Process for producing tubular articles

A cold working process for the manufacture of a tubular metal shell or cartridge case, the process comprising:

• (a) supporting an open-ended hollow metal tube on a first forming tool with one end of the tube projecting beyond the end of the tool in a die, (b) initially necking the projecting end of the tube in a necking die and thereafter, with the necked tube held in the die by the first forming tool, (c) compresssing the necked portion of the tube between the first forming tool and a second forming tool to form the head of the shell or cartridge case with a primer pocket and vent.

A cold working process for the manufacture of a hollow tubular metal article having a shaped head, the process comprising:

• (a) supporting and open-ended hollow metal tube on a mandrel with one end of the tube projecting beyond the end of the mandrel, the mandrel being surrounded by a spring-loaded sleeve which engages the end face of the tube, (b) inserting the mandrel into a die such that the projecting end of the tube is necked in a necking portion of the die, (c) advancing a second forming tool toward the first forming tool, the second forming tool being slidably received in a bore formed in the die beneath the necking portion thereof, the advancing end face of the second tool having a substantially circular projecting portion with a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameeer of the necked portion of the tube, (d) the said projecting portion being inserted into the mouth of the necked portion of the tube before an annular portion of the said end face surrounding the circular projection engages the end face of the necked tube to compress the necked portion of the tube between the two tools and thereby form the shaped head.