Patent Publication Number: US-2022221256-A1

Title: Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/118,495 filed on Dec. 10, 2020, which claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/946,693 filed on Dec. 11, 2019, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, and, more particularly, to a disposable ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge which cleans a bore of a barrel of a firearm when fired. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art. 
     Shotguns, long guns, handguns, and other firearms are well known tools and recreational instruments. Best practice includes cleaning firearm and ballistic barrels regularly in order to keep the gun in the best condition possible for accurate shooting. One of the main components of a firearm that may be cleaned is a bore of the barrel. In fact, the bore may be cleaned after each use; which may be a bothersome and time-consuming task. Because of this, firearm owners may not clean their firearm bores. 
     SUMMARY 
     A ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge is provided. The ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge includes a casing including a casing recess, a propellant disposed within the casing recess, an abrasive-binding agent composite slug constructed with an abrasive agent and a polymerized binding agent, and a bore forward high-density weight. The casing recess is closed at a first end of the casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug is disposed within the casing recess at a second end of the casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug includes a bore forward recess configured for receiving the bore forward high-density weight and a retention lip configured for retaining the bore forward high-density weight within the bore forward recess. Expansion of the propellant is operable to expel the abrasive-binding agent composite slug from the casing recess. 
     In some embodiments, the abrasive agent includes fiberglass. 
     In some embodiments, the abrasive agent includes glass. 
     In some embodiments, the polymerized binding agent includes nylon. 
     In some embodiments, the polymerized binding agent includes one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward high-density weight includes a per unit volume greater than a mass per unit volume of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug. 
     In some embodiments, a rear portion of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug is concave. 
     In some embodiments, the abrasive agent is interspersed within the polymerized binding agent. 
     In some embodiments, the casing recess is cylindrically shaped, and the abrasive-binding agent composite slug is cylindrically shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward high-density weight includes a recess configured for engaging with the retention lip. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward high-density weight includes a pointed tip configured for enabling the ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge to be fed into a chamber of a firearm. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward recess is conical-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward recess is cylindrically-shaped. 
     According to one alternative embodiment, a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge is provided. The ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge includes a casing including a casing recess, a propellant disposed within the casing recess, an abrasive-binding agent composite slug constructed with an abrasive agent and a polymerized binding agent, and a bore forward high-density weight. The casing recess is closed at a first end of the casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug is disposed within the casing recess at a second end of the casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug includes a bore forward recess configured for receiving the bore forward high-density weight and a retention lip configured for retaining the bore forward high-density weight within the bore forward recess. Expansion of the propellant is operable to expel the abrasive-binding agent composite slug from the casing recess. The abrasive agent includes one of fiberglass or glass. The polymerized binding agent includes one of nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. 
     In some embodiments, the abrasive agent is interspersed within the polymerized binding agent. 
     In some embodiments, the casing recess is cylindrically shaped, and the abrasive-binding agent composite slug is cylindrically shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward metallic weight includes a recess configured for engaging with the retention lip. 
     In some embodiments, the bore forward metallic weight includes a pointed tip configured for enabling the ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge to be fed into a chamber of a firearm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a first exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge operable to be used in an exemplary firearm, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a second exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a high-density weight including a bullet portion, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a third exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a bullet portion and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a gas seal portion, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a fourth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a molded-in metallic weight and a bore forward conical recess, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a fifth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a bore forward metallic weight and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore forward conical recess and partial encapsulation of the bore forward metallic weight, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a sixth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including an alternative embodiment of a bore forward metallic weight and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore forward conical recess, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an alternative embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates in bottom perspective view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge operable to be used in an exemplary smooth-bore device, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge embodied as a cartridge including a bottleneck casing operable to be used in an exemplary firearm, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore rearward recess and a high-density insert operable to be inserted within the bore rearward recess, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 11  from a bore rearward view, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 11  in a side sectional view, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 14  schematically illustrates the high-density insert of  FIG. 11  in a side view, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates an exemplary ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge including the abrasive-binding agent composite slug and the high-density insert of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates an alternative exemplary abrasive-binding agent composite slug with an octagonal cross section, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  schematically illustrates in side view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug, including a recess configured for receiving a bore forward metallic weight, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  schematically illustrates in side view a bore forward metallic weight configured for installation into the recess of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 17 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  schematically illustrates in perspective view a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge including the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 17  and the bore forward metallic weight of  FIG. 18  within a brass casing, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  schematically illustrates in side view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug similar to the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 5  and the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 17 , including a recess configured for receiving a bore forward high-density weight, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  schematically illustrates in side view a bore forward high-density weight configured for installation into the recess of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 22 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  schematically illustrates in side cross-sectional view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 20  and the bore forward high-density weight of  FIG. 21  installed thereto, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 23  schematically illustrates in perspective view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 20  with the bore forward high-density weight of  FIG. 21  installed thereto, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The term “based upon” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed disclosure. 
