Patent Grant
11041703
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a projectile device and a method of manufacture of the same and in particular to a pistol bullet and a rifle bullet and method of manufacture of the same.
Conventional projectiles, such as bullets, typically comprise a smooth uniform shank or body portion and an axially-symmetrical front or nose portion. Bullet performance is traditionally assessed with respect to parameters including velocity, ballistic coefficient (BC), trajectory, accuracy, and target penetration. Conventional bullets, after leaving the barrel and once under unpowered free-flight, substantially degrade in flight characteristics. For example, conventional bullets begin to wobble during flight, thereby losing accuracy and velocity. Upon striking a target, such reduced velocity and wobbling limits target penetration.
Various efforts have been made to improve projectile performance and/or enable additional projectile features. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,904 to Sullivan (“Sullivan”) issued May 16, 1989, discloses a substantially full bore diameter bullet that has a plurality of elongated grooves either helically formed or parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bullet and a sabot, which has a body and fingers that engage with the grooves and seal the bullet in a casing. The sabot is configured with a slightly larger diameter than the bullet such that the sabot is engraved by the rifling slots in the barrel through which the round is fired, imparting a rotation to the bullet. In alternative embodiments the grooves contain elongated elements or a plurality of spherical elements to prevent the conically tapered slug or bullet from tilting or cocking in the barrel after firing. However, Sullivan fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, so as to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Sullivan is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,125 to Carter (“Carter”) issued Aug. 27, 2002, relates to a bullet having a tapered nose and a cylindrical base. The base is provided with an annular groove having a diameter less than the bore diameter of the barrel of the gun to reduce the force required to move the bullet through the barrel, thereby increasing the muzzle velocity and kinetic energy of the bullet. However, Carter fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Carter is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,522 to Julien et al., (“Julien”) issued Jun. 24, 2003, discloses a projectile comprising a cylindrical body of Type 55 Nitinol material that has a soft martensitic state that is readily deformed by rifling in the bore of a gun barrel to form grooves which ride on the rifling to spin the projectile. The Nitinol material has a low coefficient of friction with the steel barrel and is sufficiently strong to prevent shedding projectile material in the bore. On impact with the target, the Nitinol material undergoes a strain-induced shift to an ultra-high strength state in which the projectile is capable of remaining intact and concentrating its full energy on the small area of contact for maximal penetration and damage to the target. In contrast, a conventional bullet typically mushrooms widely and spreads its energy over a side area. Projectiles in the form of bullets, shotgun slugs, penetrating warheads, caseless ammunition, and artillery shells are described. However, Julien fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Julien is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0027128 to Hober (“Hober”) published Feb. 9, 2006, discloses a projectile for small munitions comprising a bullet with an integral housing formed from a resilient, shape-retaining material. The projectile comprises a bullet having a tapered front section, a cylindrical middle section and a tapered end section. The middle section includes a recessed retaining portion over which the resilient housing is securely positioned or formed. The maximum diameter of the bullet is less than the primary bore diameter of the firearm barrel, and the outer diameter of the housing when positioned around the bullet is slightly greater than the primary bore diameter. Thus, rifling in the barrel scores the housing and not the bullet, and imparts spin to the housing during firing and hence to the bullet, which is integral therewith, achieving enhanced gas checking efficiency, accuracy and velocity. The integral housing remains on the bullet after firing and downrange to its ultimate destination. However, Hober fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, so as to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Hober is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,224 to Kelsey, Jr. (“Kelsey I”) issued on May 26, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,261 to Kelsey, Jr. (“Kelsey II”) issued on Jul. 28, 1992 and disclose a small arms bullet having a truncated conical nose with radial rearwardly extending ribs. The ribs have a flat edge and form grooves between the ribs. The Kelsey I ribs are formed along a radial, whereas the Kelsey II ribs are curved. In both Kelsey I and Kelsey II, the ribs are engineered to form a flat planar structure defining a rib thickness. However, each of Kelsey I and Kelsey II fail to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Both Kelsey I and Kelsey II are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.
U.S. Statutory Invention Registration No. H770 to Kline et al., (“Kline”) discloses a tracer training bullet which can be assembled into a conventional cartridge case and fired in a conventional M2 machine gun. The bullet consists of a main body of relatively low strength material which is segmented so that, if not restrained, it will bend under the centrifugal rotational force imparted to the segments by the spinning action of the projectile when fired. The bending of the projectile segments away from their central axis is ordinarily prevented by a retainer in the form of a spider. The spider is made of a relatively low temperature melting material, preferably aluminum, having a given thermal mass. The burn of the tracer material during the flight of the bullet toward a target weakens the retainer to the point of rupture after the bullet has traveled a given distance toward a target position. After the target position is passed, the securement member is destroyed by the high temperature burning action and the segments of the projectile bend or flex apart. This destroys the aerodynamic characteristics of the bullet and reduces its maximum range beyond the target distance. However, Kline fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a projectile design that retains if not enhances the spin of a projectile in flight, so as to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. Kline is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for a projectile design, and method of making the same, that retains, enhances, or counters the spin of a projectile in flight, to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration, as provided in embodiments of the present invention. The projectile design of the present invention may be configured to create several embodiments, for example to include rifle embodiments and pistol embodiments.
What is needed is a projectile that does not substantially degrade in flight characteristics once leaving the gun barrel, so as to achieve flatter and faster external ballistics and further yield improved target penetration. The present invention solves these needs by providing a projectile that retains if not enhances the spin of a bullet in flight and, in some embodiments, provides a cutting edge to promote and enhance target penetration and/or expansion in soft targets.
It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a projectile device and a method of manufacture of a projectile device. In particular, a pistol bullet and a rifle bullet are provided, along with methods of manufacture of the same.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a projectile with improved accuracy and performance.
In general, a projectile with a non-congruent twist penetrates less into the target and the larger end mill cut penetrates less into the target. These projectiles create a cavitation and slow down in soft tissue. The advantages generally include the ease of manufacturing and the non-expanding bullet (i.e., no housing and cavities). Further, the projectile does not deflect in auto glass, it shoots through sheet metal and body armor using its cutting edges, and it creates a cavitation in tissue to help it slow down in the soft tissue. A congruent twist will increase the depth of the projectile's penetration in soft media. The shorter the distance the projectile travels in the target, the more energy is released in that short distance. Thus, a wider tissue area is affected in order to absorb the energy.
In one embodiment of the invention, a projectile with enhanced performance characteristics adapted for use with a firearm is disclosed, the projectile comprising: a cylindrical body portion having a predetermined diameter; a front nose section tapering from a forward most point of the projectile to the cylindrical body portion; and a rear tail section connected to the body opposite the front nose portion; and wherein the front nose portion comprises at least one twisting depression forming a trough at a predetermined angle oriented with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the projectile.
In one embodiment, a projectile device is disclosed comprising: a cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end which defines a first length therebetween; a nose integrally interconnected to the second end of said cylindrical portion and having a second length, said nose further comprising: a) a plurality of cutout portions originating proximate to an apex of said nose and having a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; b) a non-distorted nose portion positioned between each of the cutout portions, and wherein the intersection of the plurality of cutout portions and each of the non-distorted nose portions form a distinct edge which extends proximate to the apex of the nose portion.
In another embodiment, a projectile with enhanced performance characteristics for use with a firearm is disclosed, the projectile comprising: a first end having a tip; a second end having a base, the second end opposite the first end; a cylindrical portion having a predetermined diameter, the cylindrical portion positioned between the first end and the second end; a nose portion tapering from the tip to the cylindrical portion, wherein the nose portion is integrally interconnected to the cylindrical portion at a first junction; a first depression forming a first trough extending from a portion of the projectile proximate the first junction proximate to the tip of the projectile, wherein a first centerline of the first depression is positioned at a first angle relative to a longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and wherein the first trough has a first radius of curvature; a second depression forming a second trough extending from the portion of the projectile proximate the first junction proximate to the tip of the projectile, wherein a second centerline of the second depression is positioned at a second angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and wherein the second trough has a second radius of curvature; a first remaining nose portion positioned between the first depression and the second depression, the first remaining nose portion having a substantially triangular shape and forming a first cutting edge proximate the tip; a third depression forming a third trough extending from the portion of the projectile proximate the first junction proximate to the tip of the projectile, wherein a third centerline of the third depression is positioned at a third angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and wherein the third trough has a third radius of curvature; a second remaining nose portion positioned between the second depression and the third depression, the second remaining nose portion having a substantially triangular shape and forming a second cutting edge proximate the tip; and a third remaining nose portion positioned between the first depression and the third depression, the third remaining nose portion having a substantially triangular shape and forming a third cutting edge proximate the tip.
In yet another embodiment, a projectile device is disclosed comprising: a cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis defined therethrough; a nose integrally interconnected to a forward end of the cylindrical body; an alternating pattern of arcuate shaped cutout portions extending from approximately the tip of the nose to the cylindrical body and non-distorted nose portions having a substantially triangular shape, the intersection defining a cutting edge which is oriented at a specific angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.
In some embodiments, further features comprise: wherein the non-distorted nose portion has a substantially triangular shape; wherein the plurality of cutout portions has a length of approximately the nose second length; three distinct cutting edges formed at the intersection of the cutout portions; wherein the cutout portions have either a right or a left twist with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile; wherein the metallic projectile comprises three twisting cutout portions and three non-distorted nose portions; wherein the first length of the cylindrical portion is greater than the second length of the nose; wherein the projectile is made of a metallic material; wherein the metallic projectile has a caliber of at least one of 0.380 inch, 9 mm, 0.40 inch, and 0.45 inch and is adapted for use with a handgun; wherein the projectile is comprised of at least one of lead, copper, steel, magnesium, titanium, and other alloy; a second cutting edge formed at the intersection of the first depression and second depression and the second depression and third depression, and positioned above the first cutting edge; a second cutting edge defined by the intersection if each cutout portion above the non-distorted nose portion and extending upwardly to the apex of the nose; and wherein there are three distinct cutout portions and three distinct non-distorted nose portions.
In one embodiment, a projectile for use in a handheld weapon is provided comprising: a cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis, a first end substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, a second end, and a first length extending from said first end to said second end; a nose integrally interconnected at a junction to said second end of said cylindrical body, said nose having a tip on a forward-most portion and a second length between said tip and said junction, wherein said second length is longer than said first length, said nose further comprising: (a) a plurality of cutout portions originating at said tip of said nose and terminating proximate said junction, wherein each cutout portion in said plurality of cutout portions forms a curved trough with a radius of curvature, and wherein a lowermost portion of each of said troughs is positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical body; (b) plurality of non-distorted nose portions, wherein each non-distorted nose portion is positioned between two of said cutout portions, and wherein said plurality of non-distorted nose portions extends to said tip of said nose portion; and (c) wherein said tip of said nose portion is substantially parallel to said first end of said cylindrical body.
In further embodiments, each non-distorted nose portion has a substantially triangular shape with a narrow portion of said substantially triangular shape proximate said tip and a wide portion of said substantially triangular shape proximate said junction; each cutout portion in said plurality of cutout portions has a third length as measured along said longitudinal axis that is slightly less than or equal to said second length; and/or each cutout portion in said plurality of cutout portions has a radius of curvature of between about 0.05 inches and about 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the projectile also comprises a chamfer portion extending from said first end of said cylindrical body to a point on said cylindrical body, wherein said chamfer is positioned at an angle relative to said longitudinal axis. In further embodiments, said cutout portions have either a right twist or a left twist with respect to said longitudinal axis of said projectile. In some embodiments, said plurality of cutout portions comprises three cutout portions and said plurality of non-distorted nose portions comprises three non-distorted nose portions. In one embodiment, said first length of said cylindrical body is between about 0.11 and 0.285 inches and said second length of said nose is between about 0.20 and 0.45 inches. In some embodiments, each cutout portion in said plurality of cutout portions is oriented at an angle of between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical body, and said projectile is sized in at least one of a 0.380 inch, a 9 mm, a 0.40 inch, and a 0.45 inch caliber and is adapted for use with a handgun.
In one embodiment, a projectile with enhanced performance characteristics for use with a firearm is provided comprising: a longitudinal axis; a housing comprising: a front end; a rear end having a base, the rear end positioned opposite the front end; a boat tail portion extending from the rear end to a first point of the housing between the front end and the rear end, wherein the boat tail portion tapers inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the rear end has a smaller diameter than a diameter at the first point of the housing; a cylindrical portion integrally interconnected on a first end to the boat tail portion at the first point of the housing, the cylindrical portion extending from the first point of the housing to a second point of the housing between the front end and the rear end; a nose portion tapering from the front end to the cylindrical portion at the second point of the housing, wherein the nose portion is integrally interconnected to the cylindrical portion at the second point of the housing; and a cavity for receiving an insert, the cavity extending from the front end to a third point of the housing between the front end and the rear end; and the insert comprising: a first end having a tip; a second end having a base, the second end positioned opposite the first end; a stem portion extending from the second end to a first point of the insert between the first end and the second end; a nose portion tapering from the tip to the stem portion, wherein the nose portion is integrally interconnected to the stem portion at the first point of the insert; a plurality of depressions originating at a second point of the insert between the tip and the first point of the insert and terminating at a third point of the insert between the second point and the base, wherein each depression in the plurality of depressions has a curved shape with a radius of curvature, and wherein each depression has a centerline positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the projectile; and a plurality of remaining nose portions, wherein each remaining nose portion in the plurality of remaining nose portions is positioned between two of said depressions.
