Method for making a non-toxic dense material

Abstract

A composition having high density and low toxicity suitable for use as a shotgun pellet, a bullet or armor piercing projectile and a method for manufacturing such composition is described. This material and product are developed to economically address the toxicity problems inherent in lead shot and bullets. This composition, in its present embodiment, is also suitable for use in any product requiring high-density and low toxicity. One present embodiment maintains the magnetic properties of the projectile if desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to methods and compositions for making material useful as shot, bullets and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and compositions, for making non-toxic dense material for use in shot, bullets, milling media, wear media, blasting media, hard tools and the like.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]A variety of materials and methods have been proposed or are in use as shotgun shot and rifle or pistol bullets, hereinafter referred cumulatively as “shot”. Because of its toxic nature, lead has been banned or criticized for use as shot. Lead has been banned in the United States and Canada for use in shotgun shells for hunting waterfowl. Lead has also been banned on all U.S. Federal Refuges when hunting game animals or training dogs. Generally, the reasons for the bans and criticism are that when waterfowl ingest pellets, the lead is retained and ground up in the bird's gizzard a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0082]It is desirable to provide a method for producing non-toxic materials, which can be used for shot and / or bullets, which are more dense than steel, bismuth or lead. It is particularly desirable to provide an economical method for producing such non-toxic materials.

[0083]Accordingly, it is an object of one embodiment of this invention to provide a method for the manufacture of a dense material that is non-toxic.

Problems solved by technology

Because of its toxic nature, lead has been banned or criticized for use as shot.

Generally, the reasons for the bans and criticism are that when waterfowl ingest pellets, the lead is retained and ground up in the bird's gizzard and poisons the bird.

Because of the lower density the effectiveness of steel is greatly diminished when compared to lead.

This method tends to be expensive due to the high firing temperature, the individual pressing of pellets and the followed rounding steps.

This individual pressing of pellets further limits the pellets to larger sizes.

Unfortunately, Hevishot does not tend to be very round and frequently has two or more spheres attached to each other of different sizes or can be hollowed out and tend not to be of uniform size.

Tungsten powder is much more expensive than FeW (ferro-tungsten) powder.

Because of the polymer, the resulting shot is comparatively weak and can deform during the shooting process.

However, with a density of 9.8 grams / cc Bismuth, although relatively easy to manufacture, can be excessively brittle, unless alloyed with tin (Sn) in small amounts.

Generally, however, these prior techniques have not made use of carbon to increase the density of the shot and to reduce the firing temperature required, and the associated energy and production costs.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,379 describes a high-density composite material that may act as a replacement for lead in applications where the high density of lead is important, but where the toxicity of lead is undesirable.

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