     In many ballistic barrels of a firearm, a cartridge or casing is loaded directly into a breach portion of a bore of the barrel. Firing rounds leaves residue and debris on the bore surface. This residue and debris may build up through extended and repeated use without appropriate cleaning. When cleaning, a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge may be loaded into the bore. A user may then actuate a trigger on the firearm to fire the ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge. The firing of the cleaning cartridge or bullet allows a cleaning projectile including cleaning material to be moved through the bore in a compressed state, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     A ballistic bore cleaning cartridge is provided which includes a composite slug, i.e., a slug having two or more materials in the slug. According to one embodiment, an abrasive or scrubbing agent is mixed with and held in place by a binding agent. Various abrasive-binding agent composite slugs are envisioned. In one embodiment, a glass filled polymer is one example of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug that may be used in a ballistic bore cleaning cartridge. In one non-limiting example, a 30% glass/70% nylon material may be used to create an abrasive-binding agent composite slug. In another embodiment, a brass shaving filled polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, or polyethylene, is another example of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug that may be used in a ballistic bore cleaning cartridge. In another embodiment, a glass filled cork material is another example of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug that may be used in a ballistic bore cleaning cartridge. 
     Materials may be used for the abrasive agent that are softer than steel used to construct ballistic barrels. Softer materials will not scratch or significantly wear the steel material of the bore. 
     Materials in the abrasive-binding agent composite slug may be uniformly mixed and distributed within the abrasive-binding agent composite slug. In one embodiment, two or more parts may be formed or secured together to provide advantageous properties to the slug. For example, a high-density or metallic weight may be inset within an injection molded slug, with the metallic weight providing back pressure within the bore as the slug is propelled down the bore, with the injection molded material around the inset metallic weight including an exemplary glass filled polymer. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug may form a bore forward cup in which metallic pellets, a metallic paste, or other dense material may be loaded for the purpose of providing back pressure upon the slug as the slug is propelled down the bore. 
     The disclosed device includes a formulation of components designed to optimize cleaning and improve an ability to load the device into a chamber of a firearm. The device may readily be modified to accommodate multiple cartridge configurations, calibers, firearm types, etc. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments and not for the purpose of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a first exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge configured for use in an exemplary firearm such as a pistol or a rifle. A ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  10  is illustrated, including casing  20 , propellant  30 , and abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40 . Casing  20  may be made of brass, steel, or any other material known in the art for ammunition casings. Casing  20  may be described to include a closed end at first end  23 . Casing  20  includes a casing recess  24  which is cylindrically shaped. The casing recess  24  may be described as an open end at a second end  21  of the casing  20 , a walled-in enclosure with an open end, or a concave region of the casing  20 . Casing  20  may include a primer  22  operable to create a spark when struck by a firing pin of a firearm. Casing  20  may be a centerfire casing or, alternatively, a rimfire casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  is illustrated within the casing recess  24  of the casing  20  and may include an abrasive agent, for example, including glass or fiberglass particles. The propellant  30  is also illustrated within the casing recess  24 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  may additionally include a polymerized binding agent. The abrasive agent may be interspersed within the binding agent. The abrasive agent is operable to clean or scrub an inside of a bore of a firearm when propelled down the bore, the exemplary glass or fiberglass particles scraping along the bore and dislodging contaminant particles therefrom. 
