Expandable projectile

Abstract

A multi-part firearms projectile includes a core extending along a central axis and having a distal end portion with a tip. A deformable component has a proximal end portion extending circumferentially around part of the core and a plurality of fingers extending distally along the distal end portion in a spaced-apart configuration. The fingers of the deformable component are configured to bend rearward upon impact with a target. The core can include a base portion that defines the caliber of the projectile, or the projectile can include a separate base component. A method of making the multi-part projectile is also disclosed.

Description

EXPANDABLE PROJECTILETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to firearms ammunition and more particularly to an expandable projectile for firearms ammunition.BACKGROUND

[0002] Firearms, such as handguns and rifles, are used for military operations, law enforcement, hunting, shooting sports, and self-defense. Ammunition for modern-day arms has four main components that include the cartridge casing, a primer retained in the head of the cartridge casing, a propellant in the body of the cartridge casing, and a projectile retained in the mouth of the cartridge casing. The hammer, firing pin, or striker of the firearm impacts the primer, causing it to explode and in turn ignite the propellant in a rapid combustion that generates thousands of pounds of pressure to propel the projectile through the barrel.

[0003] The projectile, or bullet, is fired from the gun’s barrel in response to ignition of the propellant, which suddenly generates a high pressure that drives the projectile through the barrel towards the target. During firing, the outer surface of the projectile seals against the rifling or other inside surface of the barrel to prevent gas leakage around the projectile and to ensure proper engagement with the rifling, which imparts spin on the projectile. Like the design of firearms, the design and manufacture of firearm ammunition has many non-trivial challenges.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an expandable projectile for firearms ammunition. The projectile includes a projectile core and a deformable component with fingers that extend axially along a distal end portion of the core, where the fingers are configured to bend rearward upon impact with a target. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of making an expandable projectile.

[0005] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the languageused in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the projectile of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the projectile of FIG. 1

[0009] FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view showing a 2-piece projectile with the core separated from the deformable component, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4B illustrates a rear perspective view of the core and deformable component of FIG. 4.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart with steps for making a deformable projectile, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate components of a 2-piece projectile at various phases of manufacturing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a completed projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a side view, a front perspective view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a projectile configured for a rifle cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile with fingers of the deformable component in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of a core of a rifle projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view of a deformable component for a rifle projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a completed rifle projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a completed rifle projectile with jacketing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a 3 -piece projectile in a partially completed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of the projectile of FIG. 16.

[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a deformable component preform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a 3 -piece projectile with the base separated from the core and the deformable component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the base, core, and deformable component of FIG.19.

[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a completed pistol cartridge including a deformable projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a completed rifle cartridge with a deformable projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a projectile with the deformable component in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Disclosed is a multi -part firearms projectile including a core extending along a central axis and having a distal end portion with a tip. A deformable component has a proximal end portion extending circumferentially around part of the core and a plurality of fingers extending distally along the distal end portion in a spaced-apart configuration. The fingers of the deformable component are configured to bend rearward upon impact with a target. The core can include a base portion that defines the caliber of the projectile, or the projectile can include a separate base component. A method of making the multi-part projectile is also disclosed.OVERVIEW

[0030] Existing hollow-point bullets are made to expand upon impact with a target. These projectiles are typically made of a core of lead, copper, or jacketed lead. The ogival portion of the projectile is cut axially to define several petals. For example, the ogival portion has sixsegments. The tip of the projectile defines a recess or hollow that extends axially into the ogival portion, hence the name “hollow point.” Upon impact with a target, and owing in part to the hollow in the tip between the petals, the petals or segments collapse and spread into a mushroom shape that has an overall diameter that is greater than the original outside diameter of the projectile. In addition to making a larger path through a target, one result of the larger size after impact is that the projectile is less prone to travel through the target and well beyond the target. This is a desirable effect that can reduce inadvertent harm or destruction to objects or people behind the intended target. Thus, instead of passing through and exiting the target with significant velocity, a hollow point projectile may stop inside the target or exit with greatly reduced velocity, depending on whether the target is a body, a wall, or other object. For this reason, traditional hollow point ammunition is selected for use by police, for defensive ammunition, and for hunting, for example.

[0031] Unlike existing hollow point ammunition, an expandable projectile of the present disclosure utilizes a separate deformable component over a projectile core. For example, the deformable component has several relatively thin fingers that extend forward from an annular or cup-like proximal end and form part of the ogival portion of the projectile. Upon impact, the fingers of the deformable component fold to extend radially outward. An expandable projectile according to the present disclosure can be made as a 2-piece or 3-piece projectile. Optionally, the projectile can be jacketed. The projectile can be configured for use in pistol cartridges, rifle cartridges, shot shells, and for other uses. In some embodiments, the projectile can include an armor-piercing core, thus combining functions of both an armor piercing projectile and a projectile that expands upon impact.

