Patent Publication Number: US-8985004-B2

Title: Firearms for firing shotshell type ammunition

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/592,798, filed Aug. 23, 2012, pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/527,942, filed Aug. 26, 2011 and entitled “Rimless Shotshell,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to shotshell type ammunition for shotgun type firearms, to shotgun type firearms configured for firing shotshell type ammunition, and to methods of manufacturing such shotshell type ammunition. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional shotshell ammunition for firing from a shotgun has a hull that includes a metal cup-shaped structure defining a closed firing end of the ammunition, and a cylindrical portion that extends from the metal-cup shaped structure. A primer is provided at the firing end of the ammunition in an aperture extending through the cup-shaped structure. Gun powder is disposed within the hull within the metal cup-shaped structure and adjacent the primer. One or more projectiles are disposed within a sabot, and the sabot is disposed within the hull adjacent the gun powder such that the gun powder is disposed in a space between the metal cup-shaped structure of the hull and the sabot with the projectile therein. As used herein, the term “sabot” means a structure in which a projectile is carried through a barrel of a firearm and which separates from the projectile upon exiting the barrel of the firearm. The projectile may include a plurality of generally spherical rounded pellets, which are often referred to as the “shot” of the ammunition. The cylindrical portion of the hull is typically formed of plastic, and an end of the plastic cylindrical portion of the hull opposite the metal cup-shaped structure is mechanically deformed (by rolling, folding, etc.) and crimped to close the end of the ammunition opposite the firing end of the ammunition from which the sabot (and the one or more projectiles carried therein) exits the hull upon firing of the ammunition. 
     In conventional shotshell ammunition, the cylindrical portion of the hull has a maximum outer diameter that is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the metal cup-shaped structure defining the closed firing end of the ammunition. Thus, the cup-shaped structure includes or defines a rim that projects outwardly in the radial direction beyond the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the hull, and, in some previously known ammunition, a portion of the metal-cup-shaped structure having a reduced outer diameter. Conventional shotguns include a seat surface that is configured to abut against the metal rim at the firing end of the ammunition so as to prevent longitudinal forward movement of the hull within the shotgun when the shotshell type ammunition is fired from the shotgun. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. These concepts are described in further detail in the detailed description of example embodiments of the disclosure below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes shotshell type ammunition. The shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a sabot disposed within the hull, and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. The hull has a rimless first end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull has an opposing second end from which the at least one projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull further includes an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. 
     The present disclosure further includes shotgun type firearms configured to fire shotshell type ammunition as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a shotgun type firearm having a firing chamber sized and configured to fire such shotshell type ammunition. The firearm includes a generally cylindrical inner surface extending through a headspace within the firing chamber. The generally cylindrical inner surface may have a length of at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch). The firearm further includes a seat surface within the firing chamber, which seat surface is configured to abut against a complementary seat surface of a hull of a shotshell type ammunition to be fired from the firearm and to prevent longitudinal forward movement of the hull within the firearm when the shotshell type ammunition is fired from the firearm. 
     In yet further embodiments, the present disclosure includes methods of manufacturing shotshell type ammunition as described herein. For example, a hull may be formed that has a rimless first end, and an opposing second end from which a projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition. The hull also may be formed to have a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface of the hull may be located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull also may be formed to include an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. After forming the hull, a primer for firing the ammunition may be provided at the rimless first end of the hull. At least one projectile may be provided within a sabot, and the sabot may be inserted at least partially into the hull. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a longitudinal side view of an embodiment of shotshell type ammunition of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the shotshell type ammunition of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of shotshell type ammunition of the present disclosure similar to that of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal side view of another embodiment of shotshell type ammunition of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the shotshell type ammunition of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of shotshell type ammunition of the present disclosure similar to that of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment of a shotgun type firearm of the present disclosure configured to fire shotshell type ammunition, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a magazine of the firearm of  FIG. 7  loaded with shotshell type ammunition as described herein. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the loaded magazine of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the shotgun type firearm of  FIG. 7  illustrating a loaded magazine like that of  FIGS. 8 and 9  attached to the firearm, and a shotshell type ammunition being moved from the magazine and into a firing chamber of the firearm. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional side view like that of  FIG. 10  illustrating a shotshell type ammunition fully loaded in the firing chamber of the firearm. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional side view illustrating a shotshell type ammunition fully loaded in the firing chamber of the firearm. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional side view like that of  FIG. 12  illustrating a sabot carrying projectiles of the shotshell type ammunition moving through a barrel of the firearm after firing the shotshell type ammunition. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional side view like those of  FIGS. 12 and 13  and illustrate the sabot opening and releasing the projectiles carried therein upon exiting the barrel of the firearm. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view illustrating a stack of shotshell type ammunition of a previously known configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view illustrating a stack of shotshell type ammunition as described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular ammunition round, firearm, or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations that are used to describe embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment of a shotshell type ammunition  100  of the present disclosure. The shotshell type ammunition  100  includes a hull  102 , gun powder  122  ( FIG. 2 ) disposed within the hull  102 , a sabot  118  ( FIG. 2 ) disposed within the hull  102 , and at least one projectile  120  ( FIG. 2 ) disposed within the sabot  118 . 
