FIREARM AMMUNITION COMPONENT AND METHOD OF USE

A firearm ammunition component comprising a projectile body having a circular cross-section and a central channel on a forward face, a nose portion forward of the projectile body, and a gas check member rearward of the projectile body. The nose includes a curved forward end, a rear end opposite the forward end, and a stabilizing element/band between the forward and rear ends extending radially outwards from at least a portion of the nose. A shank extends from the nose rear end and within the body central channel. The gas check member includes a rearward annular wall portion forming a combustion chamber. The firearm ammunition component is adapted so only the stabilizing element/band contacts the firearm bore, ensuring loading central the bore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of ammunition, including, but not limited to, muzzleloading firearm ammunition.

2. Description of the Related Art

The ammunition used in firearms, including the ammunition of muzzleloading firearms (“muzzleloaders”), has evolved from using round-ball projectiles to sleek, aerodynamic projectiles featuring tapered designs that have vastly improved projectile performance. As it is generally known, most traditional firearm ammunition cartridges are constructed using a metal shell casing (e.g., a brass casing) containing some amount of propellant (e.g, gunpowder, smokeless powder, etc.) in a rearward portion of the cartridge that is sometimes referred to as the cartridge “body.” The metal casing of a traditional casing also holds a projectile, or projectile body, in a frontward portion of the cartridge that is sometimes referred to as the cartridge “neck.” Gases resulting from the burning of the propellant pressurize radially and expand the metal casing against the wall of the chamber, and push against the base of the projectile, causing the projectile to be expelled from the front of the cartridge and through the barrel of the firearm

Unlike the ammunition of cartridge-based firearms, muzzleloaders require the propellant charge and projectile to be loaded separately within the barrel prior to firing. Muzzleloaders are loaded by feeding a propellant charge through the muzzle of the barrel, and subsequently driving the projectile down the barrel to seat it against the propellant charge at the breech end of the barrel.

To ensure proper firing operations, muzzleloading firearms include a projectile in combination with a wad or gas check member between the propellant charge and the projectile. Other muzzleloading firearms utilize containment vessels containing a quantity of propellant. In order to obtain sufficient gas pressure from the combustion of the propellant charge, the outer diameter of the projectile often exceeded the inner diameter of the barrel. In addition to the loading difficulty resulting from the contact between the barrel bore and the projectile, scoring of the projectile during contact with the bore's rifling (tile “lands and grooves”) often degrades the performance of the projectile upon firing.

A sabot is a supportive device which surrounds the projectile and engages the barrel of the firearm to hold it in place. Since a sabot is between both the projectile and the barrel, interference can result between the projectile and the barrel which can also affect the performance of the projectile upon firing. Further, ill cases where a sabot does not detach from the projectile upon firing, the speed and trajectory of the projectile will be adversely impacted.

The designs of the prior art attempt to solve this problem with the development of projectiles with a maximum diameter which is less than the diameter of the barrel which are rearwardly supported by a sabot having a diameter exceeding that of the barrel. While these saboted projectiles are desirable due to ease of loading operations, difficulties arise due to the reduced projectile diameter. Often, the projectile may not properly engage the barrel due to a loose or angled load. Due to the nature of the oversized sabot diameter, incorrectly loaded projectiles will provide the same or substantially similar tactile feedback to the operator during loading as correctly loaded projectiles. Incorrectly loaded projectiles which are subsequently fired can be especially dangerous, causing misfires, dramatically altered projectile trajectory, and overall reduced performance. Manufacturers of such designs attempt to remedy these disadvantages by requiring specific propellant charges to be used with these saboted projectiles or instructing operators to foul the barrel with soot and gunpowder residue prior to use. Thus, a need exists for a projectile system which can be fit within the barrel bore without the need to foul the barrel to ensure proper seating and firing operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a firearm ammunition component which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a firearm ammunition component which is easy to load and remains central to a firearm barrel.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a firearm ammunition component which may be readily altered in size and weight to accommodate a plurality of firearm calibers.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a firearm ammunition component comprising a projectile body having a circular cross-section and a central channel on a forward face. A nose portion may be forward of the projectile body, and a gas check member may be rearward of the projectile body. The nose includes a curved forward end, a rear end opposite the forward end including a shank extending within the central channel, and a stabilizing element between the forward and rear ends extending radially outwards from a portion of the nose. The gas check member comprises an annular wall portion. The stabilizing element comprises a first outer diameter, and the body and the gas check member comprise a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter. The stabilizing element may be adapted to contact a bore of a firearm, wherein the gas check member and body may be adapted to not contact the bore. The stabilizing element may comprise a stabilizing band disposed around the circumference of the nose.