In further embodiments, the nose portion of the insert has a concave radius of curvature or the nose portion of the insert has a convex radius of curvature. In additional embodiments, a forward portion of the stem of the insert has a first diameter and a rear portion of the stem of the insert has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. In various embodiments, the base of the insert has an angled shape terminating in a point; and/or the cylindrical portion of the housing comprises a plurality of angled driving bands and a plurality of angled relief cuts, wherein each angled driving band in the plurality of angled driving bands has a larger diameter than each angled relief cut in the plurality of angled relief cuts, and wherein each angled driving band is positioned between two angled relief cuts.
In one embodiment, a bullet adapted for insertion into a casing filled with an explosive propellant is provided comprising: a longitudinal axis; a front end having a rounded tip; a rear end having a base and positioned opposite the front end; a boat tail portion extending from the rear end to a first point between the front end and the rear end, wherein the boat tail portion tapers inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the rear end has a smaller diameter than a diameter at the first point; a cylindrical portion integrally interconnected on a first end to the boat tail portion at the first point, the cylindrical portion extending from the first point to a second point between the front end and the rear end of the bullet, wherein the cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of angled driving bands and a plurality of angled relief cuts, wherein each angled driving band in the plurality of angled driving bands has a larger diameter than each angled relief cut in the plurality of angled relief cuts, and wherein each angled driving band is positioned between two angled relief cuts; and a nose portion tapering from the tip to the cylindrical portion at the second point, wherein the nose portion is integrally interconnected to the cylindrical portion at the second point.
In further embodiments, the bullet further comprises a cavity and an insert, wherein the insert is positioned in the cavity, wherein the insert includes an apex at a first end opposite a base at a second end and a plurality of arcuate-shaped cutout portions extending from the apex of the insert to a point between the apex and the base, and wherein the apex of the insert is positioned a distance behind the rounded tip of the bullet, and the intersection of two arcuate-shaped cutout portions forms a cutter edge that extends to the apex of the insert.
The term “projectile” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any object projected into space by the exertion of a force, to include bullets, bombs, and rockets. The term “ballistics” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the physics of projecting a projectile into space, to include the range and accuracy of projectiles and the effects of projectiles upon impact with an object.
The term “ballistics coefficient (BC)” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the ability of a projectile to overcome air resistance in flight; a high number indicates a greater ability to overcome air resistance.
The term “internal ballistics” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the behavior and effects of a projectile from propellant ignition to exit from a gun barrel.
The term “external ballistics” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the behavior and effects of a projectile from leaving a gun barrel until striking a target. The term “terminal ballistics” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the behavior and effects of a projectile when it hits a target.
This Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.
The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below. However, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the drawing figures, and the exemplary claims set forth herein, taken in conjunction with this Summary of the Invention, define the invention.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
To assist in the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
26A
28A
38A
42A
42B
42C
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. However, drawings that are to scale, are so marked or otherwise indicated. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principals of this invention.
The attached drawings are generally to scale, although there may be certain exceptions. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein or specific dimensions.
Embodiments of pistol and rifle projectiles are provided herein. Some embodiments comprise three or more angled cuts or depressions and are manufactured with a circular or a flat cutter. The depressions or cuts are in part defined by multiple angles. The first angle of the depressions or cuts is the alpha angle, which can, in some embodiments, determine the sharpness of the tip and cutter edges and is best viewed from a side elevation view. The alpha angle can also control the depth of penetration of the projectile in its target and the amount of media the projectile will cast off during penetration. A steeper alpha angle will result in deeper penetration and a blunter alpha angle will create a wider wound path. In a preferred embodiment, the alpha angle is between 2 degrees and about 45 degrees; in a more preferred embodiment the alpha angle range is between about 5 and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, this angle is not constant.
Projectiles have been tested with increasing bluntness (i.e., a curve) and resulted in massive terminal ballistics trajectories. The beginning angle was nearly 0 degrees and the end angle was nearly 45 degrees off of centerline. This embodiment was manufactured by running a ball end mill at an angle (which can be the alpha angle) relative to the centerline of the projectile. The size of the cutter varies by caliber, projectile weight, and desired performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the radius of the cutter is roughly one caliber; a cutter smaller than one caliber will result in deeper troughs and sharper ridges.
The beta angle is the amount that the cut is off from a radius line as viewed from the front of the projectile. The beta angle and the alpha angle will determine the spin or rate of twist of the projectile during penetration. Typically, pistol barrel twist rates vary more than rifle barrel twist rates by manufacturer or brand. A barrel twist rate is expressed as one turn per a number of inches of barrel; a 1:10 or “1 in 10 inches” barrel twist means a bullet makes one rotation or twist while traveling 10 inches in a gun barrel. To obtain the greatest penetration possible, the alpha angle matches or exceeds the barrel rate of twist and is in the same direction. This allows the projectile to corkscrew or drill into the media. For most embodiments, the alpha angle is between about 7 to 15 degrees in a right-hand twist and alternating 4-25 degrees. In another embodiment, if a design objective is to have a pistol bullet that penetrates armor and then stops in tissue, the alpha angle will be in the opposite direction of the barrel twist (this condition is also referred to as a “reversed angle to twist rate” or “reversing the barrel twist rate”). From testing, the congruency of barrel twist rate has little effect on penetrating sheet metal, Kevlar, glass, and other hard surfaces. When the barrel twist rate is in the opposite direction as the alpha angle, it has a substantial effect on the depth of penetration in soft media. A reversed angle to barrel twist rate results in permanent wound channels with secondary wounds. A secondary wound is where an object, such as a bone, in the terminal media is cast off the projectile and creates a new wound path.
There are two basic embodiments of pistol projectiles: a two-piece projectile (which may be called a jacketed projectile) and non-jacketed projectile. The non-jacketed embodiment is not intended to change shape during terminal ballistics and has the deepest and straightest penetration. Reversing the barrel twist rate (i.e., an alpha angle in the opposite direction to the barrel twist rate) results in less penetration and greater destruction but not to the same degree as the two-piece projectile. However, typically only pistol projectiles have reversed twist rates because rifle projectiles tend to be unstable with a reversed twist rate. But, one embodiment includes a rifle projectile with a reversed twist rate. Some embodiments have a zero alpha angle and the projectile still displays the characteristics of penetrating hard surfaces and woven material well.
These embodiments may be manufactured of materials comprising brass, copper, lead, tungsten-carbide, and alloys associated therewith.
The fronts of various embodiments of projectiles are made up of several cuts that form troughs and ridges. The number of ridges may be equal to the number of lands and grooves in a barrel. Generally, the number of ridges should equal the number of lands and grooves in the barrel or be a multiple thereof.
In the rifle projectiles, the twist rate of the ridges will likely correlate to or be greater than the rate of twist in the barrel although by no more than 1-2 degrees. In one preferred embodiment, the twist rate on the front of the projectile varies from 2-16 degrees; in a more preferred embodiment the twist rate on the front of the projectile varies between 4-12 degrees, depending on the rifle barrel's twist rate.
The barrel degree of twist may be referenced as a rate of twist such as 1 revolution in X amount of inches (e.g., 1 in 8″ twist rate). The fins at the back of the rifle projectile correspond to—but are not necessarily in line with—the twist rate of the ridges at the front of the projectile. The design of the rifle projectile affects the flight of the projectile (external ballistics) and further affects the time in the barrel (internal ballistics). The depth and length of the twisting depressions, in some embodiments, is not as critical as the rate of twist. The twisting elements cannot extend through the center section or shaft of the projectile. Deeper twisting elements will create sharper ridges between the twisting depressions. The diameter of the trough will change with the caliber of the projectile. These twisting depressions will not only twist around the projectile, but will follow the convex shape of the front of the projectile. In some embodiments, the twist rate is approximately a 7-degree right-hand twist rate, corresponding to a 1-in-8 rate of twist.
When looking at a rifle projectile from a side elevation view, the curve from the tip to the elongated side wall of the cartridge is called the ogive, divided generally into three parts: the tip, the secant ogive and tangent ogive. As bullets are scalable, one refers to the sizes in calibers. Caliber is the diameter of the shaft. The entire ogive of the projectile may be greater in length than the length of two calibers and in other embodiments may be greater than the length of three calibers. This length will be determined by the maximum case length subtracted from the case overall length (“COL”). The COL is typically determined by the internal length of the magazine, but is sometimes limited by the throat of the chamber where the lands and the grooves disappear into the chamber.
As mentioned, the ogive is broken into three distinct parts. The tip is made of a cone with a non-curved profile and extends back for approximately the length of a half caliber or less. The tip is blended into a secant ogive that comprises the majority of the entire ogive. The secant ogive is based on a circle with a radius of approximately 8 times the caliber. There are grooves that run the length of the secant ogive and these grooves match identically the pitch and number of the lands and grooves of the rifling in the barrel. Typically, the secant ogive will be approximately two calibers in length depending on the intended rifle and chambering. These grooves that cut at a 7 to 8 degree angle through the secant ogive in many embodiments, are congruent with the rifling and are produced with a ball end mill and have smooth entrance and exit points. In the center of the secant ogive, the ball cut is at its deepest and forms a ridge with the cuts on either side running parallel to one another. The diameter of the cutter is approximately one third of a caliber. This sharp ridge runs the majority of the secant ogive and is intended to maintain the spin of the projectile in flight and aid in penetration during terminal ballistics. The last portion of the ogive, approximately half of a caliber in length, is comprised of a tangent ogive. The tangent ogive is the curve of a circle with a radius of approximately four calibers. The grooves cut in the secant ogive dissipate before the secant ogive's junction with the tangent ogive, thus ensuring that the grooves will never interact with the rifling, which would create a variable with the free bore portion of the projectile path during firing.
The shaft of the projectile will now be described. The shaft is the cylindrical center section that interfaces with the barrel and the case neck. The proportional length varies with desired weight and is composed of driving bands (i.e., ridges) and relief cuts (i.e., troughs). The junction of these surfaces is angular and smoothed to minimize interaction with the atmosphere during exterior ballistics. The depth of the relief cut is just beyond the inner dimension of the lands. There is a minimal number of driving bands, located at the front and back of the shaft with at least one more in the center section near the end of the case neck near the junction of the case's shoulder and neck. The relief cuts will lower the total friction in the barrel during internal ballistics.
The tail section of the bullet may include many geometric shapes, including a boat tail. The boat tail reduces diameter from the shaft in a cone shape at a 7.5 degree angle. In one embodiment, the boat tail is about .7 of a caliber in length. The boat tail can also extend, at the 7.5 degree reduction, to a point making it over two times a given caliber in length. This section may be grooved with a mill. These tail twisting depressions also run congruent with the pitch of the rifling. In a preferred embodiment, the tail twisting depressions are cut to between a 2-15 degree right-hand twist. In a more preferred embodiment, the tail twisting depressions are cut to between a 4-10 degree right-hand twist. In a most preferred embodiment, the tail twisting depressions are cut at a 7 to 8 degree right-hand twist. In one embodiment, the tail twisting depressions are cut at either a 7 or an 8 degree right-hand twist. In another embodiment, the tail twisting depressions are cut with a left-hand twist. These tail twisting depressions line up with the twisting depressions on the secant ogive, if extended. At the back of the boat tail, the tail twisting depressions come together and form sharp ridges that direct the atmosphere and maintain the projectile's flight. The tail twisting depressions end abruptly, shortly before the junction with the shaft.
The aforementioned tail twisting depressions provide interaction with the rapidly expanding propellant and help to twist the projectile through the rifling, thus greatly reducing friction with the barrel. These reductions in friction produce significantly higher than normal muzzle velocities and allow the barrel to heat at a significantly lower rate. The boat tails that extend all the way to a point may eliminate or reduce the audible supersonic crack of the bullet in flight. The twisting depressions at the front in combination with the tail twisting depressions at the back may reduce the rotational friction with the atmosphere and eliminate the whistle associated with the flight of a bullet. The twisting depressions (front and back) may also maintain the rate of twist during external ballistics, which may reduce the long range deterioration of accuracy.