[0032] While referred to herein as a projectile for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the projectiles disclosed herein not limited to that specific terminology and alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a bullet or other terms. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a projectile configured as described herein may be varied, for example, depending on whether the intended use is military, tactical, or civilian in nature. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a front perspective, rear perspective, and side views, respectively of a projectile 100 in a finished state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the projectile 100 is configured for use in a pistol cartridge, suchas a 9mm Luger or some other pistol cartridge. The projectile 100 includes a base 112 and a tapered portion 102. The tapered portion 102 can have or follow an ogival geometry, a conical taper, or other suitable geometry. Features of the projectile 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 can be applied to rifle projectiles as well.

[0034] The projectile 100 includes a core 110 that extends along a central axis 101 and includes a base 112 that is solid at a proximal end. Moving distally, the core tapers to a tip 114. The base 112 has the largest diameter that defines the caliber of the projectile and is sized to engage the rifling or other interior surface of the firearm barrel. In this example, the base 112 is cylindrical except for a taper 118 at the proximal end 110a. In other embodiments, the taper 118 can have a greater axial length, so as to define a boat tail, for example.

[0035] A deformable component 130 includes an annular body 132 at its proximal end and a plurality of fingers 134 that extend forward from the annular body 132 and over the tip 114 of the core 110. The fingers 134 each extend to a distal end 134a that converge at a meplat 138. In this example, the tip 114 of the core 110 is recessed axially with respect to the meplat 138, thereby defining a hollow space 116 between distal ends 134a of the fingers 134.

[0036] In this example, the annular body 132 is partially received in a recess 120 (shown more clearly in FIG. 4A) defined by the base 112. The fingers 134 are spaced circumferentially by a gap 136 that extends axially from the annular body 132 to the distal end 134a of each finger 134. In this example, the fingers 134 remain spaced apart along their entire length; however, in other embodiments, the fingers 134 may touch one another and may even merge at or near the distal end 134a. In this example, the circumferential width W2 of the gap 136 is commensurate in size with the circumferential width W1 of the finger 134, at least along a portion of the length of the gap 136, such as along at least 30%, along at least 40%, or along at least 50% of the axial distance of the gap 136. For example, width W2 is equal to width Wl, within ±10% of Wl, within ±20% of Wl, or within ±50% of Wl. Part of the core 110 is received in the gap 136 between adjacent fingers 134 and occupies the gap 136 along all or part of the gap 136. The outer surface of the core 110 can be flush with that of the fingers 134, can be recessed with respect to the fingers 134, or can protrude outward with respect to the fingers 134.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, front and rear perspective views show the core 110 separated from the deformable component 130, in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 4A, the recess 120 can be seen, which is sized and configured to receive at least part of the annular body 132 of the deformable component 130. Note that the distal end portion 110b of the core 110 includes protruding portions 122 circumferentially interspersed with recessedportions 123, where each of the protruding portions 122 extends at least part way distally from the base 112 to the tip 114. In this example, the protruding portions 122 taper and terminate at the tip 114. As noted above, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the protruding portions 122 occupy gaps 136 between the fingers 134 of the deformable component 130 at least along part of the axial length of the gaps 136.

[0038] Fingers 134 of the deformable component 130 can have a radial thickness T that is in a range from 50%-100% of the circumferential width Wl. The radial thickness T and width W 1 can be selected by taking into account the desired deformation on impact, the material properties of the deformable component 130, the muzzle velocity of the projectile 100, and the intended use of the projectile 100, for example.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart with steps for making an expanding projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate components of a 2-piece projectile at various phases of manufacturing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Method 200 begins by providing 205 a preform of the deformable component. In one embodiment, the deformable component preform is made from a sheet of stainless steel having a thickness from 0.030” to 0.060”, such as about 0.045” to 0.050” thick. One suitable material is deep-draw quality 400-series stainless steel. Stainless steel is a preferred material because it resists corrosion in the finished projectile. In general, the material of the deformable component can be selected to have a ductility so that the fingers bend rearward on impact without breaking. The deformable component preform can be cut or blanked from sheet material so as to have a central region 135 with fingers 134 extending radially outward from the central region, such as shown at far left in FIG. 6A. The central region can be circular or polygonal, for example, with a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The fingers 134 can have a greater width adjacent the central region 135 and taper to a distal end having a width about equal to the thickness. For example, each finger has a width of 1.5-3x the thickness of the material where the finger meets the central region. The diameter of the central region and length of the fingers can be chosen based to provide the finished projectile of the desired diameter and axial length. The deformable component, also referred to as a petal skeleton, can have three or more fingers, including four, five, six, seven, eight, or more fingers.