In some embodiments, the firearm ammunition component may comprise a second stabilizing band disposed on the gas check member and extending radially outwards. The projectile body may further comprise a rounded forward end. The rounded forward end may be received within a hollow interior portion of the nose. A rearward end of the projectile body may include a tapered boat-tail portion, and the gas check member may include an upper annular wall for receiving the tapered boat-tail portion. An outer rim of the projectile body central channel may comprise a chamfered region.

The nose forward end may include a tip constructed of a material consisting of aluminum, lead, brass, copper, zinc, rubber, nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyester urethane-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) copolymers, and combinations thereof.

The body may comprise a stem port on a rearward face and the gas check member may comprise a central stem or protrusion couplably engageable with the stem port. At least a portion of the firearm ammunition component may fragment upon ballistic impact. The shank may extend throughout the body and the gas check member may comprise a recess couplably engageable with the shank. The annular wall portion may comprise a resilient material which may expand to the first outer diameter upon ignition of a propellant charge within the bore.

The firearm ammunition component is adapted for use with a muzzleloader, or for use within a cartridge, air-gun, or shotgun.

The present invention also provides a firearm ammunition component, comprising a projectile body having a circular cross-section and a central channel on a forward face. The body comprises a rearward face with an annular wall portion enclosing a combustion chamber. A nose portion may be forward of the projectile body, having a curved forward end, a rear end opposite the forward end including a shank extending within the central channel, and a stabilizing element between the forward and rear ends extending radially outwards from a portion of the nose. The stabilizing band may comprise a first outer diameter, and the body may comprise a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter. The stabilizing band may be adapted to contact a bore of a firearm, and the body may be adapted to not contact the bore. The stabilizing element may comprise a stabilizing band disposed around the circumference of the nose

In one or more embodiments, an outer rim of the projectile body central channel includes a chamfered region. At least a portion of the firearm ammunition component may fragment upon ballistic impact. The annular wall portion may comprise a resilient material which is expandable to the first outer diameter upon ignition of a propellant charge in the bore. The firearm ammunition component may be adapted for use within a muzzleloader, a cartridge-based firearm, air-gun, or shotgun.

The present invention also provides a method of loading the firearm ammunition component of the embodiments described above within a launcher system. The method comprising providing the firearm ammunition component, providing a launcher system having a barrel with a muzzle end, placing the gas check member of the firearm ammunition component within the barrel, and moving the firearm ammunition component within the barrel such that only the stabilizing element/band contacts a barrel bore and centers the firearm ammunition component within the bore.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of igniting a propellant charge within a breech end of the barrel, and expanding the gas check member annular wall portion to contact the bore as a result of ignition of the propellant charge. The method may further include the steps of propelling, via the ignition of the propellant charge, the firearm ammunition component out of the muzzle end, and detaching the gas check member from the firearm ammunition component upon exiting the muzzle end. The launcher system may comprise a muzzleloader, a cartridge-based firearm, an air-gun, or a shotgun.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “include” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “top,” “bottom,” “rear,” “front,” “side,” or the like may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another element or component as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Additionally, in the subject description, the words “exemplary,” “illustrative,” or the like are used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design. Rather, use of the words “exemplary” or “illustrative” is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

In describing the embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein toFIGS.1-21of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

The present invention provides a firearm ammunition component for use with firearms, including muzzleloaders, comprising a plurality of one-piece components. The firearm ammunition component according to the embodiments of the present invention are easier and less expensive to manufacture, and easier to load. The firearm ammunition component of the present invention allows for a true barrel-sized load, allowing for a more consistent, centered, muzzle end load. The firearm ammunition component comprises a projectile body which may be frangible, or designed of environmentally friendly (i.e., biodegradable or recyclable) materials. The firearm ammunition component can be modified to any suitable length by altering the dimensions of the projectile body. By way of these modifications, the stopping force of the firearm ammunition component can be modified as needed. The forward portion of the firearm ammunition component includes a stabilizing band or element which extends radially, and is adapted to contact the bore of a barrel during loading, while the remainder of the ammunition component does not contact the bore. In effect, the ammunition component will be centered to the barrel and the propellant charge, resulting in improved energy transfer from combustion products, while reducing the risk of improper load misfires.