     The hull  102  has a rimless first end  104 , an opposing second end  110 , and a seat surface  112  for seating the hull  102  against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface  112  may be located a distance from an outer end surface  114  of the hull  102  at the rimless first end  104 . An outer cylindrical side surface  106  may extend from the rimless first end  104  of the hull  102  to the seat surface  112  of the hull  102 . The outer cylindrical side surface  106 , the outer end surface  114 , and the seat surface  112  may define what is referred to in the art as the “head space” of the shotshell type ammunition  100 . The seat surface may be sized and configured to abut against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm, as described in further detail herein below, and may be used for ensuring precise and accurate positioning of the shotshell type ammunition  100  within the firing chamber of a firearm. 
     The hull  102  may comprise, for example, a metal or a polymer such as a plastic material. In some embodiments, a portion of the hull  102  may comprise a metal, and another portion of the hull  102  may comprise a polymer such as a plastic. For example, the rimless first end  104  of the hull  102  and a portion of the hull  102  comprising the outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102  may comprise a metal, and a portion of the hull  102  between the seat surface  112  and the second end  110  of the hull may comprise a polymer, such as a plastic material. 
     The shotshell type ammunition  100  may include a groove  113  extending into the hull  102  on a lateral side of the hull  102  proximate the rimless first end  104  of the hull  102 . The groove  113  may be located and configured for use by a mechanism of a firearm to eject the shotshell type ammunition  100  out from the firearm after firing the shotshell type ammunition  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the rimless first end  104  of the hull  102  may include a primer  124  for firing the ammunition  100 . When struck by a firing pin of a shotgun type firearm, the primer  124  may ignite the gunpowder  122  within the hull  102 , which in turn may eject the sabot  118  (with the at least one projectile  120  carried therein) out from the second end  110  of the hull  102 . 
     The at least one projectile  120  disposed within the sabot  118  shown in  FIG. 2  may be any of a number of different types of projectiles. Further, the at least one projectile may comprise one projectile, or more than one projectile. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the at least one projectile may comprise a plurality of rounded pellets, which are often referred to in the art as “shot.” In other embodiments, however, at least one projectile may comprise a metal slug, for example. In yet further embodiments, the at least one projectile may comprise a non-lethal or less-lethal projectile, such as one or more rubber masses, a bean bag, etc. In yet further embodiments, the at least one projectile may include an electronic device that is operational after it has been fired from a firearm, such as an electronic audio transmitter device configured to detect audible sound in the vicinity of the devices and to wirelessly transmit electronic signals carrying the detected audible sounds. 
     The opposing second end  110  of the hull  102  may be closed using any appropriate technique, including, folding and/or crimping an end of the hull  102 . 
     The seat surface  112  may be located a distance L from the outer end surface  114  of the hull  102  so as to define the outer cylindrical side surface  106 . In some embodiments, the distance L may be at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch), at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch), at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch), or even at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
     The outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102  may define a maximum diameter of the shotshell type ammunition  100 . Thus, the first end  104  of the hull  102  is referred to herein as a “rimless” first end  104  because the first end  104  does not project laterally outward from the hull radially beyond the outer cylindrical side surface  106 . In other words, the diameter of the hull  102  at the first end  104  is equal to or less than the diameter of the outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102 , which extends to the seat surface  112  and may have a length as previously described. Stated another way, the outer cylindrical side surface  106  may have a first diameter D 1 , and the outer end surface  114  of the hull  102  at the rimless first end  104  may have a second diameter D 2  at least substantially equal to or smaller than the first diameter D 1 . 