     Propellant  30  may include chemical compositions available in the art configured to rapidly or explosively expand as a spark is introduced and may include, in one non-limiting embodiment, gunpowder. 
     Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  is illustrated including a single piece slug configured to imitate an overall shape of a bullet. A proportion of the size of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  to propellant  30  (i.e. how much of the volume of casing  20  is taken up by the propellant vs. the slug) is variable depending upon selectable properties of the slug and the propellant, and the proportions of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  and propellant  30  are provided as examples. As abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  is propelled down the bore of a firearm, it becomes a cleaning projectile. 
       FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a second exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a high-density bullet portion. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  110  is illustrated, including casing  120 , primer  122 , propellant  130 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  140 , and an exemplary high-density weight embodied as bullet  150 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  140  is illustrated within a cylindrical casing recess  124  of the casing  120 . Propellant  130  is also illustrated with the cylindrical casing recess  124  of the casing  120 . A high-density weight or insert may be defined as including a mass per unit volume greater than a mass per unit volume of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  110  is similar to ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  10  with the exception that bullet  150  provides back pressure within the bore of the firearm. Whereas abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  of  FIG. 1  may be relatively lightweight or low mass, a high-density weight or metallic bullet such as bullet  150  is relatively higher mass, so the expanding gas created by igniting propellant  130  takes longer to accelerate bullet  150  and abrasive-binding agent composite slug  140  down the bore of the firearm than just abrasive-binding agent composite slug  40  by itself. Back pressure within the bore acting upon abrasive-binding agent composite slug  140  can, in some embodiments, be useful, for example, to cause abrasive-binding agent composite slug  140  to deform, expand, or otherwise to press outwardly against the bore when propelled through the barrel. 
       FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a third exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a bullet portion and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a gas seal portion. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  210  is illustrated, including casing  220 , primer  222 , propellant  230 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  240 , and a high-density weight embodied as bullet  250 . Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  210  is similar to ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  110  of  FIG. 2 , with an exception that a bottom surface of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  240  is concave. This concavity enables abrasive-binding agent composite slug  240  to deform outwardly against the bore and seal the expanding gases of the propellant  230  from escaping past the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  240 . This outward deformation additionally adds to the wiping capacity of the cleaning projectile. 
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a fourth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a molded-in high-density weight or metallic weight and a bore forward conical recess. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  310  is illustrated, including casing  320 , primer  322 , propellant  330 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340 , and molded-in metallic weight  350 . Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340  includes a bore forward conical recess  342 . Metallic weight  350  is initially positioned at a top/widest portion of the conical recess  342 . As abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340  is propelled down the bore, a force of inertia on metallic weight  350  will cause metallic weight  350  to move bore rearward in comparison to abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340 , such that metallic weight  350  will be wedged down into the narrower portion of conical recess  342 . This wedging of metallic weight  350  into conical recess  342  will force the walls of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340  outward radially against the bore. 
     Metallic weight  350  will similarly cause increased back pressure within the bore as compared to abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340  if no metallic weight  350  were present. Metallic weight  350  is exemplary. Metallic weight  350  may be replaced by a small stone, a ceramic ball, or any other similar shaped object with relatively higher density than abrasive-binding agent composite slug  340 . 
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a fifth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including a bore forward metallic weight and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore forward conical recess and partial encapsulation of the bore forward metallic weight. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  410  is illustrated, including casing  420 , primer  422 , propellant  430 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440 , and bore forward metallic weight  450 . Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440  includes bore forward conical recess  442 . Ballistic bore cleaning cartridge  410  is similar to ballistic bore cleaning cartridge  310  of  FIG. 4 , with an exception that bore forward metallic weight  450  is partially encapsulated by front portion  452  of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440 . The front portion  452  may be described as a retention lip configured for retaining the bore forward metallic weight within the bore forward conical recess  442 . In one embodiment, during initial assembly, bore forward metallic weight may be snappingly pressed within front portion  452  through the open front end of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440 . Rear portion  444  of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440  includes a sharp-edge form gas seal. 