The two-piece projectile embodiments are comprised of two parts: the housing and the insert. The housing is a cup that holds the insert and forms the bearing surface with the barrel. The housings may be formed by a lathe or swaging process and out of a material suitable for interaction with a barrel (brass or copper, for example). In some embodiments, the leading edge of the housing will intersect with the trailing edge of the ridge on the insert. In various embodiments, the troughs of the insert protrude below the mouth of the housing and into the cavity of the housing. This is an important feature because these troughs are the mechanism that transfer the media into the housing and initiate the deformation or opening of the housing. This process will increase the wound channel and limit the penetration depth. When the barrel twist rate is the opposite (or “reverse”) of the alpha angle, the process just described becomes exponentially more rapid and therefore the wound channel increases laterally but penetration is limited and controlled. The housing is in contact with the insert at the housing mouth and the portion at the back designed to hold the insert. The insert can be chemically bonded to the housing at the back or lower surface of the insert in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the insert is compression fit into the housing. There is generally a void or receiving portion through the center section of the housing. This void aids in the uniform deformation of the housing and aids the housing to open unilaterally. The material for the insert is made from, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, brass, and polymers.
Referring to
Additionally, the shoulders 18 of the projectile 2 enable the projectile 2 to stop in soft tissue because the shoulders slow the projectile 2 down once it hits soft tissue. Further, these projectiles 2 create a lot of cavitation in soft tissue, thus making a wound larger than it would be with a projectile of the prior art. Intended users of these projectiles comprise military and law enforcement.
The construction of these projectiles may be accomplished using a press or mill and lathe. One unique and innovative feature is the shape of the front of the projectile 2, which has a slight radius coming off the bearing surface (the cylindrical portion 20 or the shaft) but is largely formed by angled or slightly twisting depressions 8 pointed to the front. The depressions 8 form troughs and ridges (and remaining portions 22 between the depressions) that possess an angle or a slight radius off the centerline 44 (longitudinal axis) of the projectile 2. In some embodiments, the twist angle of the depressions 8 corresponds to (i.e., is equal to) or is greater than the barrel twist rate (i.e., the twist rate of the rifling in the barrel) and turns in the same direction as the barrel's rifling. In other embodiments, the twist angle of the depressions 8 is equal to or greater than the barrel twist rate and turns in the opposite direction as the barrel's rifling. These depressions 8 do not affect the projectile during internal ballistics but they greatly enhance the performance during external and/or terminal ballistics. In some embodiments, the intersection between the remaining portion 22 and depression 8 forms an edge 92. The edge 92 can be a sharp edge with a sharp corner or the edge can be a rounded curved edge 92. In some embodiments, at the center of the tip 4 or a portion of the nose 6 proximate the tip 4, the depressions 8 meet to form a cutting surface or cutting edge 72. These edges 72 initiate a cut in the target, greatly reducing resistance through media such as sheet metal, fabrics, and soft armor. The twisting troughs 8 move media away from the projectile 2 further reducing resistance and promoting and maintaining the spin to ensure the projectile 2 penetrates deep and straight. The troughs 8 may rapidly move liquids and soft tissue away from the path of the projectile and therefore increase the wound channel.
In one embodiment of the pistol projectile, terminal ballistics traits are emphasized. The tip 4 of the projectile 2 is formed such that the trough 8 is at an angle (alpha or α) relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile. Due to magazine and chamber constraints, projectiles have a maximum length. The density of the material will determine this alpha angle because a steeper alpha angle cuts better, but has a lower weight. The steeper alpha angle will also transfer media at a greater rate into the housing for a faster opening and expansion upon impact with the terminal media for the two-piece projectiles.
In some embodiments, the twist rate of the ridges can equal to or exceeds, by up to double, the twist rate of the barrel. In one embodiment, the projectile would increase the rate of twist once it struck the terminal media. In one embodiment, an insert with a counter twist to (i.e., in the opposite direction of) the rifling is provided, therefore limiting penetration once the projectile cuts through the outer layer of its target. The twist rate in the insert may also be reversed (i.e., in the opposite direction to the barrel twist). Twist rates in most handguns, run from 4-7 degrees, but could be between 2-10 degrees.
The projectile 2 is for pistols and comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20 (also called a shank). The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portions 22 (also called non-distorted portions or uncut portions) between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The remaining portions 22 have a generally triangular shape with the tip of the triangle positioned proximate to the tip 4 of the projectile and the base of the triangle positioned proximate to the rear of the nose 6 and the forward portion of the cylindrical portion 20. A first edge 92 is formed between a nose depression 8 and a remaining portion 22 and a second edge 72 (i.e., cutter edge) proximate the tip 4 is formed between two nose depressions 8. The first edge 92 can be a sharp edge with a sharp corner or the edge can be a rounded curved edge 92. The nose depressions 8 terminate in a substantially flat shoulder 18 proximate to the junction between the nose portion 6 and the cylindrical portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom surface of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 1/16 inches and about 0.750 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3/32 inches and about ⅜ inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.400 inches and about 0.900 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.550 inches and about 0.750 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.643 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.150 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.250 inches and about 0.400 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.343 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.100 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.400 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.300 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according to the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.300 inches and about 0.450 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.355 inches (about 9 mm). In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.400 inches. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.450 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 20 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The remaining portions 22 have a generally triangular shape with the tip of the triangle positioned proximate to the tip 4 of the projectile 2 and the base of the triangle positioned proximate to the rear of the nose 6 and the forward portion of the cylindrical portion 20. A first edge 92 is formed between a nose depression 8 and a remaining portion 22 and a second edge 72 (i.e., cutter edge) proximate the tip 4 is formed between two nose depressions 8. The first edge 92 can be a sharp edge with a sharp corner or the edge can be a rounded curved edge. The nose depressions 8 terminate in a substantially flat shoulder 18. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 1/16 inches and about 0.750 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3/32 inches and about ⅜ inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.400 inches and about 0.900 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.550 inches and about 0.750 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.643 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.150 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.250 inches and about 0.400 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.343 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.100 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.400 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.300 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according to the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.300 inches and about 0.450 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.355 inches (about 9 mm). In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.400 inches. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.450 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 20 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 proximate the tip 4 on one end and interconnected to a cylindrical portion 20 on the other end. The cylindrical portion 20 is interconnected to a boat tail 38 on the end opposite the nose. The boat tail 38 terminates in the base 30 with a radius of curvature R8 between the boat tail 38 and the base 30. In alternate embodiments, the driving bands 26A vary in number, comprising one driving band 26A, a plurality of driving bands 26A, two driving bands 26A, three driving bands 26A, and four or more driving bands 26A.
The cylindrical portion 20 can comprise multiple angled relief bands 28A and angled driving bands 26A. The driving bands 26A alternate with the relief bands 28A. The angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are between about 7 degrees and about 10 degrees. In one embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 7.5 degrees. In another embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 8.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the weight of the projectile is about 154 grams.
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.030 inches and about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.020 inches and about 0.010 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is about 0.015 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R8 between the boat tail 38 and the base 30 is between about 0.035 inches and about 0.010 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R8 between the boat tail 38 and the base 30 is between about 0.025 inches and about 0.015 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R8 between the boat tail 38 and the base 30 is about 0.020 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.25 inches and about 1.75 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.4 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.435 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.00 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.8633 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.322 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.215 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according to the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.220 inches and about 0.450 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.290 inches and about 0.350 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is about 0.298 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.32 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is about 0.307 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7 degrees.
In alternate embodiments, the projectile 2 can have nose depressions and/or tail depressions. This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and fly for an extended range. This projectile 2 is also capable of flying supersonic. The projectile 2 is extremely accurate even at long distances.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 run from the tip 4 to a portion of the projectile 2 proximate the central portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The boat tail 34 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions between the tail depressions 34. The remaining portions are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38. The tail depressions 34 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/16 inch to a ⅜ inch ball end mill and the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. Some embodiments have one or more driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. The widths of the driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28 can vary or they can all be the same.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.75 inches and about 0.1 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the tail depression 34 is between about 0.040 inches and about 0.080 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the tail depression 34 is between about 0.030 inches and about 0.050 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the tail depression 34 is about 0.0625 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.50 inches and about 2.75 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 2.0 inches and about 2.3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 2.150 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.600 inches and about 1.00 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.700 inches and about 0.900 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.800 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.400 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.950 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.220 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.29 inches and about 0.32 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 2 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4 degrees and about 7 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The intended users of the projectile are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The boat tail 38 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34. The remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38. The tail depressions 34 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. Some embodiments have one or more angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. The widths of the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A can vary or they can all be the same. The angled driving bands 26A alternate with the angled relief cuts 28A. The angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are between about 7 degrees and about 10 degrees. In one embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 7.5 degrees. In another embodiment, the angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 8.5 degrees.
The angle Δ of the centerline 36 of the tail depressions 34 can be measured relative to the longitudinal axis 44. In some embodiments, all tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ. In other embodiments, each tail depression 34 has a different angle Δ. In still other embodiments, some tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ while other tail depressions 34 have different angles Δ. In the embodiment shown, the tail depressions 34 are right-hand tail depressions 34 because the angle Δ is positioned to the right of the longitudinal axis 44. Further, when looking at the projectile from a bottom plan view (
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.030 inches and about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.020 inches and about 0.010 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is about 0.015 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.6 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.15 inches and about 1.45 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.30 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.80 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.900 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.225 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.175 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.300 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions is between about 7.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 7.8 degrees. In one embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 7.5 degrees. In another embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 8.5 degrees.
In alternate embodiments, the projectile 2 can have nose depressions and/or tail depressions. This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor fly an extended range. This projectile is also capable of flying supersonic. It is also extremely accurate even at long distances.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 run from the tip 4 to a portion of the projectile proximate the central portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature. The boat tail 34 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34, where each tail remaining portion 46 is positioned between two tail depressions 34. The remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38 proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The tail depressions 34 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/16 inch to a ⅜ inch ball end mill and the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. Some embodiments have one or more driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. The widths of the driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28 can vary or they can all be the same.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
Further, when looking at the projectile from a bottom plan view (
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the nose depression 8 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.05 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the nose depression 8 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.07 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the nose depression 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.80 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.70 inches and about 0.80 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.750 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.90 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.55 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.65 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.400 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.22 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.40 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.338 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 4.0 degrees and about 10.0 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 5.0 degrees and about 7.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 6.0 degrees. The angle Δ of the tail depression 34 is measured from the centerline 36 of the tail depression 34 relative to the longitudinal axis 44.
This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The intended users of the projectile are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The nose remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 run from the tip 4 to a portion of the projectile proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The boat tail 38 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34, where each tail remaining portion 46 is positioned between two tail depressions 34. The tail remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38 proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The tail depressions 34 can have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 120 degree cutter and the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. Some embodiments have one or more driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. The widths of the driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28 can vary or they can all be the same. In additional embodiments, the cylindrical portion 20 has angled driving bands and angled relief cuts like shown in
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.80 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.70 inches and about 0.80 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.750 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.90 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.55 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.65 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.400 inches. The diameter of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.22 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.29 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 2 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4 degrees and about 7 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 7.0 degrees and about 8.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 7.8 degrees.
This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The intended users of the projectile are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The boat tail 34 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34, where each tail remaining portion 46 is positioned between two tail depressions 34. The remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38 proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The tail depressions 34 can have a curved shape, meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. Some embodiments have one or more angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. The widths of the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A can vary or they can all be the same. The driving bands 28A alternate with the relief bands 26A. The angles between the driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are between about 7 degrees and about 10 degrees. In one embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and, angled relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 7.5 degrees. In another embodiment, angles between the driving bands 26A and relief cuts 28A (relative to the horizontal) are about 8.5 degrees.
The angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 can be measured from the centerline 36 of the tail depression 34 relative to the longitudinal axis 44. In some embodiments, all tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ. In other embodiments, each tail depression 34 has a different angle Δ. In still other embodiments, some tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ while other tail depressions 34 have different angles Δ. In the embodiment shown, the tail depressions 34 are right-hand tail depressions 34 because the angle Δ is positioned to the right of the longitudinal axis 44. Further, when looking at the projectile 2 from a bottom plan view (
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.75 inches and about 2.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 2.1 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.00 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.8633 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.322 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.275 inches. The diameter of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.220 inches and about 0.450 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.290 inches and about 0.350 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the projectile 2 is about 0.3080 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the angled relief cut 28A is about 0.298 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.32 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the angled driving band 26A is about 0.307 inches or about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 7.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 7.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 7.8 degrees.
In alternate embodiments, the projectile 2 can have nose depressions and/or tail depressions. This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor fly an extended range. This projectile is also capable of flying supersonic. It is extremely accurate even at long distances.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 run from the tip 4 to a portion of the projectile proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature. The boat tail 34 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34, where each tail remaining portion 46 is positioned between two tail depressions 34. The remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38 proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The tail depressions 34 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/16 inch to a ⅜ inch ball end mill and the tail depressions 34 are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. Some embodiments have one or more driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. The widths of the driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28 can vary or they can all be the same. In additional embodiments, the cylindrical portion 20 has angled driving bands and angled relief cuts like shown in
The angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 can be measured from the centerline 36 of the tail depression 34 relative to the longitudinal axis 44. In some embodiments, all tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ. In other embodiments, each tail depression 34 has a different angle Δ. In still other embodiments, some tail depressions 34 have the same angle Δ while other tail depressions 34 have different angles Δ. In the embodiment shown, the tail depressions 34 are right-hand tail depressions 34 because the angle Δ is positioned to the right of the longitudinal axis 44. Further, when looking at the projectile from a bottom plan view (
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 (not shown in
In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.19 inches. The diameter of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the projectile 2 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.45 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the projectile 2 is about 0.375 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3 degrees and about 8 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 6 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.6 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 1 degree and about 5 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 2.0 degrees and about 4.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the of the boat tail 38 is about 3.0 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 4.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 5.0 degrees and about 6.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 5.6 degrees.