     In contrast, previously known standard shotshell type ammunition has a rimmed first end, wherein the first end of the hull projects laterally outward radially beyond the cylindrical portion of the hull, so as to define a rim at the first end of the ammunition which is used to seat the ammunition within the firearm (the function performed by the seat surface  112  in embodiments of the present disclosure). In other words, the diameter D 2  is greater than the diameter D 1  in previously known standard shotshell type ammunition. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the diameter D 1  of the outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102  may vary depending on the size of the shotgun type firearm from which the ammunition is to be fired. As known in the art, shotgun type firearms commonly have one of a 10 gauge bore size, a 12 gauge bore size, a 16 gauge bore size, and a 20 gauge bore size. As non-limiting examples, Table 1 below provides ranges for the maximum diameter D 1  of the outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102  for different firearm bore sizes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bore Size 
                 Maximum Diameter D 1   
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 10 Gauge 
                 2.146 centimeters (about 0.845 inches) to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 2.370 centimeters (about 0.933 inches) 
               
               
                   
                 12 Gauge 
                 2.032 centimeters (about 0.800 inches) to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 2.250 centimeters (about 0.886 inches) 
               
               
                   
                 16 Gauge 
                 1.867 centimeters (about 0.735 inches) to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 2.080 centimeters (about 0.819 inches) 
               
               
                   
                 20 Gauge 
                 1.775 centimeters (about 0.699 inches) to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 1.948 centimeters (about 0.767 inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The ranges provided in Table 1 are provided as examples only, and the maximum diameter D 1  of the outer cylindrical side surface  106  of the hull  102  may be outside the ranges set forth in Table 1 for the corresponding firearm bore size in additional embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 3 . illustrates another embodiment of a shotshell type ammunition  130  of the present disclosure. The shotshell type ammunition  130  is generally similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , and includes a hull  132 , gun powder  147  disposed within the hull  132 , a sabot  138  disposed within the hull  132 , and at least one projectile  148  disposed within the sabot  138 . The gun powder  147 , sabot  138 , and at least one projectile  148  may be as previously described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The hull  132  of the ammunition  130 , like the ammunition  100 , has a rimless first end  134 , an opposing second end  140 , and a seat surface  142  for seating the hull  132  against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface  142  may be located a distance L from an outer end surface  141  of the hull  132  at the rimless first end  134 , as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . An outer cylindrical side surface  136  may extend from the rimless first end  134  of the hull  132  to the seat surface  142  of the hull  132 . 
     The hull  132  of  FIG. 3 , however, has a multi-part construction, and may include a cylindrical portion  135  that extends from the rimless first end  134  of the hull  132 , and a cylindrical ring member  133  disposed concentrically around the cylindrical portion  135 . In some embodiments, the ammunition  130  may be formed by disposing a cylindrical ring member  133  around the cylindrical portion of the hull of a conventional, previously known shotshell type ammunition. A longitudinal end surface of the cylindrical ring member  133  defines the seat surface  142  of the hull  132 . An outer cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical ring member  133  defines the outer cylindrical side surface  136  of the hull  132  extending from the rimless first end  134  of the hull  132  to the seat surface  142  of the hull  132 . 
     As non-limiting examples, the cylindrical portion  135  may comprise a plastic material, and the cylindrical ring member  133  may comprise a metal. 
     The opposing second end  140  of the hull  132  may be closed by, for example, folding and/or crimping the opposing second end  140  of the hull  132 , which comprises an end of the cylindrical portion  135 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate another embodiment of a shotshell type ammunition  150  of the disclosure. The shotshell type ammunition  150  includes a hull  152 , gun powder  166  disposed within the hull  152 , a sabot  160  disposed at least partially within the hull  152 , and at least one projectile  162  disposed with the sabot  160 . Like the previously described hulls, the hull  152  has a rimless first end  154 . The hull  152  also has an opposing second end  158 , and a seat surface  156  for seating the hull  152  against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second end  158  of the hull  152  is open, and a forward end of the sabot  160  projects out from and longitudinally beyond the open second end  158  of the hull  152 . 
     The hull  152  includes a cylindrical portion  153  that extends from the rimless first end  154  of the hull  152  to the open second end  158  of the hull  152 . A longitudinal end surface of the cylindrical portion  153  defines the seat surface  156  of the hull  152 . An outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the cylindrical portion  153  of the hull  152  may extend from at least proximate the rimless first end  154  of the hull  152  to the seat surface  156  of the hull  152 . The diameter of the outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the cylindrical portion  153  defines a maximum diameter of the hull  152 . 