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view a sixth exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge, including an alternative embodiment of a bore forward metallic weight and an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore forward conical recess. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  510  is illustrated, including casing  520 , primer  522 , propellant  530 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  540 , and bore forward metallic weight  550 . Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  540  includes bore forward conical recess  542 . Ballistic bore cleaning cartridge  510  is similar to ballistic bore cleaning cartridge  410  of  FIG. 5 , with an exception that bore forward metallic weight  550  does not include a notch, and, therefore, it is relatively easier for metallic weight  550  to be wedged down within a narrower portion of bore forward conical recess  542 . 
       FIG. 7  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an alternative embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug. Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  600  is illustrated, including an annular ring depression  610  operable to enable abrasive-binding agent composite slug  600  to act as a gas seal. Further, abrasive-binding agent composite slug  600  includes a hollow bottom portion  620 . Expanding gas from a propellant pressing against and within hollow bottom portion  620  causes the side walls of abrasive-binding agent composite slug  600  to deform and press outwardly against the bore.  FIG. 8  illustrates in bottom perspective view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 7 . Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  600  is illustrated including annular ring depression  610  and hollow bottom portion  620 . 
       FIG. 9  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge configured for use in an exemplary smooth-bore device such as a shotgun. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  710  is illustrated, including casing  720 , primer  722 , propellant  730 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  740 , and bore forward weight  750 . Abrasive-binding agent composite slug  740  may be modified to include any features of other slugs described herein, for example, including features of slugs in  FIG. 3, 4, 5 , or  6 . 
       FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in cross sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge embodied as a cartridge including a bottleneck casing configured for use in an exemplary firearm. Ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  810  is illustrated, including casing  820 , primer  822 , propellant  830 , abrasive-binding agent composite slug  840 , and bore forward weight  850 . 
       FIG. 11  schematically illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug including a bore rearward recess. A two-piece slug assembly  900  is illustrated in a disassembled state, with a cylindrical high-density insert  940  outside of a bore rearward recess  920  of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 . While the high-density insert  940  of  FIG. 11  is illustrated in a generally cylindrical shape, it will be appreciated that other non-cylindrical shapes may be utilized. The high-density insert  940  may be metallic, for example, constructed with lead, copper, zinc, steel, or other similar metals, or the high-density insert  940  may be constructed with stone, glass, a polymer, or other similar materials. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  includes a tapered bore forward tip  912 , an annular depressed groove  914  disposed about a mid-outer portion of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 , and the bore rearward recess  920 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  may include a cylindrical portion configured to fit within a bore of a firearm. The bore rearward recess  920  may include one or more elongated inner grooves  922  running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 . The inner grooves  922  may be useful as an assembly aid, providing for ease of inserting and removing a high-density insert to and from the bore rearward recess  920 . In another embodiment, the inner grooves  922  may be omitted. The annular depressed groove  914  may additionally provide an edge  915  which is operable to increase scrubbing action upon the inner surface of the bore. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  may include a binding agent such as a plastic or a polymer. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  may further include an abrasive agent such as glass or fiberglass dispersed throughout the binding agent as a homogeneous or semi-homogeneous mixture. 
     The high-density insert  940  may include a tapered tip  942 . The high-density insert  940  may be fully inserted within the bore rearward recess  920  to form the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  may be fit within a brass casing pre-loaded with a propellant, similar to the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 12  schematically illustrates the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 11  from a bore rearward view. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  is illustrated including the bore rearward recess  920 . The bore rearward recess  920  includes four exemplary inner grooves  922 .  FIG. 13  schematically illustrates the abrasive-binding agent composite slug of  FIG. 11  in a side sectional view. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  is illustrated including the tapered bore forward tip  912  and the annular depressed groove  914 . The bore rearward recess  920  is illustrated including a plurality of inner grooves  922 . 
