Adjustable roll sizer apparatus for ammunition cases

Abstract

Provided is an adjustable roll sizer apparatus (10) for ammunition cases, said apparatus (10) comprising a main body (12) defining a cradle (14) and an adjustment channel (16) to the cradle (14), a shim receptacle (18) defined at a confluence of the cradle (14) and channel (26), as well as a circular cam disc (20) rotatably mounted within the cradle (14) and defining a camming circumference (22). Apparatus (10) further includes an idler roller (24) rotatably mounted within the cradle (14) proximate the shim receptacle (18), an urging assembly (26) arranged within the adjustment channel (16) and comprising a mounting plate (28) fast with the main body (12) and a roller block (30) slidably arranged in the adjustment channel (16) and mounted to the mounting plate (28) with the roller block (30) having a pinch roller (32). Apparatus (10) further includes an adjustment mechanism (34) mounting the roller block (30) to the mounting plate (28), the adjustment mechanism (34) comprising an urger (36) configured to urge the pinch roller (32) into the cradle (14) and an adjustor (38) configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller (32) from the cradle (14), and a rotational actuator (40) configured to rotate the cam disc (20), wherein the cam disc (20), idler roller (24) and pinch roller (32) complementarily form a rolling point (42) between them and over the shim receptacle (18) in which a shim (44) is receivable to determine a length of a case (8) that is roll-sizable within the rolling point (42).

Description

ADJUSTABLE ROLL SIZER APPARATUS FOR AMMUNITION CASESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to the field of small arms ammunition, in general , and more particularly to an adj ustable roll si zer apparatus for ammunition cases , an associated method of roll si zing ammunition cases , and a method of reloading ammunition cases .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] As is known in the field of firearms , particularly small arms , a cartridge is a type of ammunition generally packaging a bullet , a propellant substance (usually either smokeless powder or black powder ) and a primer within a metallic case or casing that is precisely made to fit within the firing chamber of a firearm . After firing in a suitable firearm, the bullet is propelled out of the case by explosive expansion of the propellant following ignition thereof by the primer, with the case then ej ected from the breech of the firearm .

[0004] These cartridge cases are generally manufactured from brass and form a large proportion of the cost of a cartridge . However, with proper maintenance , such cases can typically be reused many times in a practice known as reloading .

[0005] Reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges by assembling the individual components (case, primer, powder, and bullet) , rather than purchasing completely assembled, factory- loaded ammunition. Economy, increased accuracy, performance, customisability, commercial ammunition shortages, and hobby interests are all common motivations for reloading of cartridges. The steps in reloading are generally recovering or obtaining spent brass cases, cleaning the brass to remove any dirt or stains, resizing the case and removing the spent primer, installing a new primer, placing a new powder charge in the case, seating a new bullet and crimping the case around the bullet.

[0006] As a result, the resizing of spent cases is vitally important to ensure that the brass used is uniform and consistent in shape. Depending on where and how the brass cases are sourced, many brass suppliers are shooting ranges who offer 'once fired' cases to reloaders. These cases are often used in a variety of firearms and are deformed to varying degrees, some excessively due to the characteristics of specific firearms. It is very difficult to visually inspect the brass cases and determine case stretch or deformation .

[0007] For example, a number of firearms designed for military or police use are designed specifically for reliability and as such the tolerances particularly in the barrel chamber are loose and, upon firing, the spent case is stretched significantly beyond what would occur for other competition-specific firearms. The stretched cases cannot be reshaped easily for reloading and need to be sized to remove the bulge in the brass before reloading. Such sizing of cases is generally done to reshape the cases to remove case bulge or stretch.

[0008] In contrast to conventional large and expensive machinery for case resizing, Applicant has developed aninexpensive case sizing apparatus with the ability to resize a large volume of cases without requiring manual input, and that is able to accommodate a variety of case calibres. This case sizing apparatus is described in US patent no. 10,837,746, European patent no. EP3446063 and Australian patent no. 2018260923.

