High density cartridge and method for reloading

Abstract

A cartridge (10), constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for use in a firearm (not shown), such as a traditional 12-gauge shotgun, broadly includes a shell (12), powder (14) housed within the shell (12), wadding (16) separating the powder (14) within the shell (12), and high density, non-toxic, non-steel shot (18) received within the wadding (16). The high density shot (18) includes a plurality of pellets (44), each including tungsten (46) and presenting a density between about sixteen and nineteen grams per cubic centimeter. Each of the pellets (44) present a uniform, smooth spherical shape. The high density shot (18) is a non-toxic, non-steel shot that patterns well even at long range applications while providing the desired lethality without the need for relatively large payloads.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to shells for use with a firearm, such as a shotgun or the like. More specifically, the present invention concerns a cartridge having a non-toxic, non-steel high density shot and a method for reloading the same. [0003] 2. Discussion of Prior Art [0004] Shotgun shells, also known as slugs or cartridges, are known in the art and typically include a plastic body having a head formed from metal, such as brass. The metal head includes a primer cap—which is filled with priming mixture—an anvil, and a battery cup that defines a flash hole into the chamber defined by the body. A base wad, that may be integrally formed with the plastic body, typically surrounds the cap, anvil, and cup and defines a powder chamber that is filled with gunpowder. An additional wad is then used to separate the powder and define a shot chamber that is filled with shot pellets. The top of the plastic body is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides an improved cartridge having a non-toxic, non-steel high density shot that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art hard media non-toxic, non-steel shot cartridges detailed above. The inventive cartridge enables hunter's to utilize lower payloads and lower powder charges yet still achieve improved, and desired, lethality and patterning for short, medium, and even long range waterfowl applications thereby providing a cost-competitive and more effective cartridge—capable of automated reloading—without any increased and undesirable recoil forces.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge is loaded with non-toxic, non-steel shot pellets having at least ninety percent tungsten and presenting a density of at least sixteen grams per cubic centimeters. The preferred shot pellets are sintered, ground, and polished. The preferred cartridge utilizes only one and one-quarter ounces of shot propelled to achieve lethality and patterning that outperforms even the one and three-quarter ounce shot of the prior art heavy media non-toxic, non-steel shot, with the use of substantially less choke. The preferred cartridge can utilize a standard wad and be reloaded with do-it-yourself automated reloading machines.

Problems solved by technology

Prior to the early 1980's, the vast majority of all prior art shot pellets were formed primarily from lead with certain alloys, such as antimony, or plating, such as copper or nickel, utilized to adjust the hardness, and thus, the lethality of the pellets.

However, in the 1970's and 1980's, it was becoming increasingly more clear that spent lead shot was toxic to waterfowl and larger unintended numbers of waterfowl were dying from poisoning occasioned by ingesting spent lead shot.

Unfortunately, steel shot is significantly less lethal than similarly configured lead shot.

Despite the industry's attempts to make steel shot a viable alternative to lead, several limitations have prevented this.

For example, aerodynamic drag on the larger shot pellets required for the necessary lethality reduce its ability to pattern well at the desired ranges.

Additionally, potential damage to the firearm increases with the required increased pellet size and shot payloads that compensate for both lethality and pattering problems.

These older models can present a damage risk, such as shot peening at the choke constriction point.

These problems forced many avid hunters to quit the sport altogether.

Although soft media shot does not present the risk of damaging older firearms that steel shot does, soft media shot still suffers from the same lethality and patterning problems as steel shot does when compared with lead.

Existing prior art hard media non-steel shots, while offering some improvements over steel shot, are still problematic and suffer from several undesirable limitations.

For example, these prior art hard media non-steel shots do not pattern well, particularly at long range, thereby impacting their lethality.

Larger payloads and powder charges are undesirable; they dramatically increase the unwanted recoil forces experienced by the hunter and they increase the risk of damaging the barrel of the firearm.

Additionally, these prior art heavy media non-steel shot cannot utilize standard wads—they require a heavier, thicker wad to keep the pellets from breaking through the wad and thus reducing the patterning ability and potentially damaging the firearm.

Specialized wads are more expensive and thus undesirably impact the hunter's ability to reload their own shells.

There is also another problem with reloading shells with the existing prior art heavy media non-steel shot—desirable user-owned reloading machines cannot be used with these prior art shots—they must be manually weighed and loaded.

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