This projectile 2 is designed to shoot into a large animal, e.g., an elephant, and not yaw once it inserts the body. The boat tail 38 of the projectile 2 allows the projectile 2 to perform like this in the soft tissue of an animal. The intended users of the projectile 2 are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile 2 are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics. Note that the nose portion 6 of this projectile 2 can be the same or similar to the nose portions shown in
The projectile 2 comprises a housing 40 with a tip 4 on one end and rear edge 70 on the opposite end. The projectile 2 also includes an insert 42 with a base 30 opposite the tip 4. The housing 40 comprises a nose portion 6 extending from the tip 4 on to a cylindrical portion 20. The cylindrical portion 20 extends from the nose portion 6 to the boat tail 38A. The housing 40 includes a portion of the boat tail 38A. The insert 42 comprises the rest of the boat tail 38B. In one embodiment, the insert 42 is the same insert shown and described in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.030 inches and about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.020 inches and about 0.010 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is about 0.015 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.25 inches and about 2.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.4 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.75 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.00 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.863 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.220 inches and about 0.450 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.290 inches and about 0.350 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.3080 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7 degrees. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.1 inches and about 1.6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.3 inches.
In this embodiment, the insert 42 acts like a propeller in the gun barrel. Thus, the insert 42 relieves pressure on the gun barrel and increases the speed of the bullet. Relieving pressure reduces the wear on the gun barrel because the projectile is already twisting when it hits the barrel's rifling. Thus, there is not a pressure jump where the rifling begins. Further, the shape of the tail formed by the insert 42 is the ideal shape to interact with the gun powder. The depressions on the tail or insert 42 have a 15 degree twist in one embodiment. The tail shape only enhances performance during internal ballistics because the tail is riding in the slip screen of the projectile during external ballistics.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The nose remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 run from the tip 4 to a portion of the projectile proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The boat tail 34 includes tail depressions 34 and tail remaining portions 46 between the tail depressions 34, where each tail remaining portion 46 is positioned between two tail depressions 34. The tail remaining portions 46 are the uncut portions. The tail depressions 34 run from the base 30 to a portion of the boat tail 38 proximate the cylindrical portion 20. The tail depressions 34 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the tail depression 34 is curved and has a radius of curvature R5. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 0.25 inch ball end mill and the tail depressions 34 are cut using a 0.25 inch flat end mill. The cylindrical portion 20 of the projectile can also comprise driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. Some embodiments have one or more driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28. The widths of the driving bands 26 and relief cuts 28 can vary or they can all be the same. In additional embodiments, the cylindrical portion 20 has angled driving bands and angled relief cuts like shown in
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 1.0 inch and about 4.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 3.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 2.71 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.35 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.125 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R5 of the tail depressions 34 is about 0.125 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.75 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.050 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.60 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length of the nose portion 6 is about 0.80 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.25 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.70 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.25 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.22 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.338 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D2 of the relief cut 28 is about 0.32 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D3 of the driving band is about 0.338 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 6 degrees and about 8 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is between about 7.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment the angle Δ of the tail depressions 34 is about 7.5 degrees.
This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The intended users of the projectile 2 are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile 2 are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile 2 is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
Referring to
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The projectile 2 is two-pieces and includes a housing 40 and an insert 42. The tip 4 is substantially flat and is a part of the insert 42. The insert 42 has an arrowhead portion 48 that is wider than its stem 50, which extends from the lower portion 52 of the arrowhead 48 to the underside 54 of the stem 50. The base 30 of the projectile is substantially flat and is part of the housing 40.
The housing has a cavity 24 extending down from the opening of the housing 40. The lower surface of the cavity 24 is substantially flat and has side portions that extend into the center of the cavity 24 to receive the lower portion or underside 54 of the stem 50 of the insert 42. In some embodiments, the stem 50 has a constant diameter. In other embodiments, the stem 50 gets wider near the bottom 54 of the stem 50.
The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The nose depressions 8 extend along the insert such that they extend into the cavity 24 of the housing 40 creating cavities 24 for tissue and other material to collect when the projectile hits its target. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜-inch ball end mill.
In one embodiment, the projectile 2 has at least three nose depressions 8. However, the projectile 2 can have more or fewer nose depressions 8. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 3/16 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.55 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.625 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing is between about 0.45 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 0.485 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.35 inches and about 0.55 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.45 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depression 8 is about 0 degrees. The width of the opening of the housing 40 is about 0.330 inches.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The cylindrical portion 20 can comprise one or more relief cuts 28. The cylindrical portion 20 may also comprise at least one driving band. The projectile 2 is two-pieces and includes a housing 40 and an insert 42. The tip 4 is a part of the insert 42. The insert 42 has an arrowhead portion 48 that is wider than its stem 50, which extends from the lower portion 52 of the arrowhead 48 to the underside 54 of the stem 50. The base 30 of the projectile is substantially flat and is part of the housing 40. The housing has a cavity 24 extending down from the opening of the housing 40 in a conical shape that transitions into a cylindrical shape. The lower surface of the cavity 24 is substantially flat and the sides of the cavity 24 form a receiving portion 58 to receive the stem 50 of the insert 42. In some embodiments, the stem 50 has a constant diameter. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The nose depressions 8 extend along the arrowhead 48 of the insert 42 such that they extend into the cavity 24 of the housing 40 creating cavities 24 for tissue and other material to collect when the projectile 2 hits its target. Additional cavities 24 are created by the conical shape of the housing cavity 24 and the flat underside 52 of the arrowhead 48. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.040 inches and about 0.090 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.050 inches and about 0.070 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.0625 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.40 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.60 inches and about 1.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.912 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.55 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.485 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.20 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.225 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.25 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.224 inches. In the embodiment shown, the width of the housing opening is about 0.200 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4.5 degrees and about 6.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The cylindrical portion 20 can comprise at least one relief cut 28. The cylindrical portion may comprise one or more driving bands and relief cuts. The projectile 2 is two-pieces and includes a housing 40 and an insert 42. The tip 4 is a part of the insert 42. The insert 42 is linear. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion of the insert 42 has a constant diameter. The base 30 of the projectile is substantially flat and is part of the housing 40. The housing 40 has a cavity extending down from the opening of the housing 40. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The nose depressions 8 extend along the insert 42 such that they extend into the cavity of the housing 40 creating cavities 24 for tissue and other material to collect when the projectile 2 hits its target. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/16 inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.040 inches and about 0.080 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.050 inches and about 0.070 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.0625 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.25 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.387 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.80 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.60 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.674 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.413 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.30 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.8 inches and about 1.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.2 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the projectile 2 is about 1.1 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depression 8 is about 0 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The cylindrical portion 20 can comprise one or more relief cuts and one or more driving bands (not shown). The projectile 2 is two-pieces and includes a housing 40 and an insert 42. The tip 4 is a part of the insert 42. The insert 42 has an arrowhead portion 48 that is wider than its stem 50, which extends from the lower portion 52 of the arrowhead 48 to the underside 54 of the stem 50. The base 30 of the projectile is substantially flat and is part of the housing 40. The housing has a cavity 24 extending down from the opening of the housing 40 in a conical shape that transitions into a cylindrical shape. The lower surface of the cavity 24 is substantially flat and the sides of the cavity 24 form a receiving portion to receive the stem 50 of the insert 42. In some embodiments, the stem 50 has a constant diameter that terminates in a substantially flat lower portion 54. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. The nose depressions 8 extend along the arrowhead 48 of the insert 42 such that they extend into the cavity 24 of the housing 40 creating cavities 24 for tissue and other material to collect when the projectile 2 hits its target. Additional cavities 24 are created by the conical shape of the housing cavity 24 and the flat underside 52 of the arrowhead 48. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.03 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.0625 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.206 inches and about 1.606 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.306 inches and about 1.506 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.406 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.497 inches and about 0.897 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.597 inches and about 0.797 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.697 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.209 inches and about 0.609 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.309 inches and about 0.509 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.409 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.30 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 13 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 7 degrees and about 11 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 9.0 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6, a cylindrical portion 20, and a boat tail 38. The cylindrical portion 20 can comprise one or more relief cuts 28 and one or more driving bands 26. In additional embodiments, the cylindrical portion 20 has angled driving bands and angled relief cuts like shown in
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.06 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.08 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.206 inches and about 1.606 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.306 inches and about 1.506 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.406 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.627 inches and about 1.027 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.727 inches and about 0.927 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.827 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.149 inches and about 0.549 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.249 inches and about 0.449 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.349 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.08 inches and about 0.38 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.18 inches and about 0.28 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.23 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3.5 degrees and about 7.5 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4.5 degrees and about 6.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20 (also called a shank). The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and a nose remaining portion 22 between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill.
The angle of the nose depressions 8 can be measured relative to the longitudinal axis 44. In some embodiments, the angle is measured from the centerline 10 of the nose depressions 8 relative to the original ogive of the projectile nose portion 6. In some embodiments, all nose depressions 8 have the same angle. In other embodiments, each nose depression 8 has a different angle. In still other embodiments, some nose depressions 8 have the same angle while other nose depressions 8 have different angles. In one embodiment, the projectile 2 has at least three nose depressions 8. However, the projectile 2 can have more or fewer nose depressions 8.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.20 inches and about 1.60 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.30 inches and about 1.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.40 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 1 inch and about 1.4 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.5 inches and about 0.8 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.5 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
This projectile is armor-piercing. The large, long cuts or depressions in the nose ensure the projectile can penetrate and go through metal and other tough or hard material. This projectile is for military and civilian use. Other intended users of the projectile are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. In some embodiments, the nose depressions 8 terminate in a substantially flat shoulder 18 (not shown). The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a 3/16 inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.010 inches and about 0.300 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.050 inches and about 0.150 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.206 inches and about 1.606 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.306 inches and about 1.506 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.406 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.627 inches and about 1.027 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.727 inches and about 0.927 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.827 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.149 inches and about 0.459 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.249 inches and about 0.449 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.349 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.08 inches and about 0.38 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.18 inches and about 0.28 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.23 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.627 inches and about 1.027 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.727 inches and about 0.927 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 0.827 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3.5 degrees and about 7.5 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4.5 degrees and about 6.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The rounded tip 4 acts like pointed tip due to its aerodynamic properties. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜ inch ball end mill. In the embodiment of
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.0 inch. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.500 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.500 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.40 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.3075 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3.0 degrees and about 10.0 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 4.5 degrees and about 6.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 5.5 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The remaining portions 22 have a generally triangular shape with the tip of the triangle positioned proximate to the tip 4 of the projectile and the base of the triangle positioned proximate to the rear of the nose 6 and the forward portion of the cylindrical portion 20. A first edge 92 is formed between a nose depression 8 and a remaining portion 22 and a second edge 72 proximate the tip 4 is formed between two nose depressions 8. The first edge 92 and/or the second edge 72 may be referred to as a cutter edge in some embodiments. The nose depressions 8 can terminate in a substantially flat shoulder 18 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a shoulder is not present between the nose depressions 8 and the front 56 of the housing 40. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜ inch ball end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 1/32 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3/32 inches and about ⅜ inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.1875 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.400 inches and about 1.00 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.550 inches and about 0.850 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.710 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.150 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.350 inches and about 0.450 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.400 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.100 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.400 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.310 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.300 inches and about 0.450 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.355 inches (about 9 mm). In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.400 inches. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.450 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 7.5 degrees.
The advantage of this projectile is that it can shoot through armor. This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The sharp tip 4 and sharp cutter edges 72 allow this projectile 2 to cut through armor, including Kevlar. Additionally, the shoulders 18 of the projectile enable the projectile 2 to stop in soft tissue because the shoulders 18 slow the projectile down once it hits soft tissue. This projectile 2 is likely for military use only.
The construction of this projectile 2 may be accomplished using a press or mill and lathe. One unique and innovative feature is the shape of the front of the projectile 2, which has a slight radius coming off the bearing surface 20 (the cylindrical portion or the shaft) but is largely formed by angled or slightly twisting depressions 8 pointed to the front. The depressions 8 form troughs and ridges 22 (or remaining portions between the depressions 8) that possess an angle or a slight radius off the centerline 44 (longitudinal axis) of the projectile. In some embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 corresponds to (i.e., is equal to) or is greater than the barrel twist rate (i.e., the twist rate of the rifling in the barrel) and turns in the same direction as the barrel's rifling. In other embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 is equal to or greater than the barrel twist rate and turns in the opposite direction as the barrel's rifling. These depressions 8 do not affect the projectile during internal ballistics but they greatly enhance the performance during external and/or terminal ballistics. In some embodiments, at the center of the tip 4 or a portion of the nose 6 proximate the tip 4, the ridges 92 meet to form a cutting surface or cutting edge 72. These edges 72 initiate a cut in the target, greatly reducing resistance through media such as sheet metal, fabrics, and soft armor. The twisting troughs 8 move media away from the projectile 2 further reducing resistance and they promote and maintain the spin to ensure the projectile 2 penetrates deep and straight. The troughs 8 may rapidly move liquids and soft tissue away from the path of the projectile 2 and therefore increase the wound channel.