With first reference toFIGS.1-5, the firearm ammunition component1of the present invention generally comprises three components: nose segment30, projectile body10, and gas check member20. Gas check member20comprises a generally cylindrical element constructed of a polymer and engineered for couplable engagement with nose shank31. A projectile body10may be secured between nose30and gas check member20and may be sized to an outer diameter similar to that of gas check member20. Preferably, the outer diameter of projectile body and gas check member is sized slightly less than that of a barrel bore, including the lands and grooves of the barrel rifling. Projectile body10may be constructed of a suitably solid, but deformable material such as lead, copper, aluminum, bismuth, lead alloys, copper alloys, plastic, other similar materials, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments projectile body may be frangible, breaking into smaller pieces after firing and/or impact. As depicted, projectile body comprises a circular cross-section, with a central channel15extending therethrough. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.1-5, projectile body10comprises a flat forward portion10awhich provides a mating surface with a complementary inside surface38of nose30, and a flat rearward portion10bfor providing a mating surface with the front forward surface22of the gas check member20.

Nose30comprises a generally conical construction which includes a forward curved portion or ogive35and a flat, inside, lower surface38for engagement with projectile body10. Nose30may be constructed of a sufficiently rigid material, such as ceramic, polymeric, or composite materials. A stabilizing band33is disposed on the full-diameter section of nose30, forming a radially projecting circumferential surface around nose30. In one embodiment, the stabilizing band includes a shelf or flat portion37, although this is not meant to be limiting, and may also include a tapered or rounded transition from the surface of the nose30to the stabilizing band shoulder portion37. Stabilizing band33and nose30may be molded together forming in a unitary construction, or separately welding, or bonding together using solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. Preferably, stabilizing band33comprises a material similar to nose30, but other materials are not meant to be precluded.

Stabilizing band33may further include ribs or grooves along the outer surface of the band (not shown) which would reduce surface contact with the barrel bore when loaded, thus reducing frictional forces between the firearm ammunition component1and the bore during loading and firing operations. While the figures of the present embodiment depict the stabilizing band disposed on nose30, other locations of the stabilizing band are not meant to be precluded. In some embodiments, the stabilizing band may be incorporated on the gas check member or both (FIG.4B). Further, while only one stabilizing band is depicted, any number of stabilizing bands which would provide proper centering of the firearm ammunition component to the firearm barrel (as well as the propellant charge and/or primer) are not meant to be precluded.

FIGS.24-26depict a firearm ammunition component nose displaying stabilizing elements85according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The full-diameter section80or anywhere within the nose30may include one or more stabilizing elements85projecting from a portion of the nose surface. The number of stabilizing elements85will depend on the specific application and desired ballistic performance but may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more stabilizing elements. One embodiment includes four stabilizing elements85which may engage the barrel rifling, ensuring the firearm ammunition components remains co-axial to the barrel bore during loading and firing.

FIG.25depicts a perspective view of the nose30with one or more stabilizing elements85radially projecting from a portion of full-diameter section80. The nose forward end35comprises a cone-like or V-shaped construction, but may alternately form a tangent ogive, secant ogive, hybrid ogive, and the like. The nose30may comprise a hollowed interior section32for complementary engagement with a rounded head projectile (SeeFIGS.7and14-17). Alternately, and with additional reference toFIGS.26and27, nose30may comprise a flat inside surface38for mating with a complementary flat forward portioned projectile (SeeFIGS.1-5,8-12and18-21). Shank31may be disposed central to nose30, projecting from the nose interior/inside surface and extending opposite nose forward end35.

Referring toFIG.5, nose shank31extends centrally from nose inside surface38, and may be sized to a diameter which slidably engages (by slip fit engagement, press fit engagement, and the like) central hollow channel15of projectile body10. Shank31extends into at least a portion of central channel15, and may extend beyond the projectile body rearward portion10b.Shank31may be coupled to gas check member's forward surface22via central recess21. Central recess21extends into at least a portion of the gas check member20interior, forming a depression or mortise to receive nose shank31. Shank31may be coupled to recess21through press fit or snap-fit engagement or received by any other means which one or ordinary skill in the art could use, including an adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, shank31may be secured to projectile body10and not traverse into gas check member20.