       FIG. 14  schematically illustrates the insert of  FIG. 11  in a side view. The high-density insert  940  is an embodiment of a high-density weight and includes the tapered tip  942  which may be useful to aid in inserting the high-density insert  940  into the bore rearward recess  920  of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 . The high-density insert  940  may be constructed with lead, steel, an alloy including multiple metals, a composite metallic structure, or other materials. 
       FIG. 15  schematically illustrates an exemplary ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge including the abrasive-binding agent composite slug and the high-density insert of  FIG. 11 . A ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  902  is illustrated, including casing  904 , primer  922 , propellant  906 , and the two-piece slug assembly  900 . Casing  904  may be made of brass, steel, or any other material in the art for ammunition casings. Casing  904  may include a primer  922  operable to create a spark when struck by a firing pin of a firearm. Casing  904  may be a centerfire casing or a rimfire casing. The two-piece slug assembly  900  includes the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910  and the high-density insert  940 . When the primer of the casing  904  creates a spark, the propellant  906  rapidly expands and applies pressure upon the two-piece slug assembly  900  which forces the two-piece slug assembly  900  down the bore of a firearm. The high-density insert  940  may include an outer diameter which permits the high-density insert  940  to easily be removed from the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 . In another embodiment, the high-density insert  940  may include an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  910 , such that an interference fit is created between the parts. 
     An abrasive-binding agent composite slug or a two-piece assembly including an abrasive-binding agent composite slug may be cylindrical in cross-section. Such a slug or assembly may alternatively have different cross-sectional shapes.  FIG. 16  schematically illustrates an alternative exemplary abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1040  with an octagonal cross section. A configuration  1010  is illustrated including the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1040  and a casing  1020  including a mating casing recess with the cross-sectional octagonal shape of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1040 . A variety of cross-sectional shapes are envisioned, including square, triagonal, oval, and irregular shapes, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein. 
     Throughout the disclosure, a recess is intended to describe a feature upon a part or item. A recess may alternatively be described as an open end of an item, a walled-in enclosure with an open end, or a concave region of an item, or a feature or inner surface of an item operable to receive another item within the feature. 
       FIG. 17  schematically illustrates in side view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  similar to the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440  of  FIG. 5 , including a recess  1142  configured for receiving a bore forward high-density weight. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  is configured as a handgun round, imitating a shape of a round such as a 9 mm Luger round. Interior features of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  are illustrated with broken lines for clarity. The recess  1142  is oriented bore forward, such that a bore forward high-density weight placed within the recess  1142  is exposed in a bore forward orientation as the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  is propelled down the bore of a firearm. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  is illustrated including the recess  1142 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  includes a bore forward weight retention lip  1152  configured for holding a bore forward weight within the recess  1142 . The bore forward weight retention lip  1152  includes a plurality of relief  1154  formed in the bore forward weight retention lip  1152 , such that portions or gripping fingers of the bore forward weight retention lip  1152  may flex independently and enable easy installation and retention of a bore forward high-density weight into the recess  1142 . The bore forward weight retention lip  1152  may include gripping features, teeth, undercut features, or any other similar features that are useful to engage with and retain the bore forward high-density weight and retain the weight within the recess  1142 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  further includes a rear portion  1144  including a concave gas seal recess  1146  configured for creating a gas seal. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  includes a generally cylindrical outer surface. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  further includes at least one annular exterior ring recess  1160  formed in the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  configured for the purpose of aiding the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  to engage with and clean a bore of a firearm. 
       FIG. 18  schematically illustrates in side view a bore forward high-density weight  1200  configured for installation into the recess  1142  of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  of  FIG. 17 . The bore forward high-density weight  1200  includes a cylindrical central portion  1210 . The bore forward high-density weight  1200  may include beveled portions  1220  at forward and rearward portions of the bore forward high-density weight  1200  as assembly aids to make it easy for one to press the bore forward high-density weight  1200  into the recess  1142  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 19  schematically illustrates in perspective view a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge  1110  including the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  of  FIG. 17  and the bore forward high-density weight  1200  of  FIG. 18  within a brass casing  1120 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  is illustrated including six of the bore forward weight retention lips  1152  holding the bore forward high-density weight  1200  in place within the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140 . A propellent is disposed within the brass casing  1120  between the brass casing  1120  and the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140 . 