Referring to
The construction of these projectiles 2 may be accomplished using a press or mill and lathe. One unique and innovative feature is the shape of the front of the projectile 2, which has a slight radius coming off the bearing surface 20 (the cylindrical portion or the shaft) but is largely formed by angled or slightly twisting depressions 8 pointed to the front. The depressions 8 form troughs and ridges 22 (or remaining portions between the depressions) that possess an angle or a slight radius off the centerline 44 (longitudinal axis) of the projectile 2. In some embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 corresponds to (i.e., is equal to) or is greater than the barrel twist rate (i.e., the twist rate of the rifling in the barrel) and turns in the same direction as the barrel's rifling. In other embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 is equal to or greater than the barrel twist rate and turns in the opposite direction as the barrel's rifling. These depressions 8 do not affect the projectile 2 during internal ballistics but they greatly enhance the performance during external and/or terminal ballistics. In some embodiments, at the center of the tip 4 or a portion of the nose 6 proximate the tip 4, the ridges 92 meet to form a cutting surface or cutting edge 72. These edges 72 initiate a cut in the target, greatly reducing resistance through media such as sheet metal, fabrics, and soft armor. The twisting troughs 8 move media away from the projectile 2 further reducing resistance and promote and maintain the spin to ensure the projectile 2 penetrates deep and straight. The troughs 8 may rapidly move liquids and soft tissue away from the path of the projectile 2 and therefore increase the wound channel.
In one embodiment, the pistol projectile 2 is manufactured via a Swiss Turn machine or the combination of a lathe and mill. Alternatively, the pistol projectile 2 is manufactured via a powdered or gilding metal that is then pressed into a die at high pressure. Due to the direct interface with the barrel, a softer metal may be used. The sharp edges 72 in the front create the ability to penetrate armor (hard and soft) and metal. Testing has revealed that the 78 grain 9 mm projectile moving at 1550 fps will penetrate the following materials: 16 sheets of 22-gauge steel and Level IIIA soft Kevlar. This same projectile fired from a 380 moving 830 fps will penetrate Level IIIA soft armor. If the twist (angle α from centerline 44) of the trough 8 is in the same direction of the rifling, it will increase the penetration in tissue. The angle α is to be equal to or greater than the angle of the rifling.
The angle of the rifling is subject to change by barrel twist rate and caliber. For example, a 9 mm (0.355″) with a 1 in 10″ rate of twist will have a different alpha (α) angle than the same rate of twist in a 45 ACP (0.451″). Different barrels will have different rates of twist and can differ in the direction of the twist. In
In one embodiment of the pistol projectile, terminal ballistics traits are emphasized. The tip 4 of the projectile 2 is formed such that the trough 8 is at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2. Due to magazine and chamber constraints, projectiles have a maximum length. The density of the material will determine this alpha angle because a steeper alpha angle cuts better, but has a lower weight.
In some embodiments, the twist rate a of the ridges 92 can equal to or exceeds, by up to double, the twist rate of the barrel. In one embodiment, the projectile 2 would increase the rate of twist once it struck the terminal media. In one embodiment, a projectile 2 with a counter twist to (i.e., in the opposite direction of) the rifling is provided, therefore limiting penetration once it cuts through the outer layer of its target. Twist rates in most handguns, run from 4-7 degrees, but could be between 2-10 degrees.
In general, the non-congruent twist penetrates less into the target and larger end mill cuts penetrate less into the target. These projectiles 2 create cavitation and slow down in soft tissue. The advantages generally include the ease of manufacturing and the non-expanding bullet (i.e., no housing and cavities). Further, the projectile 2 does not deflect in auto glass, it shoots through sheet metal and body armor using its cutting edges 72, and it creates a cavitation in tissue to help the projectile 2 slow down in the soft tissue. A congruent twist will increase the depth of the projectile's penetration in soft media. The shorter the distance the projectile travels in the target, the more energy is released in a shorter distance. Thus, a wider tissue area is affected in order to absorb the energy.
This projectile 2 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and stop in soft tissue. The sharp tip 4 and sharp cutter edges 72 allow this projectile 2 to cut through armor, including Kevlar. Additionally, the nose depressions 8 positioned at an angle α greater than about 10 degrees create cavitation to collect the target medium such that the projectile 2 stops in soft tissue. This projectile is likely for military and civilian use. The density of the projectiles may be about 7 g/cm3.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a 3/16 inch ball end mill. The nose depressions 8 extend from a front portion of the cylindrical portion 20 to the tip 4 of the projectile.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.075 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.80 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.50 inches and about 0.60 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.600 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.315 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.285 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.300 inches and about 0.450 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.355 inches (about 9 mm). In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.400 inches. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.450 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 25 degrees.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
The length L1 of the projectile 2 varies according to various embodiments and varies with caliber (diameter D1). In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.3 inches and about 1.6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.405 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according to the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 extending from the tip 4 to the linear portion 32 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.14 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.17 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.3 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.145 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the second nose portion 68 extending from the front 56 of the housing 40 to the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.55 and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the second nose portion 68 is about 0.62 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L6A of the first insert 42A is between about 0.3 inches and about 0.9 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6A of the first insert 42A is between about 0.45 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6A of the first insert 42A is about 0.6 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the linear portion 32 outside of the housing 40 is between about 0.01 and 0.15 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the linear portion 32 outside of the housing 40 is between about 0.05 and 0.10 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6B of the second insert 42B is between about 0.25 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6B of the second insert 42B is between about 0.4 inches and about 0.7 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6B of the second insert 42B is about 0.555 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6C of the third insert 42C is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6C of the third insert 42C is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6C of the third insert 42C is about 0.25 inches. However, these lengths can vary with different embodiments. Specifically, embodiments of smaller or larger calibers will have shorter or longer lengths respectively.
In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.23 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.30 inches.
In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch.
The cylindrical portion 20 comprises angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. In one embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to the longitudinal axis 44 between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to the longitudinal axis 44 between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to the longitudinal axis 44 about 7.5 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 about 8.5 degrees. In alternate embodiments, the driving bands 26A vary in number, comprising one driving band 26A, a plurality of driving bands 26A, two driving bands 26A, three driving bands 26A, or four or more driving bands 26A. The angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A create air disturbances that stabilize the projectile 2 in flight allowing the projectile 2 to fly straighter and be less affected by cross winds than projectiles of the prior art.
The construction of these projectiles 2 may be accomplished using a press or mill and lathe. One feature is the shape of the insert 42 of the projectile 2, largely formed by slightly twisting depressions 8 pointed to the front of the insert 42. The depressions 8 form troughs and ridges that form the point 4 of the insert 42. The tip 4 of the insert is positioned forward of the housing 40 and the terminal ends of the troughs 8 and ridges 22 extend into the housing 40. Proximate the tip 4, the depressions 8 intersect forming cutting edges 72. The cutting edges 72 initiate a cut in the target to promote the penetration through the outer layer and because a portion of the troughs 8 are inside the housing 40 results in rapid and violent expansion of the housing 40 upon impact with the projectile's target. The twist of the depressions 8 corresponds to or is greater than the twist rate of the rifling in the barrel and the depressions 8 turn in the same direction or the opposite direction of the barrel. The projectile can also have a cut perpendicular to the radius line which would generate a zero twist degree. At the center of the tip 4, the ridges 72 join together to form a cutting surface. These edges 72 initiate a cut, greatly reducing resistance through media such as sheet metal, fabrics, and soft armor. The twisting troughs 8 move media away from the projectile 2 and rapidly open the housing 40 to create greater frontal surface area of the projectile 2 during terminal ballistics. These projectiles 2 are designed so as to not over penetrate in soft tissue and to produce a rapid transfer of energy, and may react similarly to full metal jackets (“FMJs”) when penetrating sheet metal, glass, soft armor, and fabrics.
In one embodiment, a cap is pressed into place that covers the insert and is held by the housing, which provides a first media to initiate the opening of the housing during the first stages of terminal ballistics.
One advantage of the housing is the ability to make the insert 42 out of almost any material (e.g., brass, aluminum, steel, polymers, etc.). The insert 42 does not interface with the barrel so the use of hard materials or even steel is also feasible. Both steel and aluminum in both similar and opposed twist directions have been tested and are further embodiments. When the twist rate is opposed to the rifling, in particular with the aluminum insert, the tissue destruction is immense. All testing has shown that all these designs will penetrate in similar fashion on both hard and soft armor. The steeper (i.e., greater) alpha angle will also transfer media at a greater rate into the housing for a faster opening and expansion of the housing 40 upon impact with the terminal media.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20 (also called a shank). The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 1/16 and about ½ inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 3/16 inches and ¼ inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.5 inches and about 0.8 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.60 inches and about 0.71 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.670 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.36 inches and about 0.38 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.37 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.316 inches and about 0.716 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.416 inches and about 0.616 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 0.516 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 11 mm and about 7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 10 mm and about 8 mm. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 9 mm.
In a preferred embodiment, the dimension W1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.070 inches and about 0.470 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the dimension W1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.270 inches. In one embodiment, the length L7 is between about 0.145 inches and about 0.345 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L7 is about 0.245 inches.
The housings 40 can be formed on a lathe or press and may be made from copper or brass. Any material that will not harm a barrel would be also be acceptable and form alternative embodiments of the housing 40. The addition of the housing 40 lessens the penetration in tissue by creating greater frontal surface area and therefore increases trauma.
The tip 4 of the insert 42 is formed such that the depression or trough 8 is at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42. The density of the material used and the size of the insert 42 and projectile will determine this alpha angle because a steeper alpha angle cuts better, but has a lower weight. The steeper alpha angle will also transfer media at a greater rate into the housing for a faster opening and expansion upon impact with the terminal media.
In some embodiments, the twist rate of the depressions 8 can equal or exceed, by up to double, the twist rate of the gun barrel. In one embodiment, the projectile would increase the rate of twist once it struck the terminal media. In one embodiment, an insert 42 with a counter twist to (i.e., in the opposite direction of) the rifling is provided, therefore limiting penetration once it cuts through the outer layer of its target. The twist rate of the depressions 8 of the insert 42 may also be reversed (i.e., in the opposite direction to the barrel twist). Twist rates in most handguns run from about 4-7 degrees, but could be between about 2-10 degrees.
The insert 42 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a lower portion 54 on the other end. The insert 42 comprises an arrowhead portion 48 and a stem portion 50. The underside 52 of the arrowhead 48 can be flat, angled, or rounded. The insert 42 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and a nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the insert's original ogive and radius of curvature R1. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions are cut using a ⅜ inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.4 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.513 inches and about 0.713 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.413 inches and about 0.613 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 422 is about 0.513 inches. However, the length L6 varies with the embodiment and with the caliber of the projectile.
The diameter D4 of the stem 50 of the insert 42 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 of the insert 42 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.28 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 of the insert 42 is about 0.225 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 of the insert 42 is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.3 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is about 0.25 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 8 degrees and about 12 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 10 degrees.
This insert 42 is different from the prior art because it can pierce armor and the projectile stops in soft tissue. The sharp tip 4 and sharp cutter edges 72 allow this insert 42 to cut through armor, including Kevlar.
The insert 42 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a lower portion 54 on the other end. The insert 42 comprises an arrowhead portion 48 and a stem portion 50. The underside 52 of the arrowhead 48 can be angled, flat, or curved. The insert 42 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the insert's original ogive and radius of curvature R1 The nose depression 8 has a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/32 inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.01 and about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.03 inches and about 0.375 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.25 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the radius of the curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.047 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.426 inches and about 0.826 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.526 inches and about 0.726 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 0.626 inches. The diameter D4 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.3 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is about 0.225 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 of the insert 42 is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.4 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is about 0.30 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 8 degrees and about 12 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 10 degrees.