During assembly, shank31may be inserted within channel15and is sized to fit within and engage recess21, creating an interference engagement between the gas check member20and the nose30. Shank31may also be welded or bonded to the surface of gas check member20by solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding, or laser-welding techniques. Thus, shank31and recess21may be of any geometric construction which would facilitate connection between the nose30and gas check member20to ensure a sealing of projectile body10therebetween, such as a tapered tail and socket (dovetail) connection, threaded connection, stepped connection, and the like. Upon proper connection of shank31within recess21, a tactile feedback may be produced. In some embodiments, such as those depicted inFIG.2, a void39may result upon shank31has been coupled to the gas check member.

Gas check member20comprises a generally cylindrical element, having a forward front face22, and a rearward face20bforming combustion chamber28, An annular skirt comprising exterior skirt wall23and interior skirt wall25may extend between front face22and rearward rim20b.The outer diameter of the gas check member may be similar to that of projectile body10, forming a tolerance gap between the lands and grooves of the barrel interior and the exterior skirt wall23which would aid loading operations. As depicted inFIG.2, interior skirt wall25is of an internally flared, stepped, or domed-shaped construction, causing the combustion chamber28to have a larger cross-sectional area at the end closest to rearward rim20b,and a smaller cross-sectional area towards the front face22of the gas check member20. While other geometries of the combustion chamber28are not meant to be precluded, the flared construction of the combustion chamber28is preferable, allowing the expansion of gases therewithin to push outwardly on the resilient material of the inner skirt wall25, increasing the diameter of the exterior skirt wall23proximate rim20b.In effect, gas check member20will deform via expansion within the barrel, ensuring combustion gases produced by the propellent charge will be applied to ignition forces of the firearm ammunition component. Advantageously, expansion of the gas check seals any tolerance gap between the firearm ammunition component and the barrel, achieving internal pressures necessary for acceptable ballistic performance.

Turning now toFIGS.22A,22B, and23, the firearm ammunition component according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted within a firearm barrel during ballistic flight.FIG.22Adepicts the firearm ammunition component1loaded within breech end64of barrel60and seated forward of a propellant charge (not shown). Once loaded, stabilizing band33of nose30will fit within and engage the rifling of bore61in an interference engagement, while projectile body10and gas check member20may be sized to form a transition or clearance engagement68with the bore61. In some embodiments nose may comprise one or more stabilizing elements (not shown). Upon ignition of the propellant charge, gas pressure63will enter the combustion chamber28of the gas check member20, forcing the firearm ammunition component1towards muzzle end62of the rifle (FIG.22B). Expanding gas pressure within the combustion chamber28will cause the resilient exterior skirt wall23of gas check member20to expand outwardly in direction65to engage the rifle bore61, preventing ingress of combustion products around the firearm ammunition component1. Propulsive forces will propel the firearm ammunition component1through the barrel60, engaging at least the stabilizing band33with the rifling of the bore61to provide spin before exiting the barrel muzzle62in ballistic flight. Advantageously, the stabilizing bands/elements of the firearm ammunition component engage the rifling of bore61, ensuring the firearm ammunition component1remains co-axial to the barrel64during ballistic operations.

Alternate embodiments of the firearm ammunition component of the present invention described in detail below. The alternate embodiment(s) of the features of the firearm ammunition components described herein may be used in place of the firearm ammunition component elements described previously, and comparable features of the firearm ammunition component are numbered similarly, but with an increased magnitude (e.g., nose30,130, or230). It should be understood by a person of skill in the art that one or more of the features described in the embodiment(s) below may be used in combination with other embodiments, including those described above.

Turning toFIGS.6,7and11-13, an embodiment of the firearm ammunition component201,201′ is shown, comprising nose/ogive230,230′, which may a cone-like or V-shaped construction (SeeFIGS.6and7), or may alternately form a tangent ogive, secant ogive, hybrid ogive, and the like (SeeFIGS.11-13).