[0041] Method 200 continues with providing 210 a core. The core can be made of copper, lead, copper-coated lead, high-antimony lead, or other suitable material. The material of the core can be selected as a non-deforming material, with preference given towards a core ofhigher density in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the material of the core is selected to be hard and dense so as to be suitable as an armor-piercing projectile.

[0042] In one embodiment, the core has a cylindrical base that defines (or configured to define upon completion) the caliber of the projectile. A cylindrical stem of reduced diameter is connected to the base and extends axially away from the base, such as shown in the upper right of FIG. 6A. The stem can have a polygonal cross-sectional profile in some embodiments. In one embodiment where the projectile is a 9mm projectile, the core has a base with a diameter of about 9mm and the stem has a diameter of about 7 mm.

[0043] In some embodiments, method 200 includes providing 212 a base that is separate from the core. For example, the base has an outer diameter that defines the caliber of the projectile, and the base defines a recess configured to receive the deformable component and core. In some embodiments, the recess has a curved profile, such as following part of a sphere or being hemispherical. In other embodiments, the recess is cylindrical or has some other geometry. The base can define a central opening that communicates with the recess and that extends axially from the recess part way into or completely through the proximal end of the base.

[0044] Method 200 continues with preparing 215 the deformable component preform for assembly with the core. In one embodiment, preparing the preform includes making a through-hole 139 in the central region 135 and folding the fingers 134 to extend generally perpendicularly away from the central region 135, such as shown in the upper middle of FIG.6A. In doing so, the deformable component is modified to have an annular body or cup-like body with fingers extending axially. In some embodiments, the proximal end portion of the deformable component has a rounded proximal end portion with a central opening. In other embodiments, the proximal end portion of the deformable component has an annular or cylindrical body that is connected to the fingers. The through-hole 139 can be formed using a draw press, machining, or other suitable process. Preparing 215 the deformable component preform can be done, for example, using a die and press, where the plate material is reshaped to some extent to form the deformable component that is ready for assembly with the core. In some embodiments, the through-hole 139 is defined when defining the general shape of the central region and fingers.

[0045] Method 200 continues with assembling 220 the deformable component 130 with the core 110, such as shown at the right side of FIG. 6 A. In one embodiment where the core includes the base, the deformable component is pressed over the stem of the core until the annular body contacts the base of the core. In some such embodiments, the base defines arecess or shoulder shaped to receive or contact the annular body of the deformable component. In some embodiments, the core is placed within an open region defined by the fingers and proximal end of the deformable component.

[0046] Method 200 continues in some embodiments by deforming 225 the core so that the core 110 to extends into gaps between adjacent fingers 130, such as shown in FIG. 6B. Deforming 225 the core can be performed with a punch moving in an axial direction into the tip of the core.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as for 3-piece projectiles having a separate base, method 200 continues by assembling the base with the deformable component and core. For example, the proximal end portion of the deformable component is placed in a recess of the base and the components are swaged together. One such embodiment is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 16-20.

[0048] Method 200 continues by shaping 230 the projectile with an ogive die or other suitable die. In doing so, for example, the fingers are pressed into the core and / or the distal ends of the fingers are brought together to define a meplat with the fingers extending around the core, such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a finished projectile 100 after process 230, in accordance with an embodiment. As can be seen here, the projectile 100 defines a hollow space 116 extending axially into the distal end of the projectile, where the distal ends 134a of fingers 134 and part of the core 110 surround the hollow space 116.

[0049] In some embodiments, method 200 continues with jacketing 235 the projectile with copper or other gilding metal. An example of a jacketed projectile 100 is shown in FIG. 15 and discussed below.

[0050] Note that the steps in method 200 are shown in a particular order for ease of description. However, one or more of the processes may be performed in a different order or may not be performed at all (and thus be optional), in accordance with some embodiments. For example, the deformable component can be provided in a form that is ready for installation on the core, thereby obviating the need to prepare the deformable component for installation. Numerous variations on method 200 and the techniques described herein will be apparent in light of this disclosure

[0051] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a side view, a front perspective view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a projectile 100 configured for a rifle cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the projectile 100 has a core 110 with a base 112. The base 112 is elongated compared to the embodimentsdiscussed above and includes a taper 118 that is also elongated in a boat-tail configuration. The deformable component 130 is installed on the core 110 with the annular body 132 abutting or recessed into the base 112. Fingers 134 extend distally from the annular body 132 over the distal end portion 110b of the core 110 and define a meplat at the distal end or tip of the projectile 100.

