selected and sized for casing spring-back. A coarse vertical adjustment is accomplished with the threads on the PPA. A fine vertical adjustment is accomplished with threads on the MH. Radial markings on the top of MH allow for precise feedback on vertical adjustment. When using the ALS, the press is cycled while making coarse, then fine vertical adjustments to achieve a desired vertical position. Thereafter, applicable operations are performed to size case necks and the inside neck diameter is measured with gauging device, e.g., gage pin, camera, bore micrometer, etc. If case neck is not the appropriate size, a different EM size is selected and the method repeated. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention provides for very consistent case neck inside diameters allowing for more consistent ammunition reloading and higher firing accuracy.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ported press adapter expand mandrel system machined from a metal such as aluminum or steel. The ported press adapter threads into the reloading press where the expand mandrel is ordinarily installed. The expand mandrel is fastened to a mandrel holder with a screw, made of a similar material, and threaded into the ported press adapter. When used in reloading ammunition, the system providing for easier and more precise size the case neck for bullet seating, neck turning, and other related operations.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