     The cylindrical portion  153  and the rimless first end  154  of the hull  152  may comprise regions of a single unitary body in some embodiments. In other embodiments, they may comprise portions of the hull  152  that are formed separately from one another and subsequently assembled and/or bonded together. The hull  152  may comprise, for example, a metal or a polymer, such as a plastic material. In some embodiments, each of the rimless first end  154  and the cylindrical portion  153  of the hull  152  may comprise a polymer material. As non-limiting examples, such a polymer material may comprise a polycarbonate material, or a nylon material. Further, the polymer material may include a discontinuous filler material, such as glass particles (e.g., fibers). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a portion of the sabot  160  is contained within the hull  152 , and at least one projectile  162  is disposed within the sabot  160 . The at least one projectile  162  disposed within the sabot  160  may be entirely surrounded by and enclosed within the sabot  160  prior to firing the ammunition  150 . 
     As previously mentioned, the sabot  160  may project longitudinally beyond the seat surface  156  at the open end  158  of the cylindrical portion  153  of the hull  152  prior to firing the shotshell type ammunition  150 . The sabot  160  may have a forward rounded end surface  165  that projects longitudinally beyond the seat surface  156 . The rounded end surface  165  may project beyond the end surface at the open end of the cylindrical portion  153  prior to firing of the shotshell type ammunition  150 . The rounded end surface  165  may have, for example, a cone shape or a dome shape. In other embodiments, the sabot  160  may not have a rounded end surface  165 , but may instead be flat, for example. 
     The sabot  160  may include two or more portions that fold together to enclose the one or more projectiles  162  therein. As the sabot  160  (with the one or more projectiles  162  carried therein) exits the barrel of a firearm upon firing the ammunition  150 , the two or more portions of the sabot  160  may at least partially separate from one another so as to release the projectiles  162  from the sabot  160 . The sabot  160  may include at least one feature, such as a recess or aperture  167 , at the forward rounded end surface  165  of the sabot  160 , which may be configured to urge the at least partial separation of the sabot and release of the one or more projectiles  162  as the sabot  160  exits the barrel of a firearm upon firing the ammunition  150 . In some embodiments, a portion of the sabot  160  may define a hinge member  169  that connects the two or more separable portions of the sabot  160  such that the portions do not completely separate from one another upon firing the ammunition  152 . 
     The sabot  160  may be retained within the hull  152  using, for example, an interference fit between the sabot  160  and the hull  152 . For example, the sabot  160  may have a cylindrical outer side surface having a maximum diameter, and the hull  152  may have a cylindrical inner side surface having a minimum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of the cylindrical outer side surface of the sabot  160 . In such a configuration, the sabot  160  may be inserted into the hull  152  using a press-fitting process and/or a shrink-fitting process, for example. The mechanical interference between the cylindrical outer side surface of the sabot  160  and the cylindrical inner side surface of the hull  152  retains the sabot  160  within the hull  152  until the ammunition  152  is fired from a firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the rimless first end  154  of the hull  152  may include a primer  168  for firing the ammunition  150 . When struck by a firing pin of a shotgun type firearm, the primer  168  may ignite the gunpowder  166  within the hull  152 , which in turn may eject the sabot  160  (with the at least one projectile  162  carried therein) out from the second end  158  of the hull  152 . 
     The one or more projectiles  162  within the sabot  160  of the ammunition  150  may be as previously described in relation to the one or more projectiles  120  of the ammunition  100 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Similar to the ammunition  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the seat surface  156  may be located a distance L from an outer end surface of the hull  152  at the rimless first end  154 , and, as non-limiting examples, the distance L may be at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch), at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch), at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch), or even at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
     The outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the hull  152  may define a maximum diameter of the shotshell type ammunition  150 . The first end  154  of the hull  152  is rimless, as the first end  154  does not project laterally outward from the hull  152  radially beyond the outer cylindrical side surface  155 . In other words, the diameter of the hull  152  at the first end  154  is equal to or less than diameter of the outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the hull  152 , which extends to the seat surface  156  and may have a length as previously described. The diameter of the outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the hull  152  may vary depending on the size of the shotgun type firearm from which the ammunition is to be fired, as previously discussed. As non-limiting examples, the maximum diameter of the outer cylindrical side surface  155  of the hull  152  may be within the ranges set forth in Table 1 above for the different corresponding firearm bore sizes. 