The insert 42 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a lower portion 54 on the other end. The insert 42 comprises an arrowhead portion 48 and a stem portion 50. The insert 42 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portion 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the insert's original ogive and radius of curvature R1. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the nose depressions 8 are cut using a 3/16 inch flat end mill.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.08 inches and about 0.375 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.25 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the depression 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.436 inches and about 0.836 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.536 inches and about 0.736 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 0.636 inches. The diameter D4 of the stem 50 of the insert varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is between about 0.025 inches and about 0.425 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is between about 0.125 inches and about 0.325 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D4 of the stem 50 is about 0.225 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 of the insert 42 is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is between about 0.2 inches and about 0.4 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D5 of the arrowhead 48 is about 0.3 inches. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 8 degrees and about 12 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 10 degrees.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 proximate the tip 4 and a boat tail 38 proximate the base 30 and a cylindrical portion 30 between the nose portion 6 and boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 is comprised of a first nose portion 66, a linear portion 32, and a second nose portion 68. The ogive of the first nose portion 66 has a first radius of curvature R1 and the second nose portion 68 has a second radius of curvature R2. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature R2 is between about 2.5 inches and about 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the first nose portion 66 is linear rather than having a radius of curvature R1.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.125 inches and about 1.725 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.225 inches and about 1.625 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.425 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.7 inches and about 1.1 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.8 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.899 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.522 inches and about 0.122 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.422 inches and about 0.222 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.322 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.4 inches and about 0.1 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.3 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.204 inches. In one embodiment, the length L9 of the linear portion 32 is between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L9 of the linear portion 32 is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.04 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L9 of the linear portion 32 is about 0.025 inches. In some embodiments, the length L9 corresponds to 1/10 or 1/12 of the caliber of the projectile 2. In one embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.22 inches. In one embodiment, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 is between about 0.35 inches and 0.95 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 is between about 0.55 inches and about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 is about 0.65 inches. In some embodiments, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 is about three times the length L8 of the first nose portion 66. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
The projectile 2 also has a boat tail 38 with an angle θ proximate the base 30. The cylindrical portion 30 has angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. In one embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cut 28A is about 0.298 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.32 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.31 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D3 of the angled driving band 26A is about 0.307 inches. Detailed views of the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are shown in
Referring to
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile includes an insert 42 that fits into a housing 40. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 and a cylindrical portion 20 (also called a shank). The nose portion 6 includes a first nose portion 66 and a second nose portion 68. A linear portion 32 is positioned between the first nose portion 66 and second nose portion 68. In one embodiment, the projectile 2 has a hardened steel tip 4. The cylindrical portion 20 includes angled driving bands 26A with diameter D3 and angled relief cuts 28A with diameter D2 and radius of curvature R6. See
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.125 inches and about 1.725 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.225 inches and about 1.625 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.425 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.7 inches and about 1.1 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.8 inches and about 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.899 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.522 inches and about 0.122 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.422 inches and about 0.222 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.322 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.108 inches and about 0.508 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.208 inches and about 0.408 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
As shown in
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
The nose portion 6 comprises a first nose portion 66 with a radius of curvature R1 and a second nose portion 66 with a radius of curvature R2. The projectile 2 also has a boat tail 38 with an angle θ.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.3 inches and about 1.6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.405 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 extending from the tip 4 to the linear portion 32 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 extending from the tip 4 to the linear portion 32 is between about 0.14 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 extending from the tip 4 to the linear portion 32 is about 0.17 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.3 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.145 inches. In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.3 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 1.175 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the linear portion 32 is between about 0.10 and 0.15 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the second nose portion 68 extending from the front 56 of the housing 40 to the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.55 and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the second nose portion 68 extending from the front 56 of the housing 40 to the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.62 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.23 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.30 inches.
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 3.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the secant ogive is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
The cylindrical portion 20 comprises angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. In one embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 between about 6 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 about 7.5 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 about 8.5 degrees. In alternate embodiments, the driving bands 26A vary in number, comprising one driving band 26A, a plurality of driving bands 26A, two driving bands 26A, three driving bands 26A, and four or more driving bands 26A. The angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A create air disturbances that stabilize the projectile 2 in flight allowing the projectile 2 to fly straighter and be less affected by cross winds than projectiles of the prior art.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 interconnected to a cylindrical portion 20 interconnected to a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes a first nose portion 66, a second nose portion 68, and a linear portion 32 positioned between the first nose portion 66 and the second nose portion 68. The cylindrical portion 20 includes angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.3 inches and about 1.6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.405 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the first nose portion 66 is between 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches, or preferably 0.23 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the housing is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.3 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the housing is about 1.145 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the linear portion 32 is between about 0.04 and 0.06 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the second nose portion 68 is between about 0.55 and about 0.70 inches.
The projectiles of
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 interconnected to a cylindrical portion 20 (also called a shank) interconnected to a boat tail 38 with an angle θ. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 3.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.96 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 1.00 inch and about 0.600 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.900 inches and about 0.700 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.800 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.550 inches and about 0.150 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.450 inches and about 0.250 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.350 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.4 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 is about 1.2 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
The nose depressions 8 are right-hand depressions 8 because when looking at the projectile from a top plan view (
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.88 inches. In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.2 inches. The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 interconnected to a cylindrical portion 20 interconnected to a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive.
The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the projectile 2 further comprises a tungsten or Inconel insert.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.508 inches and about 0.108 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.408 inches and about 0.208 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
The intended users of the projectile 2 are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile 2 are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile 2 is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics. In some embodiments, this projectile 2 will be two pieces and will have a tungsten or Inconel insert. This projectile 2 is armor penetrating. This projectile 2 is designed to go and never quit. Further, the tip 4 is designed to relieve material as it penetrates its target.
The projectile 2 comprises a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 comprises a nose portion 6 interconnected to a cylindrical portion 20 interconnected to a boat tail 38. The nose portion 6 includes nose depressions 8 (also called cutouts or troughs) and nose remaining portions 22 between the nose depressions 8, where each nose remaining portion 22 is positioned between two nose depressions 8. The remaining portions 22 are the uncut portions having the projectile's original ogive.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 (also called the caliber) varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.138 inches and about 0.538 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.238 inches and about 0.438 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.338 inches.
The intended users of the projectile are African big game hunters. The attributes of this projectile are deep straight penetration with transfer of energy. The projectile is comprised of brass, copper, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
In one embodiment, the pistol projectile 2 is comprised of brass. The brass projectile may pierce armor, including Kevlar; therefore, the brass embodiment is intended for government use (e.g., police and military). Other embodiments are comprised of soft copper, which is intended for civilian use because it cannot piece armor, including Kevlar. Due to the direct interface with the barrel, a soft metal can be used. In both embodiments, the projectile stops in soft tissue and creates a lot of cavitation in soft tissue, thus making a wound larger than it would be with a projectile of the prior art. The projectile 2 has twisting troughs or depressions 8 that move media away from the projectile 2 further reducing resistance and maintaining the spin to ensure the projectile 2 penetrates deep and straight. The troughs 8 rapidly move liquids and soft tissue away from the path of the projectile 2 and, therefore, increase the wound channel. Additionally, the troughs 8 project target material away from the projectile at a 90-degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis 44 (compare to
The unique shape of the front of the projectile 2 includes angled or slightly twisting depressions 8 pointed to the front of the projectile 2. The depressions 8 form troughs, edges 92, and remaining portions 22 between the depressions 8. The depressions 8 possess an angle α or a slight radius off the longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2. In some embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 corresponds to (i.e., is equal to) or is greater than the barrel twist rate (i.e., the twist rate of the rifling in the barrel) and turns in the same direction as the barrel's rifling. In other embodiments, the twist angle α of the depressions 8 is equal to or greater than the barrel twist rate and turns in the opposite direction as the barrel's rifling. If the twist a (angle from centerline 44) of the trough 8 is in the same direction of the rifling, it will increase the penetration in tissue. This angle α is to be equal to or greater than the angle of the rifling. These depressions 8 do not affect the projectile during internal ballistics but they greatly enhance the performance during external and/or terminal ballistics. In some embodiments, the angle α of the depressions 8 vary relative to the longitudinal axis 44. For example, the angle α of the portion of the depression 8 proximate the tip 4 may not be same as the barrel's riffling, but the angle α of the depression 8 proximate the cylindrical portion 20 may be the same or greater than the barrel's riffling angle. Additionally, the angle of the remaining portions 22 may vary along the length of the projectile 2. For example, the remaining portions 22 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 proximate the tip 4 and may be at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 44 proximate the cylindrical portion 20.
The construction of this projectile 2 may be accomplished using a press or mill and lathe. In one embodiment, the pistol projectile 2 is manufactured via a Swiss Turn machine or the combination of a lathe and mill. Alternatively, the pistol projectile 2 is manufactured via a powdered or gilding metal that is then pressed into a die at great pressure. If the depressions 8 of the projectile 2 are cut using a ball end mill, then the ball end mill cuts into the nose 6 at an angle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 and then stops at the end of the cut. This is different than the projectiles of
Unlike
In one embodiment, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 0.001 in2 and about 0.006 in2. In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 0.002 in2 and about 0.004 in2. In some embodiments, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 1.0% and about 6.0% of the surface area of the base 30. In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 3.0% and about 5.0% of the surface area of the base 30. In some embodiments, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 1.0% and about 5.0% of the surface area of a cross-section taken through the cylindrical portion 20 (i.e., the surface area of a circle having the diameter D1). In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the tip 4 is between about 2.0% and about 4.0% of the surface area of a cross-section taken through the cylindrical portion 20. In some embodiments, the tip 4 has a triangular shape (see
The intersection between the remaining portion 22 and depression 8 forms an edge 92. The edge 92 can be a sharp edge with a sharp corner or the edge can be a rounded curved edge 92. The nose depressions 8 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the nose depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In some embodiments, the nose depressions 8 have a constant radius of curvature R4 throughout the entire depression 8. In other embodiments, the radius of curvature R4 varies throughout the depression 8. In one embodiment, the nose depressions of the 9 mm caliber projectile 2 are cut using a 3/16 inch ball end mill. Additionally, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.0625 inches and about 0.375 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.07 inches and about 0.13 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.09375 inches. In other embodiments, other sized ball end mills are used to cut the nose depressions 8, which means that the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 will change with the various ball end mill size. For example, a ⅛ inch, 3/16 inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, ⅝ inch, or ¾ inch ball end mill, or any similarly dimensioned metric unit ball end mill, can be used to cut the nose depressions 8 in projectiles 2 according to embodiments of the present invention. Further, larger or smaller ball end mills can be used for larger or smaller caliber projectiles, which means that the radius of curvature R4 of the nose depressions 8 can vary as the caliber of the projectile varies. The nose depressions 8 extend a length L11 from a rear portion of the nose 6 (i.e., just in front of the front of the cylindrical portion 20) to the tip 4 of the projectile 2. In one embodiment, the length L11 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L11 of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L11 of the nose depressions 8 is about 0.32 inches.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
In some embodiments, all nose depressions 8 have the same angle α. In other embodiments, each nose depression 8 has a different angle α. In still other embodiments, some nose depressions 8 have the same angle α while other nose depressions 8 have different angles α. In the embodiment shown, the nose depressions 8 are right-hand nose depressions 8 because the angle α is positioned to the right of the longitudinal axis 44. In one embodiment, the projectile 2 has at least three nose depressions 8. However, the projectile 2 can have more or fewer nose depressions 8. In one embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 0 degrees and about 35 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α of the nose depressions 8 is about 8 degrees.
The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.200 inches and about 0.500 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.300 inches and about 0.450 inches. In the embodiment shown, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.355 inches (about 9 mm). In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.400 inches. If the diameter D1 of the projectile is about 0.400 inches, then the other measurements (e.g., L2, L3, L4, L11, etc.) scale accordingly, except for length L1, which may not scale depending on barrel, chamber, and gun powder constraints. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.450 inches. If the diameter D1 of the projectile is about 0.450 inches, then the other measurements (e.g., L2, L3, L4, L11, etc.) scale accordingly, except for length L1, which may not scale depending on barrel, chamber, and gun powder constraints.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.65 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.50 inches and about 0.55 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.517 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.30 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.34 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.13 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.155 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the chamfer 38A is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.035 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the chamfer 38A is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.025 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the chamfer 38A is about 0.022 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the chamfer 38A is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the chamfer 38A is between about 10 degrees and about 25 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of chamfer 38A is about 15 degrees.
In some embodiments, the projectile 2 includes a cannelure 74. The cannelure 74 is a groove around the circumference of the projectile 2 and is used for crimping, lubrication, waterproofing, and identification. In one embodiment, the cannelure 74 is the point at which the forward-most portion of the casing interconnects to the projectile 2. The forward-most portion of the casing is crimped to the projectile 2 at the cannelure 74 and the cannelure 74 provides a place for the casing to grip the projectile 2. The projectile 2 can include additional cannelures 74 in additional embodiments. Any embodiment described or shown herein (including the embodiments shown and described in
The cavitation shape of this projectile is shown in
In some embodiments, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.25 inches and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.40 inches and about 4.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.5 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive or the second nose portion 68 is between about 1.0 inch and about 6.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive or the second nose portion 68 is between about 2.5 inches and about 5.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive or the second nose portion 68 is about 5.0 inches. In another more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches.
