Shotgun shell with slug

Abstract

A firearm shell has a hull with a hull chamber and a rear end containing a primer. A hull side wall extends forward from the rear end to a front end. A powder charge is contained within the hull at the rear end. A sabot is positioned forward of the powder charge, and has a base and forwardly extending side portions defining a cup. A projectile has a forward end and a rear end received in the cup. A cushion is provided in the hull, rearward of the bullet. The cushion may be an elastomer such as silicone, and may be positioned immediately behind the bullet, forward of the base of the sabot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to firearms ammunition, and more particularly to shotgun cartridges containing a single projectile. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] While shotguns are normally used for firing shot shells containing multiple projectiles, certain shotgun shells fire only a single large projectile. Such projectiles are known as “slugs” (as are sometimes the shells themselves.) The shell consists of a hollow hull with a base containing a primer, and an open forward end that is crimped to enclose the contents, and to open upon firing. The rear of the hull is filled with gunpowder. A disc-shaped gas seal element is positioned forward of the powder to provide a barrier in the hull. An elongated cup-like plastic sabot is positioned forward of the gas seal, and contains the bullet or slug. The sabot is open at the forward end, with elongated slits extending to the forward end to define “petals,” so that the petals open and the sabot falls a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a firearm shell that overcomes the limitations of prior art slug shells by using a cushion made of an elastomer, such as silicone, that is positioned rearward of the bullet and forward of the base of the sabot. This cushion helps to stabilize the slug in flight and provides additional projectile velocity without increasing chamber pressures. The cushion can be integrated with the gas seal and sabot, and can be made of materials that do not flow outward against the barrel wall when compressed. This design improves accuracy and allows for more material options for the cushion."

Problems solved by technology

While effective in some applications and for certain combinations of bullet weight, type, and powder load, the existing cushions are limited in effectiveness for certain other slug designs, yielding poor accuracy.

Moreover, the location of the cushion between the gas seal and the sabot prevents the integration of these components.

In addition, the exposure of the cushion edge to the barrel limits material cushion choices (to avoid barrel fouling), and limits materials to those that do not flow outward against the barrel wall when compressed.

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