     The second end of the shotshell type ammunition  150  is not crimped, as is conventional shotshell type ammunition. As a result, the interior surface of the barrel of a firearm used to fire the shotshell type ammunition  150  does not need to include a forcing cone (a frustoconical shaped portion of the interior surface), as do the barrels of conventional shotgun type firearms used to fire conventional shotshell type ammunition. Thus, the interior surface of the barrel of a shotgun type firearm configured to fire the shotshell type ammunition  150  may have an at least substantially uniform diameter extending from a location of the seat surface  156  when the ammunition  150  is fully seated within the barrel to a location proximate the distal end of the barrel (but for any variation provided by a so-called “choke tube,” which is commonly employed at the distal end of the barrel of shotgun type firearms). The lack of such a forcing cone in embodiments of firearms of the present disclosure may reduce recoil felt by users of such firearms. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a shotshell type ammunition  170  similar to that of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , but further including an additional sabot  172  disposed between the sabot  160  and the hull  152 . In other words, the additional sabot  172  may be disposed within the hull  152  of the shotshell type ammunition  170 , and the sabot  160  that encloses the one or more projectiles  162  may be disposed within the additional sabot  172 . The additional sabot  172  may have a configuration similar to previously known standard configurations for sabots (e.g., a “wad”) in shotshell type ammunition, and may be used to provide a relatively tighter gas-tight seal between the sabot  160  and the barrel of a firearm from which the ammunition  170  is fired. For example, the additional sabot may have a cup-shaped configuration that includes two or more portions that, when folded together, form a generally cylindrical side wall that extends from a first closed end to an open second end. The sabot  160  may protrude from the open second end of the additional sabot  172  prior to firing of the ammunition  150  in some embodiments. 
     Additional embodiments of the present disclosure include shotgun type firearms that are configured for firing shotshell type ammunition as described herein.  FIG. 7  illustrates a non-limiting example embodiment of a shotgun type firearm  180  of the present disclosure. The shotgun type firearm  180  may comprise a magazine  182  configured to hold two or more rounds of shotshell type ammunition as described herein. The magazine  182  may be configured to be attached and detached from the firearm  180  in a repeatable manner. The shotgun type firearm  180  may comprise a semi-automatic or automatic repeating firearm, and ammunition may be sequentially fed from the magazine into the firing chamber of the firearm  180  in an at least substantially automatic manner upon firing the firearm. The magazine  182  may be removed from the firearm to reload the magazine  182  with ammunition, after which the magazine  182  may again be coupled with the firearm  180 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the magazine  182  of  FIG. 7 , separate from the shotgun type firearm  180 , and loaded with five rounds of shotshell type ammunition  150  as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the shotshell type ammunition  150  may be configured in a vertical stack when loaded in the magazine  182 .  FIG. 9  is a top view of the loaded magazine  182  of  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the width of the magazine  182  may be such that a single, vertically oriented stack of shotshell type ammunition  150  fits within the magazine  182 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the shotgun type firearm  180  of  FIG. 7 , with a loaded magazine  182  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  coupled to the firearm  180 .  FIG. 10  illustrates one ammunition  150  being fed from the magazine  182  and into a firing chamber  186  of the firearm  180 . The firing chamber  186  of the shotgun type firearm  180  may be sized and configured to fire a shotshell type ammunition  150  as previously described herein. 
       FIG. 11  shows a shotshell type ammunition  150  fully seated within the firing chamber  186 . The firing chamber  186  of the shotgun type firearm  180  may have a generally cylindrical inner surface  187  extending through a headspace  188  within the firing chamber  186 . The firing chamber  186  further includes a seat surface  190  that is located, sized, and configured to abut against the seat surface  168  of the ammunition  150  when the ammunition  150  is fully seated and properly head spaced within the firing chamber  186 . Thus, the seat surface  190  may prevent longitudinal forward movement of the hull  152  within the firearm  180  when the shotshell type ammunition  150  is loaded and fired from the firearm. As used herein, the term “headspace” means a distance from the seat surface  186 , which stops forward movement of the ammunition  150  within the firing chamber  186 , to the surface at the rimless first end  154  of the hull  152  ( FIG. 6 ), which is the surface against which the bolt of the firearm rests at the time of firing the ammunition  150 . 