[0009] The known case sizing apparatus do not readily accommodate sizing of cases having different heights in an accurate and repeatable manner, particularly rimmed cases. The current invention was conceived with this goal in mind in an attempt to ameliorate, at least in part, some of the shortcomings in the art of roll sizing ammunition cases of varying heights and rim diameters .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The skilled addressee will appreciate that reference herein to a cartridge case is made in a non-exclusive manner and that a bullet of a cartridge may also be subject to roll sizing as described herein, either individually or in combination with a case, depending on requirements.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided adjustable roll sizer apparatus for ammunition cases, said apparatus comprising: a main body defining a cradle and an adjustment channel to the cradle, a shim receptacle defined at a confluence of the cradle and channel; a circular cam disc rotatably mounted within the cradle defining a camming circumference; an idler roller rotatably mounted within the cradle proximate the shim receptacle; an urging assembly arranged within the adjustment channel and comprising :i . a mounting plate fast with the main body; ii . a roller block slidably arranged in the adj ustment channel and mounted to the mounting plate , said roller block having a pinch roller ; and iii . an adj ustment mechanism mounting the roller block to the mounting plate , the adj ustment mechanism comprising an urger configured to urge the pinch roller into the cradle and an adj ustor configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle ; and a rotational actuator configured to rotate the cam disc, wherein the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller complementarily form a rolling point between them and over the shim receptacle in which a shim is receivable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point .

[0012] In an embodiment , the cradle comprises a recessed aperture within the main body, with the adj ustment channel comprising a recessed channel from said cradle to an edge of the main body .

[0013] In an embodiment , the shim receptacle is recessed in the main body at the confluence of the cradle and adj ustment channel .

[0014] In an embodiment , the shim receptacle is shaped and dimensioned to receive and position shims of varying thicknesses for determining a length of a case within the rolling point between the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller .

[0015] In an embodiment , roll si zer apparatus compri ses a plurality of shims of varying thicknesses for operative placement into the shim receptacle to determine a length of a case within the rolling point between the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller .

[0016] In an embodiment, the shim receptacle comprises an adjustable shim mechanism which is configured selectively to adjust a height of the shim receptable to determine a length of a case that is roll-sizable within the rolling point.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cam disc comprises a scallop in the camming circumference to facilitate placing and removing a case into the rolling point during rotation of the cam disc.

[0018] In an embodiment, the cam disc defines a varying diameter, such as a gradually-increasing diameter camming circumference from the scallop to facilitate roll-sizing of a case within the rolling point as the cam disc is actuated.

[0019] In an embodiment, the idler roller is mounted proximate the cam disc.

[0020] In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism of the urging assembly comprises a threaded bolt through the mounting plate with a distal end of said bolt fast with a vernier adjustor and the urger comprising a spring about the bolt between the mounting plate and a proximal end of the bolt at the roller block.

[0021] In an embodiment, the proximal end of the bolt includes a ball bearing configured to fit in a socket defined by the roller block, the spring urging the ball bearing inside said socket of the roller block with the pinch roller towards the cam disc and idler roller to form the rolling point.

[0022] In an embodiment, the roller block defines a gudgeon for receiving a pin therein about which the pinch roller rotates.

[0023] In an embodiment, the roller block defines a handle to facilitate sliding said roller block against the urger along theadjustment channel to facilitate placing a case into the rolling point .

[0024] In an embodiment, the rotational actuator comprises a turn-handle for manually rotating the cam disc.

[0025] In an embodiment, the rotational actuator comprises gearing between an actuator, such as a turn-handle or an electric motor, to facilitate rotating the cam disc.

[0026] In an embodiment, the rotational actuator comprises an electromechanical actuator, such as an electrical motor.

[0027] In an embodiment, the adjustable roll sizer apparatus comprises a displacement gauge configured to provide an indication of the limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle .

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of roll-sizing an ammunition case, said method comprising the steps of: providing an adjustable roll sizer apparatus comprising: a main body defining a cradle and an adjustment channel to the cradle, a shim receptacle defined at a confluence of the cradle and channel; a circular cam disc rotatably mounted within the cradle and having a varying diameter defining a camming circumference ; an idler roller rotatably mounted within the cradle proximate the shim receptacle; an urging assembly arranged within the adjustment channel and comprising: i. a mounting plate fast with the main body;ii . a roller block slidably arranged in the adj ustment channel and mounted to the mounting plate , said roller block having a pinch roller ; and iii . an adj ustment mechanism mounting the roller block to the mounting plate , the adj ustment mechanism comprising an urger configured to urge the pinch roller into the cradle and an adj ustor configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle ; and a rotational actuator configured to rotate the cam disc, wherein the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller complementarily form a rolling point between them and over the shim receptacle in which a shim is receivable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point ; placing a case within the rolling point , and actuating the rotational actuator to roll-si ze the case within the rolling point .

[0029] In an embodiment , the method comprises a step of placing a shim of a desired thickness into the shim receptacle to determine a length of a case within the rolling point .

[0030] In an embodiment , the method comprises a step of adj usting an adj ustable shim mechanism within the shim receptacle which is configured selectively to adj ust a height of the shim receptable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point .

[0031] In an embodiment , the cam disc comprises a scallop in the camming circumference to facilitate placing and removing a case into the rolling point during rotation of the cam disc, the method comprising a step of rotating the cam disc until the scallopis at the rolling point to facilitate placing the case within the rolling point.

[0032] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of adjusting the adjustment mechanism of the urging assembly to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle according to a desired calibre of the case.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of sliding the roller block along the adjustment channel against the urger to facilitate placing a case into the rolling point.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of roll-sizing an ammunition case, the method comprising use of the adjustable roll sizer apparatus for ammunition cases in accordance with the first aspect of the invention above.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for reloading ammunition cartridge cases, said method comprising the steps of: roll-sizing a case using an adjustable roll sizer apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; reloading said roll-sized case with a propellant and seating a bullet therein; and crimping said case to secure the propellant and bullet.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided adjustable roll sizer apparatus for ammunition cases, and an associated method of roll-sizing an ammunition case, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective top-view representation of one embodiment of adj ustable roll si zer apparatus for ammunition cases , in accordance with aspects of the invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic top-view representation of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 1 , without the rotational actuator shown;Figure 5 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation showing the urging assembly of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 1 in more detail ;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation of the urging assembly of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective top-view representation of another embodiment of adj ustable roll si zer apparatus , in accordance with aspects of the present invention, showing a turn-handle for the rotational actuator, as well as a displacement gauge ;Figure 8 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 7 ; andFigure 9 is a diagrammatic perspective bottom-view representation of the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus of Figure 7 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0038] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0039] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0040] Broadly, the present invention provides for adj ustable roll si zer apparatus 10 for ammunition cases 8 . Apparatus 10 typically includes a main body 12 , a circular cam disc 20 , an idler roller 24 , an urging assembly 26 and a rotational actuator 40 arranged to rotate the cam disc 20 . The various components of apparatus 10 are generally machined from suitable steel or comparable materials , as will be apparent to the skilled addressee .

[0041] With reference now to the accompanying drawings , the main body 12 of apparatus 10 generally defines a cradle 14 and anadjustment channel 16 leading to the cradle 14. A shim receptacle 18 is further defined at a confluence, convergence or meeting point of the cradle 14 and adjustment channel 16, as shown. Such a shim receptacle 18 may take a variety of forms and such variations are expected and anticipated.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cradle 14 comprises a recessed aperture within the main body 12, with the adjustment channel 16 comprising a recessed channel leading from a side of the cradle 14 to an edge of the main body 12. In one embodiment, the shim receptacle 18 is recessed in the main body 12 at the confluence of the cradle 14 and adjustment channel 16, as shown.

[0043] In a typical embodiment, the shim receptacle 18 is generally shaped and dimensioned to receive and position one of many possible shims of varying thicknesses for determining a length of a case 8 within the rolling point 42 between the cam disc 20, idler roller 24 and pinch roller 32, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the roll sizer apparatus 10 typically comprises a plurality of shims 44 of varying thicknesses for operative placement into the shim receptacle 18 to determine a length of a case 8 within the rolling point 42.