With reference toFIGS.7and14-17, the interior of the nose230,330includes a hollowed section, starting at nose end230b,330b,forming an annular interior wall portion232,332which may curve until terminating around flat inside surface238(FIG.7). Shank231,331may be disposed central to nose230,330, projecting from the nose interior and extending towards the rearward end of the firearm ammunition component201,301. As depicted, stabilizing band233,333is disposed on the full-diameter section of nose230,330proximate end230b,330b. Instead of the circumferential stabilizing band233,333, the full-diameter section or elsewhere on the surface of the nose230,330may include one or more stabilizing elements (not shown) projecting from a portion of the nose surface. The number of stabilizing elements will depend on the specific application and desired ballistic performance but may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more stabilizing elements. In either configuration, the stabilizing band/element(s) will engage the barrel rifling, ensuring the firearm ammunition component remains co-axial to the barrel at all stages of ballistic operation.

The forward portion of projectile body210,310includes a stepped shoulder212,312and rounded head211,311surrounding channel215,315for complementary engagement with nose interior wall232,332. Rounded head211,311provides increased frangibility, influencing fragmentation upon ballistic impact of the firearm ammunition component, (i.e., through deformation of body210,310), similar to a “mushroom tip” or “hollow point” rounds. The forward end211,311of projectile body210,310may be further modified to provide different overall lengths of the firearm ammunition component, thereby providing different weight modifications as necessary to improve performance and seating of the firearm ammunition component.

Turning now toFIGS.14-17, projectile body310comprises nose channel315on the forward end of the body, extending only through a portion of the body interior. Body rearward or breech end comprises a stem port316which extends into a portion of the body. Nose330may further comprise a forward end337, which may include a tip339. Tip339forms the nose meplat, and may include a variable diameter and uniformity to provide further aerodynamic efficiency of the firearm ammunition component301. Tip339may be constructed of a material such as aluminum, lead, brass, copper, zinc, rubber, nylon, plastics such as polyoxymethylene, polyester urethane-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) copolymers, and other similar alternatives.

Gas check member320may include a central stem or protrusion326opposite the gas check member end having combustion chamber328. Stem326is sized to fit within and engage stem port316, creating an interference engagement between the gas check member320and the projectile body310. Stem326may also be insertable within stem port316for couplable engagement with projectile body310by adhesive fitting, welding or bonding together using solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. Projectile body310between stem port316and channel315comprises a core317, allowing the adjustment of the size, shape, and material forming body310, allowing various body lengths and weights without need to alter the nose330and gas check320.

With reference again toFIGS.6,7and11-13, lower portion or base of projectile body210,210′ may be stepped or tapered towards rearward end210bof the projectile body, forming boat-tail218,218′, which may be encased by a gas check upper annular wall224,224′, which may be cast integrally with gas check member220,220°, or adhered to the gas check member220using adhesives, welding, and the like. The interior of annular wall224,224′ which encases the projectile body may be sloped, though other design schemes are not meant to be precluded. Annular wall224,224′ may include grooves, ridges, and the like on its interior, creating a snap-fit or press-fit connection with the projectile body210,210′. In addition, body210,210° and gas check220,220′ may be welded or bonded together using solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques.

During firing operations gas check220,220′ may be designed to release from the projectile body210,210° after leaving the barrel muzzle. Advantageously, boat tail218,218° of the projectile body210,210° provides improved aerodynamics during the projectile's trajectory, increasing the projectile body210,210° accuracy, velocity, and stability during ballistic performance.

In another embodiment, the firearm ammunition component may incorporate a chamfered design to vary expansion of the projectile body, as depicted inFIGS.8-10and11-13. As shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.9, shank131,231′ of nose130may include an angled extension portion132,232° between flat bottom portion138,238° and base or forward portion of shank131,231′. A complementary chamfered region114,214′ may be disposed on the outer rim of the body central channel115,215′. As depicted inFIG.10, body chamfer115,215° is received by nose angled extension portion132,232°, creating an integral connection between the nose130,230′ and the projectile body110,210′. Chamfers114,214′ and angled extension portion132,232′ are advantageous in that after firing of the firearm ammunition component, angled extension portion132,232′ may produce expansion of projectile body110,210′ to influence fragmentation upon ballistic impact. Thus, chamfers114,214′ and angled extension portion132,232′ may be of any angle or size which is necessary to produce the particular projectile body fragmentation upon ballistic impact. Likewise, the diameter of shank131,231′ and channel115,215′ may be adjusted as necessary, particularly when it is necessary to increase/decrease projectile body to alter the overall weight of the firearm ammunition component.