     The generally cylindrical inner surface  187  extending through the headspace  188  within the firing chamber  186  may have any appropriate length that is at least as long as the length L of the cylindrical lateral side surface  155  of the hull  152  of the ammunition  150 . As non-limiting examples, the generally cylindrical inner surface  187  extending through the headspace  188  may have a length of at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch), at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch), at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch), and at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
       FIGS. 12 through 14  are simplified figures illustrating the firing of a shotshell type ammunition  150  as described herein within the barrel  200  of the shotgun type firearm  180  of  FIGS. 7 through 11 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the shotshell type ammunition  150  fully seated within the firing chamber  186  prior to firing the ammunition  150 . As previously discussed, the shotshell type ammunition  150  may comprise a hull  152  and a sabot  160  disposed within the hull  152 . The sabot  160  may carry one or more projectiles  162  therein, as previously described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , upon firing the ammunition  150 , the sabot  160  carrying the one or more projectiles  162  therein exits the hull  152  and travels down the barrel  200  of the firearm  180 . The one or more projectiles  162  may remain at least substantially enclosed within the sabot  160  as the sabot  160  travels through the barrel  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , as the sabot  160  exits the barrel  200 , the two or more portions of the sabot  160  may at least partially separate from one another in such a manner as to release the one or more projectiles  162 . As the sabot  160  travels through the air, the air impinging upon the sabot  160  within the recess or aperture  167  may generate forces that urge the separation of the two or more portions of the sabot  160 . The opening or separation of the sabot  160  may be further assisted by providing a pressurized gas within the sabot  160 , which may urge the separation of the two or more portions of the sabot  160  and assist in releasing the one or more projectiles  162  from the sabot  160  and allowing the trajectory of the one or more projectiles  162  to continue on toward an intended target, while the sabot  160  rapidly decelerates and falls to the ground in relatively closer proximity to the barrel  200 . Such a pressurized gas may be provided within the sabot  160  by providing an aperture in the sabot  160  that extends through the end of the sabot  160  proximate the gun powder, so as to allow the pressurized gases generated by the gun powder upon filing of the ammunition  150  to enter into the interior of the sabot  160  as the sabot  160  travels through the barrel  200  of the firearm. 
     The various embodiments of shotshell type ammunition described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6  are configured to facilitate use of shotshell type ammunition in semi-automatic or automatic shotgun type firearms that include a removable magazine, such as the firearm  180  described with reference to  FIGS. 7 through 11 . In particular, by utilizing a hull having a rimless first firing end, and a generally cylindrical side surface defining a maximum diameter of the hull, which extends a distance from the rimless first firing end to a seat surface, the ammunition may be consistently stacked within a magazine in a uniform and predictable manner, which may allow consistent feeding of ammunition from the magazine and into the firing chamber of the firearm without jamming. 
     For example,  FIG. 15  illustrates a stack of previously known standard shotshell type ammunition  220 , which have rimmed first firing ends. Due to the shape and configuration of the ammunition  220 , the ammunition may not be oriented substantially parallel to one another when they are stacked one upon another as shown in  FIG. 15 . As a result, when such ammunition  220  is stacked one upon another in a magazine, the ammunition  220  may not be capable of feeding from the magazine into a firing chamber of a firearm in a reliable and consistent manner without jamming. 
     In contrast,  FIG. 16  illustrates a stack of shotshell type ammunition  100  as described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the shotshell type ammunition  100  may be oriented substantially parallel to one another when stacked one upon another, such as within a magazine  182  as described herein. The outer cylindrical side surfaces  106  of the ammunition  100  abut against one another in such a manner as to cause the ammunition  100  to align parallel to one another in the stack. The lack of a rimmed end on the ammunition  100  further enables the ammunition  100  to be stacked in a parallel configuration. As a result, the ammunition  100  may be capable of feeding from the magazine  182  and into a firing chamber of a firearm  180  in a relatively more reliable and consistent manner without jamming, as compared to previously known standard shotshell ammunition  220  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     Another advantage of the various embodiments of shotshell type ammunition described herein is that the ammunition (and corresponding shotgun type firearms) may be configured differently for use with lethal and less-lethal ammunition, so as to prevent lethal ammunition from being fired from firearms intended for use only with less-lethal ammunition. For example, referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the distance L from the outer end surface  114  of the hull  102  to the rimless first end  104  may be configured to correspond to a specific configuration of the shotshell type ammunition  100 . For example, a first type of lethal ammunition  100  (i.e., carrying one or more lethal projectiles  120 ) may have a different length L compared to a second type of less-lethal ammunition  100  (i.e., carrying one or more less-lethal or non-lethal projectiles  120 ). Further, a barrel of a shotgun type firearm may be configured to be compatible only with shotshell type ammunition having a specific length L. For example, in one embodiment, a lethal shotgun type firearm may be configured to be compatible with only lethal shotshell type ammunition having a specific distance L, while a non-lethal or less-lethal shotgun type firearm may be configured to be compatible only with a non-lethal or less-lethal shotshell type ammunition having a shorter specific distance L. In such a configuration, the lethal shotshell type ammunition would be too long to fit properly within the firing chamber of the non-lethal shotgun type firearm, and, therefore, the lethal ammunition would not fire in the non-lethal shotgun type firearm. Such a configuration may aid in limiting accidents when only one type of shotshell ammunition is intended to be used with a specific shotgun type firearm. The other embodiments of shotshell type ammunition described herein also may be configured differently for lethal and less-lethal ammunition, and corresponding firearms may be fabricated and configured for use with one of the lethal or less-lethal types of ammunition, so as to prevent lethal ammunition from being fired from a firearm intended for use only with less-lethal (e.g., non-lethal) types of ammunition. 