The longitudinal axis 44 of the projectile 2 is shown in
The depressions 8 in the insert have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the depressions 8 are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill. In various embodiments, the ball end mill can cut into the projectile 2 to different depths when forming the depressions 8. Because the ball end mill is spherical, the width of the depressions 8 will increase as the ball end mill is cut deeper into the projectile until the ball end mill cuts a depth equal to its radius. The shallower the nose depressions 8, the deeper the projectile will penetrate into a soft target material. Therefore, deeper depressions 8 are used for smaller animals and humans and shallower depressions 8 are used for larger animals. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depressions 8 is between about 0.04 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.10 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depression 8 is about 0.0625 inches. The depressions 8 extend a length from a rear portion of the first nose portion 66 (i.e., just in front of the linear portion 32) to an area of the insert 42 proximate the end of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42. The depressions 8 begin at a point before the linear portion 32 to fill with target material upon impact. Additionally, the location of the depressions 8 and the linear portion 32 enable air to flow around the depressions 8. In one embodiment, the length of the depressions 8 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length of nose depressions 8 is between about 0.35 inches and about 0.55 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length of the depressions 8 is about 0.43 inches. The length of the nose depressions 8 may the same as or similar to the length L11 of the depression 8 shown in
Additionally, if the insert 42 is longer, which is the case in some embodiments, then the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 can be longer and the depressions 8 can be longer. The converse is true if the insert 42 is shorter than the insert shown in
In one embodiment, the material of the insert 42 is harder than the material of the housing 40. In some embodiments, the insert 42 is made of steel, tungsten, Inconel, or another hard material. The housing can be made of brass, copper, copper alloys (e.g., a copper nickel alloy, a trillium copper alloy, etc.), an aluminum nanoparticle/nanopowder (nanotechnology) material, or other materials known in the art. In other embodiments, the material of the insert 42 is the same or similar hardness to the material of the housing 40.
Embodiments of this projectile have a hardened forcing cone or insert 42 that separates from the housing 40 upon impact of a soft target material. The insert 42 typically yaws and continues in a different path from the housing 40 once in the soft target material. The housing 40 continues in a direction that is the same as or similar to the trajectory of the projectile upon impact. Depending on the target material and the velocity of the projectile upon impact, the forward portion of the housing 40 can split or flower into six or more pieces in the target or the forward portion of the housing 40 can fragment and break off in the target. If the forward portion fragments and breaks off, then the base portion 90 of the housing keeps going in the target material. The base portion 90 is typically the part of the housing 40 without a cavity, i.e., the portion of the housing 40 in
This projectile 2 includes many novel features, including the fact that the projectile's 2 flight path is not altered by going through glass or other hard materials. The projectile's 2 trajectory stays the same (or very similar) after going through a piece of glass (e.g., a windshield or window). Additionally, the projectile 2 stops in a soft target material and creates large cavitation or wounds in the soft target material. Most projectiles that continue along the same trajectory after going through a hard material are also armor piecing projectiles that do not stop in a soft target material. These prior art projectiles can be dangerous in crowded environments because the projectile can go through the first soft target material (e.g., a person) and then hit another object (e.g., another person). The projectile 2 of
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.00 inch and about 2.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.50 inches and about 1.80 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.65 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.80 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.55 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion 20 is about 0.40 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.25 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.30 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 0.83 inches. In one embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 extending from the tip 4 to the linear portion 32 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.21 inches. In one embodiment, the length L12 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L12 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.55 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L12 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is about 0.40 inches. In one embodiment, the length L13 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L13 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L13 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is about 0.22 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D6 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D6 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D6 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 is about 0.17 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is about 0.125 inches. The step between the thick portion 76 and thin portion 78 of the insert 42 has a rounded shape and is positioned at an angle τ relative to the longitudinal axis of the projectile 2. In some embodiments, the angle τ is between about 90 degrees and about 150 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle τ is about 120 degrees. The underside 54 of the insert 42 has a pointed or angled shape such that the underside 54 is positioned at an angle λ relative to the longitudinal axis of the projectile 2. In some embodiments, the angle λ is between about 90 degrees and about 150 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle λ is about 120 degrees. The housing 40 has a cavity that is cut to have a similar shape to the insert 42 such that the cavity in the housing 40 can securely receive the insert 42, i.e., the housing 40 can frictionally engage the insert 42. The cavity can have a cylindrical portion with a larger inner diameter proximate the front 56 of the housing 40 that transitions to a cylindrical portion with a smaller inner diameter. The transition may be angled or curved. Thus, the cavity will have inner diameters similar to the diameter D6 of the thick portion 76 of the insert 42 and the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42. The bottom of the cavity may be pointed, angled, conical shaped, or flat. Additionally, the cavity in the housing 40 can have similar transition shapes and angles to the insert's 42 shapes and angles, e.g., angle λ and angle τ. In some embodiments, the cavity in the housing 40 can have grooves on the inner surface to more tightly grip the insert 42.
The tip 4 can have a radius of curvature R7 (not shown on
In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.00 inch and about 1.80 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.41 inches. In one embodiment, the length L9 of the linear portion 32 is between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L9 of the linear portion 32 is about 0.05 inches. In some embodiments, the length L9 corresponds to 1/10 or 1/12 of the caliber of the projectile. In one embodiment, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 extending from the front 56 of the housing 40 to the cylindrical portion 20 is between about 0.50 and about 1.00 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the length L10 of the second nose portion 68 is about 0.74 inches.
In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
The cylindrical portion 20 comprises angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. The angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A create air disturbances that stabilize the projectile 2 in flight allowing the projectile 2 to fly straighter and be less affected by cross winds than projectiles of the prior art. For a close-up view of the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A, see
Additionally, two-part projectiles send a lot of energy laterally into its target and the insert 42 magnifies cavitation. Therefore, the projectile 2 can stop quicker and the projectile 2 creates more cavitation. Further, a user can use a smaller gun and get the same performance as a larger gun with respect to cavitation and wound size.
In some embodiments, the first nose portion 66 of the projectile 2 has a convex radius of curvature R1. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.5 inches and 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is about 2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the first nose portion 66 is angled or concave.
In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.0 inches and about 8.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 4.5 inches and about 6.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 5.5 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 3.5 inches.
In one embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.09 inches and about 0.14 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D7 of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is about 0.115 inches.
The depressions 8 in the insert have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the depressions 8 are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill. In various embodiments, the ball end mill can cut into the projectile 2 to different depths when forming the depressions 8. The depressions 8 of
In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.80 inch and about 1.80 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 1.10 inch and about 1.50 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.30 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter of the thin portion 78 of the insert 42 is about 0.125 inches.
The insert 42 comprises depressions 8 and remaining portions 80 between the depressions 8. The depressions 8 in the insert have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the depressions 8 are cut using a ⅛ inch ball end mill. In various embodiments, the ball end mill can cut into the projectile 2 to different depths when forming the depressions 8. The depressions 8 of
The projectile includes an insert 42 and a housing 40. In one embodiment, the insert 42 is comprised of two different materials. In various embodiments, the front portion 84 of the insert 42 is a soft material (e.g., aluminum, plastic, etc.) and the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is a hard material (e.g., tungsten, steel, tungsten-carbide, Inconel, etc.). The housing 40 can be brass, bronze, copper, copper alloys (e.g., a copper nickel alloy, a trillium copper alloy, etc.), a ceramic material, an aluminum nanoparticle/nanopowder (nanotechnology) material, aluminum alloy, tungsten-carbide, or any other material known in the art. In some embodiments, the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is a harder material than the housing 40. In other embodiments, the material of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is the same or a similar hardness to the material of the housing 40. In one embodiment, the soft metal front portion 84 of the insert 42 acts like a lubricant when the projectile 2 strikes its target, which allows the projectile to smoothly penetrate the target.
In some embodiments, this projectile 2 has a hardened forcing cone or insert 42 that separates from the housing 40 upon impact of a soft target material. The insert 42 typically yaws and continues in a different path from the housing 40 once in the soft target material. The housing 40 continues in a direction that is the same as or similar to the trajectory of the projectile upon impact. Depending on the target material and the velocity of the projectile upon impact, the forward portion of the housing 40 can split or flower into six or more pieces in the target or the forward portion of the housing 40 can fragment and break off in the target. If the forward portion of the housing 40 fragments and breaks off, then the base portion 90 of the housing keeps going in the target material. The base portion 90 is typically the part of the housing 40 without a cavity, i.e., the portion of the housing 40 in
The diameter D1 of the projectile 2 varies according the various embodiments. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.338 inches. If the diameter D1 of the projectile is about 0.338 inches, then the other measurements (e.g., L2, L3, L4, L6, L7, L14, L15, etc.) scale accordingly, except for length L1, which may not scale depending on barrel and chamber constraints. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.40 inches. If the diameter D1 of the projectile is about 0.400 inches, then the other measurements (e.g., L2, L3, L4, L6, L7, L14, L15, etc.) scale accordingly, except for length L1, which may not scale depending on barrel and chamber constraints. In yet another preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.45 inches. If the diameter D1 of the projectile is about 0.45 inches, then the other measurements (e.g., L2, L3, L4, L6, L7, L14, L15, etc.) scale accordingly, except for length L1, which may not scale depending on barrel and chamber constraints.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.00 inch and about 2.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.40 inches and about 1.70 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.53 inches. In one embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.15 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the nose portion 6 is about 0.90 inches. In one embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.70 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.45 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L3 of the cylindrical portion is about 0.38 inches. In one embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.23 inches. In another embodiment, the length L4 of the boat tail 38 is about 0.25 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.50 inches and about 3.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 1.30 inches. In one embodiment, the length L14 from the tip 4 of the projectile 2 to the tip 88 of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L14 from the tip 4 of the projectile 2 to the tip 88 of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L14 from the tip 4 of the projectile 2 to the tip of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is about 0.30 inches. In one embodiment, the length L15 of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L15 of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L15 of the rear portion 86 of the insert 42 is about 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the diameter D4 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D4 of the insert 42 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D4 of the insert 42 is about 0.26 inches. The insert 42 may also include bands 82 to help hold the insert 42 in the housing 40. Any number of bands 82 can be used in various embodiments. The bands 82 may be steps in the housing 40 and/or insert 42 that increase or decrease in height by between about 0.005 inch and 0.02 inch. The widths of the bands 82 are typically between about 0.01 inch and 0.03 inch. The bands 82 are similar to cannelures in that they are grooves around the circumference of the insert 42 used for crimping and securing the housing 40 to the insert 42. As the projectile is shot through the barrel, the housing 40 gets pushed or squished around the insert 42 and the bands 82 help the housing 40 and insert 42 to spin together at the same rate.
The insert 42 may end proximate to where the boat tail 38 begins. The tip 4 can have a radius of curvature (R7 in other figures). In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.005 inches and about 0.05 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.015 inches and about 0.035 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is about 0.025 inches.
The rear portion 86 of the insert 42 can have a tip 88 at a forward-most point of the rear portion 86. The forward portion of the insert rear portion 86 can include depressions 8 that form a cutting edge at the tip 88, similar to the cutting edges shown in
The depressions 8 in the insert 42 have a curved shape meaning that the trough or bottom of the depression 8 is curved and has a radius of curvature R4. In one embodiment, the depressions 8 are cut using a ¼ inch ball end mill. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depressions 8 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depressions 8 is between about 0.09 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R4 of the depression 8 is about 0.125 inches.
However, the size of the ball end mill, and thus the radius of curvature R4 of the depressions 8, can vary in various embodiments and can vary as the caliber of the projectile 2 and/or diameter D4 of the insert 42 changes. The depth of the ball end mill cuts forming the depressions 8 can vary in various embodiments. Additionally, the depressions 8 can be cut by the ball end mill intersecting the insert 42 at an angle. In some embodiments, that intersection angle is between about 15 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42. In a preferred embodiment, that intersection angle is between about 25 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42. In a more preferred embodiment, that intersection angle is about 37 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 44 of the insert 42.
In some embodiments, the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive is between about 0.25 inches and about 10.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive is between about 2.5 inches and about 8.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive is about 5.0 inches. However, the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive varies with caliber; therefore, as the caliber increases the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive increases and as the caliber decreases the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive decreases. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 0.25 inches and about 10.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is between about 2.5 inches and about 8.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is about 5.0 inches. Thus, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is the same as the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the radius of curvature R2 of the tangent ogive is different than (and typically larger than) the radius of curvature R1 of the nose ogive.
In one embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is between about 0.75 inch and about 2.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of the housing 40 is about 1.30 inches. In one embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is between about 6.5 degrees and about 8.5 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ of the boat tail 38 is about 7.5 degrees.
The cylindrical portion of the projectile 2 comprises angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A. The angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A create air disturbances that stabilize the projectile 2 in flight allowing the projectile 2 to fly straighter and be less affected by cross winds than projectiles of the prior art. For a close-up view of the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A, see
In one embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis between about 6 degrees and about 11 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis between about 7 degrees and about 9 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle σ relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis about 8.5 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the angled driving bands 26A and angled relief cuts 28A are positioned at an angle α relative to a horizontal line or the longitudinal axis 44 about 7.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cuts 28A is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D2 of the angled relief cuts 28A is about 0.300 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving bands 26A is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D3 of the angled driving bands 26A is about 0.308 inches. In alternate embodiments, the driving bands 26A vary in number, comprising one driving band 26A, a plurality of driving bands 26A, two driving bands 26A, three driving bands 26A, and four or more driving bands 26A.