[0044] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the shim receptacle 18 may comprise an adjustable shim mechanism (not shown) , such as a height adjustment screw, or the like, which is configured selectively to adjust a height of the shim receptable 18 to determine a length of a case that is roll-sizable within the rolling point 42. For example, the adjustable shim mechanism may be configured to adjust a floor of the shim receptable 18 to a desired height via a suitable screw mechanism, or the like. Such an adjustable shim mechanism obviates the need for a plurality of separate shims 44, for example, as a desired 'shim height' may be'dialled-in' as required . Variations hereon are possible and expected and within the principle of mechanical equivalence .

[0045] Apparatus 10 also include the circular cam disc 20 which is rotatably mounted within the cradle 14 and which generally, but not necessarily, has a varying diameter defining a camming circumference 22 . In one embodiment , the cam disc 20 comprises a scallop 46 or similar indentations in the camming circumference 22 in order to facilitate placing and removing a case 8 into the rolling point 42 during rotation of the cam disc 20 . In one embodiment , the cam disc 20 defines a gradually-increasing diameter camming circumference 22 from the scallop 46 to facilitate roll-si zing of a case 8 within the rolling point 42 as the cam disc 20 is actuated . In another embodiment , the cam disc 20 may have a fixed radius to facilitate roll-si zing of a case 8 within the rolling point 42 as the cam disc 20 is actuated, as described in more detail below .

[0046] Apparatus 10 further includes the idler roller 24 which is rotatably mounted within the cradle 14 , as shown, and generally proximate the shim receptacle 18 . In one embodiment , the idler roller 24 is mounted proximate the cam disc 20 . The idler roller 24 is typically mounted on a suitable idler roller pin 48 fast with the main body 12 , or the like .

[0047] Apparatus 10 importantly includes the urging assembly 26 which is arranged within the adj ustment channel 16 and which broadly comprises a mounting plate 28 , a roller block 30 and adj ustment mechanism 34 . The mounting plate 28 is typically fast with the main body 12 , such as via suitable threaded fasteners , bolts , etc .

[0048] The roller block 30 is slidably arranged in the adj ustment channel 16 and connected to the mounting plate 28 , asdescribed in more detail below . The roller block 30 generally has a pinch roller 32 and an adj ustment mechanism 34 mounting the roller block 32 to the mounting plate 28 . In one embodiment , the roller block 30 defines a gudgeon 56 for receiving a pinch roller pin 58 therein about which the pinch roller 32 rotates . The adj ustment mechanism 34 also comprises an urger 36 which is configured to urge the roller block 30 with the pinch roller 32 along the adj ustment channel 16 and into the cradle 14 . Adj ustment mechanism includes an adj ustor 38 which is configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller 32 from the cradle 14 .

[0049] In one embodiment , as shown more clearly in Figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings , the adj ustment mechanism 34 of the urging assembly 26 comprises a threaded bolt 50 which is passed through a suitable aperture in the mounting plate 28 with a distal end of said bolt 50 fast with a vernier adj ustor 38 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the urger 36 comprises a suitable coil spring 36 arranged about the bolt 50 , as shown, and interspaced between the mounting plate 28 and a proximal end of the bolt 50 proximate the roller block 30 . Such a coil spring 36 may be configured to exert a substantial force on a case 8 within the rolling point 42 as the cam disc 20 is actuated to facilitate rollsi zing of said case 8 .

[0050] The proximal end of the bolt 50 typically includes a ball bearing 52 which is configured to fit in a socket 54 defined by the roller block 30 , as shown, with the spring 36 urging the ball bearing 52 into the socket 54 of the roller block 30 . By the spring arranged against the mounting plate 28 at one end and the ball bearing 52 at the other end, with the threaded bolt 50 between such ends , the vernier adj ustor 38 can be used to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller 32 from the cradle 14 ,i . e . how far the roller block 32 is able to ' retreat ' against the urging of the spring 36 before displacement is arrested .