     Additional non-limiting example embodiments of the disclosure are set forth below. 
     Embodiment 1 
     A shotshell type ammunition, comprising: a hull having a rimless first end comprising a primer for firing the ammunition, an opposing second end from which a projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition, a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm, the seat surface located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end, and an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull; a sabot disposed within the hull; and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. 
     Embodiment 2 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 1, wherein the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 3 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 2, wherein the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 4 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 3, wherein the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 5 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 4, wherein the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
     Embodiment 6 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 5, wherein the hull has a maximum diameter of about 2.159 centimeters (about 0.850 inches) or less. 
     Embodiment 7 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 6, wherein the outer cylindrical side surface has a first diameter, and wherein the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end has a second diameter at least substantially equal to or smaller than the first diameter. 
     Embodiment 8 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 7, further comprising a groove extending into the hull on a lateral side of the hull proximate the rimless first end of the hull, the groove located and configured for use in ejection of the shotshell type ammunition from a firearm. 
     Embodiment 9 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the hull comprises: a cylindrical portion extending from the rimless first end; and a cylindrical ring member disposed concentrically around the cylindrical portion, wherein an end surface of the cylindrical ring member defines the seat surface of the hull, and wherein an outer cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical ring member defines the outer cylindrical side surface of the hull extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. 
     Embodiment 10 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 9, wherein the cylindrical portion comprises a plastic material. 
     Embodiment 11 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 10, wherein the cylindrical ring member comprises a metal. 
     Embodiment 12 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the hull comprises a cylindrical portion extending from the rimless first end of the hull to an open end of the cylindrical portion defining the second end of the hull from which the projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition, wherein an end surface of the cylindrical portion defines the seat surface of the hull, and wherein an outer cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical portion defines the outer cylindrical side surface of the hull extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. 
     Embodiment 13 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 12, wherein the sabot projects longitudinally beyond the end surface at the open end of the cylindrical portion prior to firing of the shotshell type ammunition. 
     Embodiment 14 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the sabot has a rounded end surface, the rounded end surface of the sabot projecting beyond the end surface at the open end of the cylindrical portion prior to firing of the shotshell type ammunition. 
     Embodiment 15 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 12 through 14, wherein the sabot is retained within the hull using an interference fit between the sabot and the hull. 
     Embodiment 16 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 12 through 15, wherein the sabot has a cylindrical outer side surface having a maximum diameter, and wherein the hull has a cylindrical inner side surface having a minimum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of the of the cylindrical outer side surface. 
     Embodiment 17 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 12 through 16, wherein the cylindrical portion and the rimless first end of the hull are regions of a single unitary body. 
     Embodiment 18 
     The shotshell type ammunition of embodiment 17, wherein the single unitary body comprises a plastic material. 
     Embodiment 19 
     The shotshell type ammunition of any one of embodiments 1 through 18, wherein the at least one projectile disposed within the sabot comprises a plurality of rounded pellets. 
     Embodiment 20 
     A shotgun type firearm, comprising: a firing chamber sized and configured to fire a shotshell type ammunition; a generally cylindrical inner surface extending through a headspace within the firing chamber, the generally cylindrical inner surface having a length of at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch); and a seat surface within the firing chamber, the seat surface configured to abut against a complementary seat surface of a hull of a shotshell type ammunition to be fired from the firearm and to prevent longitudinal forward movement of the hull within the firearm when the shotshell type ammunition is fired from the firearm. 
