Lead free reduced ricochet limited penetration projectile

#The present invention relates to an improved composite projectile/projectile core with superior characteristics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite projectile/projectile core with a binder and a ballast, such as a metal or metal alloy, encased therein wherein the projectile is capable of being manufactured at a specific gravity closely resembling lead metal.

#There has been a long felt desire to reduce the amount of lead in the environment. The impact of high levels of lead has been well documented and the desire to lower these levels is now well accepted.

#The use of lead in projectiles, such as bullets or bullet cores, has been a widely accepted practice for generations. The intrinsic properties of lead make it particularly suitable for use as a projectile. Lead can be easily cast into desired shapes. The specific gravity and rheological properties of lead are particularly suitable for use as a projectile. The weight is sufficient for accurate flight and the material is soft enough to mushroom, or flatten into a disk, upon impact. These properties combined provide optimal flight characteristics and maximum kinetic energy transfer for effectiveness on impact. There is no suitable substitute for lead projectiles for hunting activities. The amount of lead entering the environment through hunting activities is minimal. Other metals may provide adequate specific gravities yet the ability to mushroom is compromised and therefore the projectile may pass through the intended target without mushrooming. This is undesirable as realized in the art.

#Projectiles of the present invention were prepared in accordance with the following procedure. A composition was prepared comprising 90%, by weight, tungsten and 10%, by weight PEBA alloyed with impact modified nylon 6 which was internally lubricated with Silicon, PTFE and Mineral Oil. Tungsten metal was obtained from Micron Metals, Inc. as WP106. PEBA was obtained from Atofina Chemicals, Inc., as PEBAX. Impact modified nylon 6 was obtained from LNP Engineering Plastics, Inc. as Thermocomp HSG-P-1100A EXP. The mixture was dried for a minimum of 4-6 hours at 180° F. in a dehumidifying oven prior to molding into a projectile. A conventional ram, or reciprocating screw injection molding machine was used to form the projectile. The processing conditions included a mold temperature of 180° F., and a melt temperature of 490° F. at 25,000 psi. A 9 mm projectile was prepared with a weight of 124 grains and a length of 0.600 inches. The specific gravity was measured, using standard techniques, to be 11.2. The cited art is incapable of preparing a stable projectile with the weight and density obtained with the sample projectile. The 124 grain 9 mm projectile was loaded and fired from a 9 mm cal Beretta 92 SM 4.3 inch barrel pistol producing an average velocity of 1109 feet per second and a chamber pressure of 28,520 PSI at a distance of 7 yards against a ¼ inch AISI steel plate 48×48×¼ at a striking angle of 10 degrees. The Reduced Ricochet Limited Penetration 9 mm projectile completely disintegrated producing no “Splashback” or projectile fragments.

#A projectile was prepared in accordance with the procedure and composition described in Example 1. A 5.56 mm projectile was prepared at a weight of 62 grains and 0.740 inches in length.

#A projectile was prepared in accordance with the procedure and composition described in Example 2. A subsonic 5.56 mm projectile was prepared at a weight of 114 grains and 1.15 inches in length.