       FIG. 20  schematically illustrates in side view an alternative exemplary embodiment of an abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  similar to the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  440  of  FIG. 5  and the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1140  of  FIG. 17 , including a recess configured for receiving a bore forward high-density weight. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  is configured as a rifle round, imitating a shape of a round such as a 0.223 Remington round. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  includes a bore forward weight retention lip  1352  configured for holding a bore forward weight within the recess of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340 . The bore forward weight retention lip  1352  includes a plurality of reliefs  1354  formed in the bore forward weight retention lip  1352 , such that portions or gripping fingers of the bore forward weight retention lip  1352  may flex independently and enable easy installation of a bore forward high-density weight into the recess of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  further includes a rear portion  1344 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  includes a generally cylindrical outer surface. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  further includes at two exemplary annular exterior ring recesses  1360  formed in the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  configured for the purpose of aiding the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  to engage with and clean a bore of a firearm. 
       FIG. 21  schematically illustrates in side view a bore forward high-density weight  1400  configured for installation into the recess  1342  of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  of  FIG. 22 . The bore forward high-density weight  1400  includes a cylindrical central portion  1410 . The bore forward high-density weight  1400  may include beveled portion  1420  at a rearward portion of the bore forward high-density weight  1400  as assembly aids to make it easy for one to press the bore forward high-density weight  1400  into the recess  1342  of  FIG. 22 . The bore forward high-density weight  1400  further includes a pointed tip  1422  which may be useful for imitating an outline or shape of a round of ammunition and thereby conforming to features within a firearm useful for smoothly loading the disclosed ballistic bore cleaning cartridge into a chamber of the firearm being cleaned without the ballistic bore cleaning cartridge jamming in a feeding mechanism. The bore forward high-density weight  1400  further includes an annular exterior ring recess  1430  configured for matching with features of the bore forward weight retention lips  1352  of  FIG. 22  in order to retain the bore forward high-density weight  1400  within the recess  1342 . 
       FIG. 22  schematically illustrates in side cross-sectional view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  of  FIG. 20  and the bore forward high-density weight  1400  of  FIG. 21  installed thereto. A projectile portion  1310  of a ballistic barrel cleaning cartridge is illustrated. A recess  1342  of the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  is illustrated oriented bore forward, such that the bore forward high-density weight  1400  placed within the recess  1342  is exposed in a bore forward orientation as the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  is propelled down the bore of a firearm. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  includes a bore forward weight retention lip  1352  that fits within the annular exterior ring recess  1430  and is configured for holding a bore forward weight within the recess  1342 . The bore forward weight retention lip  1352  may include gripping features, teeth, undercut features, or any other similar features that are useful to engage with and retain the bore forward high-density weight  1400  and retain the weight within the recess  1142 . The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  further includes the rear portion  1344  including a concave gas seal recess  1346  configured for creating a gas seal. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  further includes the two annular exterior ring recesses  1360 . The pointed tip  1422  of the bore forward high-density weight  1400  is illustrated exposed outside of the recess  1342 . 
       FIG. 23  schematically illustrates in perspective view the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  of  FIG. 20  with the bore forward high-density weight  1400  of  FIG. 21  installed thereto. In order to be utilized as a ballistic bore cleaning cartridge, the illustrated abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  and the bore forward high-density weight  1400  may be disposed within a corresponding brass casing, with a calibrated load of propellent provided between the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  and the brass casing. The abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340  is illustrated including a plurality of the bore forward weight retention lips  1352  holding the bore forward high-density weight  1400  in place within the abrasive-binding agent composite slug  1340 . 
     High-density weights described throughout the disclosure may be metallic. Exemplary metallic weights described in various embodiments may be replaced by non-metallic high density weights, such as with a stone or glass pellet. 
     While the best modes for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.