Turning now toFIGS.18-21, fire ammunition component401comprises a nose430with stabilizing band433and a combined projectile body/gas check component450. Instead of the circumferential stabilizing band433, the full-diameter section or elsewhere on the surface of the nose430may include one or more stabilizing elements (not shown) projecting from a portion of the nose surface. The number of stabilizing elements will depend on the specific application and desired ballistic performance but may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more stabilizing elements. In either configuration, the stabilizing band/element(s) will engage the barrel rifling, ensuring the firearm ammunition component remains co-axial to the barrel at all stages of ballistic operation.

Nose430depicted inFIG.18comprises a cone-like or V-shaped construction, though other ogive and rounded/flat meplat constructions are not meant to be precluded, as nose430may form a tangent ogive, secant ogive, hybrid ogive, and the like. The combined body/gas check component450includes a channel415extending through a portion of the element interior. Nose shank431may be inserted within channel415and is sized to fit within and engage component450, creating an interference engagement between the nose430and the combined body/gas check component450. Nose shank431may also be fitted to component450by adhesive fitting, welding or bonding together using solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. Component rearward end451includes combustion chamber428which is surrounded by a rim453. Similar to the gas check members of the previous embodiments, rim453may deform and expand to contact the barrel interior to encapsulate combustion products formed after ignition of the propellant charge. Nose tip439may be constructed of a material such as aluminum, lead, brass, copper, zinc, rubber, nylon, and plastics such as polyoxymethylene, polyester urethane-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) copolymers, and other similar alternatives.

The increased diameter of stabilizing band(s)33,133,233,233′,333,433and the stabilizing element(s)85compared to the outer diameter of the remainder of the firearm ammunition component assists in convenient loading of the firearm ammunition component within a barrel, while still providing enough contact with the inside of the barrel bore to hold the firearm ammunition component in the barrel during handling and hunting. The stabilizing band(s)33,133,233,233′,333,433and the stabilizing element(s)85are adapted to contact a bore of a firearm, providing an interference engagement between the firearm ammunition component and the bore, while gas check member20,120,220.220′,320and/or body10,110,210,210′,310,450are adapted not to contact the bore, resulting in a transition or clearance fit. Thus, the ease of loading operations will be ensured even after the barrel has been fouled by repeated firing.

The embodiments of the present invention may be designed so that upon exiting the barrel, the gas check member20,120,220,220′,320, and in some embodiments body450, may disengage, break off, and/or detach from nose shank31,131,231,231°, body310, or shank431, respectively. With or without disengagement of the gas check member, upon exiting the barrel the firearm ammunition component will continue, unimpeded, toward the target. Upon ballistic impact, nose30,130,230,230′,330,430will impart pressure forces necessary to penetrate the target. Upon entry with the target, body10,110,210,210′,310,410will impart forces necessary to provide stopping power of firearm ammunition component. In some embodiments, nose30,130,230,230′,330,430may disengage, detach, or break off from the projectile body upon ballistic impact to allow a particularized fragmentation upon ballistic impact. The rate of expansion for the projectile body10,110,210,210′,310,410may vary depending on the size, mass, and propellant charge load of the firearm ammunition component. While the firearm ammunition component of the present invention is preferable for use with muzzleloading firearms, other firearm applications for the firearm ammunition component are not meant to be precluded. For example, the firearm ammunition component of the present invention could be used for air-guns, or even shotguns, and further modifications are not meant to be precluded to enable usage of the firearm ammunition component within modern cartridge-based ammunition components.

Thus, the present invention provides one or more of the following advantages: providing a firearm ammunition component which is easier and less expensive to manufacture. Providing a firearm ammunition component which is easy to load, particularly when used in tandem with a muzzleloading firearm. The firearm ammunition component of the present invention allows for a barrel-sized load, allowing for a more consistent front muzzle load. The projectile body may be frangible, or designed of environmentally friendly (i.e., biodegradable or recyclable) materials as opposed to projectile body constructions of heavy metals such as lead. The firearm ammunition component can be modified to create a projectile of any suitable length by altering the shank and projectile body length. In addition, the diameter of the projectile body channel and nose shank can be modified to alter the weight of the projectile body and thus the stopping force which will be imparted onto a target. Similarly, due to the configuration of the stabilizing band/elements, the firearm ammunition component will result in a load which is centered to the barrel and propellant charge, resulting in improved energy transfer from combustion products. Thus, the present invention provides a firearm ammunition component which maintains proper alignment within the barrel during internal ballistic operations, reducing the risk of improper load misfire.