[0051] Importantly, with the pinch roller 32 mounted on the roller block 30 and urged along the adj ustment channel 16 towards the cradle 14 , a rolling point 42 is defined between the cam disc 20 , the idler roller 24 and the pinch roller 32 . This rolling point 42 defined between the cam disc 20 , the idler roller 24 and the pinch roller 32 is further defined above the shim receptacle 18 , as described above . An ammunition case 8 can accordingly be positioned upright within this rolling point 42 and above the shim 44 in the shim receptacle 18 to define an accurate desired case diameter for roll-si zing via rotating the cam disc 18 , with a length of the case subj ect to such roll-si zing accurately determinable via a height of the camming circumference 22 of the cam disc 20 , and associated heights of the idler roller 24 and the pinch roller 32 , together with a preselected thickness of the shim 44 .

[0052] In an alternative embodiment , the adj ustment mechanism 34 may vary or be modi fied, such as via a suitable over-centre member or fixed-length member that is insertable into or removable from the adj ustment channel 16 to facilitate and adj ustment of the limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller 32 from the cradle 14 . By using a cam-over or similar over-centre design may obviate the need for a scallop 46 in the cam disc 20 . For example , apparatus 10 may be automated and comprise an electrical or mechanical actuator to actuate the urging assembly 26 for insertion or removal of a case 8 from the cradle , or the like . Variations hereon as possible and anticipated without departing from the concept of mechanical equivalence .

[0053] Apparatus 10 also includes the rotational actuator 40 which is broadly configured to rotate the cam disc 20 . In thismanner, the cam disc 20 , idler roller 24 and pinch roller 32 complementarily form the rolling point 42 between them and also over the shim receptacle 18 in which a shim 44 is receivable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point 42 . The rotational actuator 40 may take various forms . In the exempli fied embodiment , the rotational actuator 40 comprises a keyed shaft about which the cam disc 20 is received . In one embodiment , the rotational actuator 40 may comprise a turnhandle 62 for manually rotating the cam disc 20 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the rotational actuator 40 generally comprises an electromechanical actuator, such as an electrical motor, with suitable gearing to facilitate rotating the cam disc 20 . The gearing turns the keyed shaft 40 on which cam disc 20 is received, with the gearing also forming a lower portion of the cradle 14 . Of course , variations hereon are possible and expected .

[0054] In one embodiment , an example of which is shown in Figures 7 to 9 , the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus 10 comprises a displacement gauge 64 which is configured to provide an indication of the limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller 32 from the cradle 14 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the displacement gauge 64 is mounted to the mounting plate 28 with a suitable link arm 66 mounted to the roller block via which said displacement gauge 64 is able to accurately determine a displacement for display on a suitable display, e . g . a digital display gauge , or the like .

[0055] It is to be appreciated that , in one possible embodiment , apparatus 10 may be configured to operate substantially autonomously . For example , a suitable controller (not shown) , such as a programmable logic controller, may be included and configured to operate and control a mechanism for inserting or removing of a case 8 from the cradle 14 , along with controlling an adj ustable shim mechanism of shim receptacle 18 , as described above , as wellas adj ustment mechanism 34 and actuator 40 in order to autonomously an automatically roll-si ze cases 8 . Such controller and related mechanisms are known in the art of process automation engineering and are not described in detail herein .

[0056] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present disclosure includes an associated method of roll-si zing an ammunition case 8 . Such a method typically comprises the steps of providing adj ustable roll si zer apparatus 10 , as described, placing a case 8 within the rolling point 42 , and actuating the rotational actuator 40 to roll-si ze the case within the rolling point .

[0057] In one embodiment , the method comprises a step of placing a shim 44 of a desired thickness into the shim receptacle 18 to determine a length of a case within the rolling point . In one embodiment , the cam disc 20 comprises the scallop 46 in the camming circumference 22 to facilitate placing and removing a case 8 into the rolling point 42 during rotation of the cam disc 20 , the method comprising a step of rotating the cam disc 20 until the scallop is at the rolling point 42 to facilitate placing the case within the rolling point 42 .