     Embodiment 21 
     The shotgun type firearm of embodiment 20, wherein the firearm comprises a magazine sized and configured to store a plurality of shotshell type ammunitions within the magazine and to sequentially feed shotshell type ammunitions into the firing chamber of the firearm. 
     Embodiment 22 
     The shotgun type firearm of embodiment 21, wherein the firearm and the magazine are configured for movable detachment of the magazine from the firearm and reattachment of the magazine to the firearm during normal use of the shotgun type firearm. 
     Embodiment 23 
     The shotgun type firearm of any one of embodiments 20 through 22, wherein the shotgun type firearm is a semi-automatic or automatic repeating firearm. 
     Embodiment 24 
     The shotgun type firearm of any one of embodiments 20 through 23, wherein the generally cylindrical inner surface extending through the headspace within the firing chamber has a length of at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 25 
     The shotgun type firearm of embodiment 24, wherein the generally cylindrical inner surface extending through the headspace within the firing chamber has a length of at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 26 
     The shotgun type firearm of embodiment 25, wherein the generally cylindrical inner surface extending through the headspace within the firing chamber has a length of at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
     Embodiment 27 
     A method of manufacturing a shotshell type ammunition, comprising: forming a hull having a rimless first end, an opposing second end from which a projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition, a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm, the seat surface located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end, and an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull; providing a primer at the rimless first end of the hull for firing the ammunition; providing at least one projectile within a sabot; and inserting the sabot at least partially into the hull. 
     Embodiment 28 
     The method of embodiment 27, further comprising forming the hull such that the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 0.318 centimeters (about ⅛ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 29 
     The method of embodiment 28, further comprising forming the hull such that the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 0.635 centimeters (about ¼ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 30 
     The method of embodiment 29, further comprising forming the hull such that the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 1.270 centimeters (about ½ of an inch). 
     Embodiment 31 
     The method of embodiment 30, further comprising forming the hull such that the distance the seat surface is located from the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end is at least about 2.540 centimeters (about 1 inch). 
     Embodiment 32 
     The method of any one of embodiments 27 through 31, further comprising forming the hull such that the outer cylindrical side surface has a first diameter, and such that the outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end has a second diameter at least substantially equal to or smaller than the first diameter. 
     Embodiment 33 
     The method of any one of embodiments 27 through 32, further comprising forming the hull to include a groove extending into the hull on a lateral side of the hull proximate the rimless first end of the hull, the groove located and configured for use in ejection of the shotshell type ammunition from a firearm. 
     Embodiment 34 
     The method of any one of embodiments 27 through 33, wherein faulting the hull further comprises: forming a cylindrical portion extending from the rimless first end; and disposing a cylindrical ring member concentrically around the cylindrical portion, an end surface of the cylindrical ring member defining the seat surface of the hull, and an outer cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical ring member defining the outer cylindrical side surface of the hull extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. 
     Embodiment 35 
     The method of any one of embodiments 27 through 33, wherein forming the hull further comprises forming a cylindrical portion extending from the rimless first end of the hull and having an open end of the cylindrical portion defining the second end of the hull from which the projectile may be ejected out from the hull upon firing the ammunition, an end surface of the cylindrical portion defining the seat surface of the hull, an outer cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical portion defining the outer cylindrical side surface of the hull extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. 
     Embodiment 36 
     The method of embodiment 35, further comprising configuring the sabot to project out from the hull longitudinally beyond the end surface at the open end of the cylindrical portion prior to firing of the shotshell type ammunition. 
     Embodiment 37 
     The method of embodiment 35 or 36, further comprising providing a rounded end surface on the sabot, the rounded end surface of the sabot projecting beyond the end surface at the open end of the cylindrical portion prior to firing of the shotshell type ammunition. 
     Embodiment 38 
     The method of any one of embodiments 35 through 37, wherein inserting the sabot at least partially into the hull comprises retaining the sabot within the hull with an interference fit between the sabot and the hull. 
     Embodiment 39 
     The method of embodiment 38, wherein inserting the sabot at least partially into the hull further comprises press fitting the sabot at least partially into the hull. 
     The example embodiments of the disclosure described above do not limit the scope of the invention, since these embodiments are merely examples of embodiments of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.