This projectile has cutouts 94 in the cavity of the housing 40 rather than depressions on the insert 42. Thus, the insert 42 has a substantially smooth outer surface.
The housing 40 has two or more cutouts 94, and in the embodiment shown, the housing 40 has four cutouts 94 that are evenly spaced apart. The cutouts 94 are cut using a broaching process on a mill or lathe. The cutouts 94 cause the housing 40 to flower by creating petals between the cutouts 94 when the projectile hits its target. The petals peel back to slow the projectile in its target and to create larger cavitation in the target. Only a portion of the cutouts 94 are visible in
This projectile 2 can be made or copper, brass, or any other known material. Additionally or alternatively, skivings can be added to the exterior of the housing proximate the cutouts 94 to further help the housing 40 peel backward and flower out.
The insert 42 may also include bands 82 to help hold the insert 42 in the housing 40. Any number of bands 82 can be used in various embodiments. The bands 82 may be steps in the housing 40 and/or insert 42 that increase or decrease in height by between about 0.005 inch and 0.02 inch. The widths of the bands 82 are typically between about 0.01 inch and 0.03 inch. The bands 82 are similar to cannelures in that they are grooves around the circumference of the insert 42 used for crimping and securing the housing 40 to the insert 42. As the projectile is shot through the barrel, the housing 40 gets pushed or squished around the insert 42 and the bands 82 help the housing 40 and insert 42 to spin together at the same rate.
The projectile 2 is designed to fly at subsonic speeds, but can still penetrate armor, which is an unexpected result because typically the higher speed the projectile the better it penetrates armor.
The projectile 2 comprises a housing 30 made of a soft material such as copper, brass, or a copper alloy and an insert 42 made of a hard material such as tungsten or steel. The projectile has a tip 4 on one end opposite a base 30 on the other end. The projectile 2 also includes a nose portion 6 with a first nose portion 66 and a second nose portion 68. The first nose portion 66 has a concave radius of curvature R1. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.25 inches and about 3.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.35 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.40 inches and about 0.50 inches. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the ogive of the second nose portion 68 is between about 1.0 inch and about 5.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the ogive of the second nose portion 68 is between about 1.5 inches and about 3.0 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the ogive of the second nose portion 68 is about 2.0 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.75 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L1 of the projectile 2 is about 1.3 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.20 inches and about 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.40 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the projectile 2 is about 0.308 inches.
The insert 42 is cylindrical shaped with a diameter D6 and a length L6. In one embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L6 of the insert 42 is about 1.0 inch. In one embodiment, the diameter D6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D6 of the insert 42 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the diameter D6 of the insert 42 is about 0.25 inches.
In one embodiment, the length L19 of the portion of the projectile 2 after the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.50 inches and about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L19 of the portion of the projectile 2 after the first nose portion 66 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L19 of the portion of the projectile 2 after the first nose portion 66 is about 1.175 inches. In one embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.20 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the length L8 of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.125 inches. In one embodiment, the height H1 of the rear portion of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.10 inches and about 0.35 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the height H1 of the rear portion of the first nose portion 66 is between about 0.15 inches and about 0.30 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the height H1 of the rear portion of the first nose portion 66 is about 0.25 inches. The base 30 is substantially flat. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.05 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is between about 0.015 inches and about 0.03 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature R7 of the tip 4 is about 0.02 inches.
The projectiles described herein can be comprised of brass, copper, copper alloys (e.g., copper nickel alloy, trillium copper alloy, etc.), an aluminum nanoparticle/nanopowder (nanotechnology) material, bronze, tungsten-carbide, alloys of these metals, or any material known in the art, including plastics and ceramics.
Additionally, various features/components of one embodiment may be combined with features/components of another embodiment. For example, features/components of one figure can be combined with features/components of another figure or features/components of multiple figures. To avoid repetition, every different combination of features has not been described herein, but the different combinations are within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, if details (including angles, dimensions, etc.) about a feature or component are described with one embodiment or one figure, then those details can apply to similar features of components in other embodiments or other figures.
Moreover, the dimensions listed herein for specific figures or embodiments are the ideal dimensions for the caliber (diameter D1) shown in that figure. However, each embodiment and figure can be manufactured in various calibers and the dimensions scale with the caliber. For example, if the figure shows a 9 mm caliber projectile and the dimensions of various features for that 9 mm caliber projectile are provided herein, then a similar projectile can be manufactured with a different caliber having different—but similar—dimensions, e.g., the projectile can also be manufactured in a .40 caliber (i.e., 0.40 inch diameter) projectile with dimensions of various features that are scaled to be larger than the preferred dimensions herein for the 9 mm caliber projectile. Specifically, the length (L1) of the projectile will typically increase with an increased caliber, but the length (L1) does not always increase proportionally to the diameter because other constraints exist, such as chamber length and the amount of gun powder needed to shoot the projectile. Additionally, other lengths (e.g., L2, L3, . . . L15) will increase with an increased caliber projectile. In some embodiments, the radii of curvature (e.g., R1, R2, . . . R8) also increases with an increased caliber projectile. In the interest of brevity, every dimension for every possible caliber of every embodiment described or shown herein is not included herein due to the repetitive nature of the dimensions and the length of description that would be required. Additionally, repetitive discussion of features/components is not included for similar embodiments or for embodiments with similar features/components. Common small arms calibers range from 0.17 inch to 0.51 inch caliber projectiles. Common pistol projectile calibers include: 3 mm (0.12 inch), 0.172 inch, 5 mm (0.2 inch), 0.32 inch, 9 mm (0.354 inch), 0.357 inch, 0.380 inch, 10 mm (0.39 inch), 0.40 inch, 0.44 inch, 0.45 inch, and 0.50 inch. Common rifle projectile calibers include: 0.17 inch, 0.22 inch, 0.243 inch, 0.270 inch, 7 mm (0.276 inch), 0.30 inch, 0.308 inch, 0.338 inch, 0.357 inch, 0.375 inch, 0.444 inch, and 0.45 inch.
In some embodiments, the angle of the depressions, troughs, or cutout portions can be oriented or measured with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile or the ogive of the remaining portion. In various embodiments, the angle of the depression's centerline or the lowest point of the trough relative to the projectile's ogive is constant. Thus, the angle of the depression's centerline or the lowest point of the trough relative to the projectile's centerline may not be a constant angle; rather the angle may actually be a multitude of angles because the line of the trough follows the ogive and, therefore, is parabolic relative to the projectile's centerline.
In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the depressions are constant throughout the depression. This is especially true if the depressions are formed by cutting the projectile with a ball end mill. However, the radius of curvature of the depressions may vary throughout the depressions if the projectile and depressions are formed by casting or injection molding. Further, the depths—and thus the widths—of the depressions may vary even if the depressions are cut with the same size ball end mill. The depths and widths of the depressions may be constant for all depressions or may vary throughout the depressions or each depression may be different. Additionally, one embodiment can have depressions cut with a specific size ball end mill and a second embodiment may have depressions cut with the same size end mill but the depressions are cut deeper in the second embodiment, thus the depressions of the second embodiment are deeper and wider than the depressions of the first embodiment. For example, a ⅛ inch, 3/16 inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, ⅝ inch, or ¾ inch ball end mill, or any similarly dimensioned metric unit ball end mill, can be used to cut the depressions in projectiles according to embodiments of the present invention.
In various embodiments, the shape of the depression may be curved throughout. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the depression may come to a point such that the depression is V-shaped.
In some embodiments, the end of the nose depression opposite the nose is curved and has the same radius of curvature as the radius of curvature of the depression. This is likely the case when the nose depression is cut with a ball end mill. Alternatively, the lower end of the depression (the end opposite the nose) can have a flat, angled, or pointed (V-shaped) shape. These shapes are possible if the depression is cut with a flat end mill or the projectile is molded or casted.
Additionally, in various embodiments the intersection between the remaining portion (ridge) and depression (trough) forms an edge that can be a sharp edge with a sharp corner in various embodiments or the edge can be a rounded curved edge in other embodiments.
In some embodiments, the nose portion of the projectile has one or more skivings extending from a portion of the projectile proximate the nose. The one or more skivings can extend a length between about 0.10 inches and 1.00 inch. Skivings are typically used in embodiments with a housing and an insert because the skiving helps the housing to peel backward and expand upon target impact.
The cylindrical portion can comprise sections that are equal to the diameter of the rifle barrel's grooves (driving bands) and alternate with a diameter equal to the diameter of lands in the rifle's bore (relief cuts). The angle of transition between these driving bands and relief cuts is 7.5-8.5 degrees in one embodiment.
Table 1
Table 1 provides a design chart for alpha angles for given barrel rates of twist and calibers. For example, for a .308 caliber bullet fired from a barrel having a barrel rate of twist of 10 (i.e., 1 bullet rotation every 10 inches of barrel travel), the alpha angle is 5.526794 degrees. The alpha angle designs provided are representative of embodiments that have a perfect correlation to the rate of twist.
The rifled projectiles have exhibited excessive velocity with no apparent gain in pressure. This is an unexpected result, as under normal circumstances this should be impossible. This unexpected result may be due to less friction within the barrel. The twisting depressions are twisting the bullet in the barrel and reducing friction when the projectile engages with the rifling. This occurs when pressures exceed roughly 50,000 PSI. As the barrel warms slightly and pressures increase, the velocity increases exponentially. The greatest increase recorded was 1400 ft/s over the standard rifle projectile. This is substantial because it represents a 40% increase over normal velocity.
Also, the barrel heats at a slower rate and heats differently than with traditional bullets, lending further evidence of reduced friction in the barrel. Under normal circumstances, the greatest heat in a barrel is experienced an inch or two after the chamber. In contrast, with respect to the projectiles disclosed herein, the barrel gets hottest near the muzzle. The high pressures are helping to twist the projectile through the rifling and thus lowering friction. When the pressures drop near the muzzle, the heat and the friction return to the barrel.
There are many benefits of these results. With lower friction and less heating, barrels will last substantially longer. A lower rate of heating would have an impact on the manufacturing of machine guns, e.g., they could have lighter barrels that would last longer. Cyclic rates could be raised; longer bursts and sustained fire would be possible. Greater velocities mean flatter trajectories with the same case and similar weight projectiles. For a given projectile weight and caliber, a much smaller case could be employed. This means smaller lighter actions and more ammunition could be supplied for a given weight weapon system.
The functional aspects of the projectile may eliminate the sound of the bullet in flight, i.e., the whistle associated with a projectile in flight. The supersonic crack of the bullet passing is still audible but lessened. In one series of tests, a bullet flew at supersonic velocity without a supersonic crack until destabilizing, after which a yaw resulted and whistling began. Thus, a lower sound signature is provided.
These projectiles fly flatter than traditional ones, i.e., they have a higher ballistic coefficient. The fact they do not make a whistle means there is less friction as they slide through the atmosphere.
The penetration exhibited by these projectiles is greater than standard projectiles, and penetrate straighter than normal. Also, the projectiles of the invention have righted themselves after glancing off an object. The shape lends itself to reestablishing the spin after the projectile has struck an object. When a normal projectile begins to yaw, penetration decreases rapidly. With the subject projectiles, the spin ensures that yaw does not result.
The shape of the front of the projectile provides the capability to produce secondaries and enlarging wound channels. This will increase the size cavity of a wound inflicted by this projectile. The rapid sideways movement of media upon impact with this projectile may also explain the extra penetration that has been shown.
In one embodiment of a method of manufacture, a projectile is manufactured comprising steps as follows: the basic projectile shape, i.e. the nose and profile, is cut using a lathe; depressions are cut using a combination CNC Swiss screw machine (broadly, a combination CNC and lathe machine), Swiss screw machine and/or CNC turning machine. The projectile is rotated as the mill machine is cutting the material (one turns the front half or the back half of the projectile as appropriate, that is, depending on which portion of projectile is being worked). The forward-most portion of the projectile is contacted while the projectile is rotating. A mill is used to cut depressions in a straight line while the projectile turns. Then, cut any required driving bands; cut a radius on the back of the projectile as required; cut off back of projectile at base as required; and cut tail depression(s) as required (alternately, one can start tail portion of projectile and end with the nose portion of the projectile).
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
This application is a Divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/406,781 filed on Jan. 16, 2017, entitled “Projectile with Enhanced Ballistics,” which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/701,519 filed on Apr. 30, 2015, entitled “Projectile with Enhanced Ballistics,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,709,368, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/986,296, filed Apr. 30, 2014, entitled “Projectile with Enhanced Ballistics,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/145,814, filed Apr. 10, 2015, entitled “Projectile with Enhanced Ballistics,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760338 | Kwiatkowski | May 1904 | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200116462 A1 | Apr 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 61986296 | Apr 2014 | US | |
| 62145814 | Apr 2015 | US |
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| Parent | 15406781 | Jan 2017 | US |
| Child | 16707820 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 14701519 | Apr 2015 | US |
| Child | 15406781 | US |