[0058] In one embodiment , the method comprises a step of adj usting the adj ustment mechanism 34 of the urging assembly 26 to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller 32 from the cradle 14 according to a desired calibre of the case 8 .

[0059] In one embodiment , the method al so comprises a step of sliding the roller block 30 along the adj ustment channel 16 against the urger or spring 36 to facilitate placing a case 8 into the rolling point 42 . To this end, the roller block 30 typically defines a handle 60 in order to facilitate such manual sliding of the roller block 30 back against the urger 36 along the adj ustmentchannel 16 to facilitate placing a case 8 into the rolling point 42 .

[0060] It is further to be appreciated that the present disclosure also includes an associated method for reloading ammunition cartridge cases . Such a method generally comprises the steps of roll-si zing a case 8 using the adj ustable roll si zer apparatus 10 , reloading said roll-si zed case with a propellant and seating a bullet therein, and crimping said case to secure the propellant and bullet .

[0061] As the typical roll si zing or case rolling process works on a lower 6- 12mm of a case 8 , the above-described rolling process using the rolling point 42 above the shim 44 can be performed independent of a case rim dimension, thereby accommodating various rim variations and case si zes . The scallop 46 in the camming circumference 22 of the cam disc 20 provides a recess to a case 8 to be placed within the rolling point 42 without requiring the roller block 30 with pinch roller 32 from having to be adj usted every time a case is placed . Once a desired position of the pinch roller 32 is adj usted with the adj ustment mechanism 34 of the urging assembly 26 (by measuring the case , the vernier reading will allow future duplication by simply adj usting the vernier back to the previous position) , the roller block 30 can be pushed back against the spring 36 to load a case . An adj ustment position of the threaded bolt 50 is generally maintained by the use of a traditional "Nyloc" nut 62 which provides a mechanical resistance on the bolt 50 moving during roll si zing .

[0062] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for adj ustable roll si zer apparatus 10 for ammunition cases 8 which provides height adj ustment by means of shim 44 of selectable thickness , which ensures that a rim of the case 8 is not damaged in the rolling process . Apparatus 10also incorporates an alignment process of the pinch roller 32 that results in the bearing 52 maintaining a consistent preload or takeup in the machining clearances, i.e. a gap between the pinch roller 32 and the main body 12 may affect roll-sizing accuracy, but when the bearing 52 is locked-up, it pushes against the side and this orientation is consistent (i.e. the pinch roller 32 is offset to the centreline of the cases) . Apparatus 10 may also be used to roll-size bullets, or other components, as required.

[0063] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0064] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intendsfor the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0065] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0066] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features .

[0067] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Adj ustable roll si zer apparatus for ammunition cases , said apparatus comprising : a main body defining a cradle and an adj ustment channel to the cradle , a shim receptacle defined at a confluence of the cradle and channel ; a circular cam disc rotatably mounted within the cradle and defining a camming circumference ; an idler roller rotatably mounted within the cradle proximate the shim receptacle ; an urging assembly arranged within the adj ustment channel and comprising : i . a mounting plate fast with the main body; ii . a roller block slidably arranged in the adj ustment channel and mounted to the mounting plate , said roller block having a pinch roller ; and iii . an adj ustment mechanism mounting the roller block to the mounting plate , the adj ustment mechanism comprising an urger configured to urge the pinch roller into the cradle and an adj ustor configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle ; and a rotational actuator configured to rotate the cam disc, wherein the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller complementarily form a rolling point between them and over the shim receptacle in which a shim is receivable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point .2 . Apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cradle comprises a recessed aperture within the main body, with the adj ustmentchannel comprising a recessed channel from said cradle to an edge of the main body .3 . Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the shim receptacle is recessed in the main body at the conf luence of the cradle and adj ustment channel .4 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the shim receptacle is shaped and dimensioned to receive and position shims of varying thicknesses for determining a length of a case within the rolling point between the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller .5 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4 , which comprises a plurality of shims of varying thicknesses for operative placement into the shim receptacle to determine a length of a case within the rolling point between the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller .6 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the shim receptacle comprises an adj ustable shim mechanism which is configured selectively to adj ust a height of the shim receptable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point .7 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the cam disc comprises a scallop in the camming circumference to facilitate placing and removing a case into the rolling point during rotation of the cam disc .8 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the cam disc defines a gradually-increasing diameter camming circumferencefrom the scallop to facilitate roll-si zing of a case within the rolling point as the cam disc is actuated .9 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the idler roller is mounted proximate the cam disc .10 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the adj ustment mechanism of the urging assembly comprises a threaded bolt through the mounting plate with a distal end of said bolt fast with a vernier adj ustor and the urger comprising a spring about the bolt between the mounting plate and a proximal end of the bolt at the roller block .11 . Apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the proximal end of the bolt includes a ball bearing configured to fit in a socket defined by the roller block, the spring urging the ball bearing inside said socket of the roller block with the pinch roller towards the cam disc and idler roller to form the rolling point .12 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the roller block defines a gudgeon for receiving a pin therein about which the pinch roller rotates .13 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the roller block defines a handle to facilitate sliding said roller block against the urger along the adj ustment channel to facilitate placing a case into the rolling point .14 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the rotational actuator comprises a turn-handle for manually rotating the cam disc .

15. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rotational actuator comprises gearing between an actuator, such as a turnhandle or an electric motor, to facilitate rotating the cam disc.

16. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rotational actuator comprises an electromechanical actuator, such as an electrical motor.

17. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein which comprises a displacement gauge configured to provide an indication of the limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle .

18. A method of roll-sizing an ammunition case, said method comprising the steps of: providing an adjustable roll sizer apparatus comprising: a main body defining a cradle and an adjustment channel to the cradle, a shim receptacle defined at a confluence of the cradle and channel; a circular cam disc rotatably mounted within the cradle and defining a camming circumference; an idler roller rotatably mounted within the cradle proximate the shim receptacle; an urging assembly arranged within the adjustment channel and comprising: i. a mounting plate fast with the main body; ii. a roller block slidably arranged in the adjustment channel and mounted to the mounting plate, said roller block having a pinch roller; and iii. an adjustment mechanism mounting the roller block to the mounting plate, the adjustment mechanism comprising an urger configured to urge the pinchroller into the cradle and an adj ustor configured to set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle ; and a rotational actuator configured to rotate the cam disc, wherein the cam disc, idler roller and pinch roller complementarily form a rolling point between them and over the shim receptacle in which a shim is receivable to determine a length of a case that is roll-si zable within the rolling point ; placing a case within the rolling point , and actuating the rotational actuator to roll-si ze the case within the rolling point .19 . The method of claim 18 , which comprises a step of placing a shim of a desired thickness into the shim receptacle to determine a length of a case within the rolling point .20 . The method of either of claims 18 or 19 , which comprises a step of adj usting an adj ustable shim mechanism within the shim receptacle which is configured selectively to adj ust a height of the shim receptable to determine a length of a case that is roll- si zable within the rolling point .21 . The method of any of claims 18 to 20 , wherein the cam disc comprises a scallop in the camming circumference to facilitate placing and removing a case into the rolling point during rotation of the cam disc, the method comprising a step of rotating the cam disc until the scallop is at the rolling point to facilitate placing the case within the rolling point .22 . The method of any of claims 18 to 21 , which comprises a step of adj usting the adj ustment mechanism of the urging assemblyto set a limit of maximum displacement of the pinch roller from the cradle according to a desired calibre of the case.

23. The method of any of claims 18 to 22, which comprises a step of sliding the roller block along the adjustment channel against the urger to facilitate placing a case into the rolling point .

24. A method of roll-sizing an ammunition case, the method comprising use of the adjustable roll sizer apparatus for ammunition cases in accordance with any of claims 1 to 17.

25. A method for reloading ammunition cartridge cases, said method comprising the steps of: roll-sizing a case using an adjustable roll sizer apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 17; reloading said roll-sized case with a propellant and seating a bullet therein; and crimping said case to secure the propellant and bullet.

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