[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile 100 as described above with reference to FIGS. 8-10, where the deformable component 130 in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates the geometry of the deformable component 130 after the projectile 100 has made impact with a soft target, such as a gelatin block; FIG. 11 is illustrative only and the actual geometry may differ significantly depending on the material at the point of impact, among other factors. In this example, fingers 134 of the deformable component 130 have folded back and now extend radially outward and away from the annular body 132, exposing the distal end portion 110b of the core 110. The fingers 134 exhibit a star or spoked configuration with significant angular spacing a of -70° between adjacent fingers 134. Due to the spacing and relatively narrow geometry of the fingers 134, the fingers 134 tend to provide more of a cutting effect compared to existing hollow point projectiles that expand into a mushroom shape.

[0053] The projectile of FIGS. 8-10 can be made according to method 200 discussed above. FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view showing a core of a projectile 100, such as provided in step 210 of method 200. In this example, the core 110 has an elongated geometry suitable for use in a rifle cartridge. The base 112 defines the caliber of the projectile and includes a boat-tail taper 118. The distal end portion 110b extends forward from the base 112 to a tip 114. The distal end portion 110b has a reduced diameter compared to the base 112 and has an ogival profile. Due to the difference in diameters, an annular shoulder 124 is defined at the interface between the base 112 and the distal end portion 110b of the core 110. The core 110 can be selected for use in any one of a variety of rifle cartridges, including but not limited to 5.56 x 45 mm, .300 BLK, 7.62 x 51 mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Norma Magnum, .338 Lapua, .50 BMG, and others.

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view showing a deformable component 130 for a rifle projectile 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the deformable component 130 is ready for installation onto the core 110, such as provided in step 205 and 215 of method 200. The deformable component 130 has an annular body 132 with fingers 134 extending forward from the annular body 134 to distal ends 134adefining a meplat, where adjacent fingers 134 are spaced apart by a gap 136 along at least part of the axial length of the fingers 134.

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates a front perspective view showing a completed projectile 100 for a rifle cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The deformable component 130 has been installed onto the core 110 with the annular body 132 abutting the annular shoulder 134 of the core 110, such as in step 220 of method 200. As can be seen here, the annular body 132 of the deformable component 130 is of smaller diameter than the body 112 so as to not engage the rifling of the barrel when fired. The fingers 134 extend forward from the annular body 132 and over the distal end portion 110b of the core 110 with the fingers 134 generally defining an ogival profile that terminates at the distal ends 134a.

[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates a projectile 100 after jacketing with copper, such as in step 235 of method 200. Note that the jacket 106 defines an opening at the meplat 138. Here, the jacket 106 is applied over the projectile shown in FIG. 14; in doing so, the jacket 106 partially or completely fills the gaps 106 between adjacent fingers 134.

[0057] Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17, a side view and a front perspective view, respectively, show a 3 -piece projectile 100' in a partially completed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the projectile 100' includes a core 110, a deformable component 130, and a base 150. Compared to embodiments discussed above, the core 110 is separate from the base 150 and a proximal end 131 of the deformable component 130 is between the core 110 and the base 150. For example, the base 150 has a cup-like geometry that is configured to receive the proximal end 131 of the deformable component 130, which extends over the proximal end of the core 110.

[0058] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view showing a deformable component preform 130', in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the preform 130' can be made from stainless steel sheet having a thickness from 0.030” to 0.060”, such as about 0.045” to 0.050” thick; other materials and thicknesses can be used including those noted above. The deformable component preform 130' can be cut or blanked from sheet material so as to have a central region 135 with fingers 134 extending radially outward from the central region 135. The central region 135 can be circular or polygonal, for example, with a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The central region 135 can define a central opening 139 in some embodiments, such as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 18. The fingers 134 can have a greater width adjacent the central region and taper to a distal end having a width about equal to the thickness. For example, each finger has a width of 1.5-3x the thickness of the material where the finger meets the central region. The diameter of the centralregion and length of the fingers can be chosen based to provide the finished projectile of the desired diameter and axial length. The deformable component, also referred to as a petal skeleton, can have three or more fingers, including four, five, six, seven, eight, or more fingers.

[0059] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a perspective view and a side view, respectively, showing a 3-piece projectile 100' with the base 150 separated from the core 110 and deformable component 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base 150 generally has a cylindrical geometry with an outer diameter OD that defines the caliber of the projectile 100'. The base 150 defines a recess 151 into its distal end 150a. In this example, the recess 151 has a rounded or curved shape that is consistent with that of the proximal end 131 of the deformable component 130. In some embodiments, the recess 151 is continuous with or communicates with a central opening 152, which can be a through-hole or blind hole. In other embodiments, the recess 151 is cylindrical, conical, or has some other profile configured to receive the deformable component 130.

[0060] The proximal end 131 of the deformable component 131 wraps around the proximal end 110a of the core 110 and has a rounded profile consistent with or the same as that of the recess 151 in the base 150. Arms 134 extend forward from the proximal end 131, which is similar to the annular body 132 of the deformable component 130 in embodiments discussed above. The proximal end 131 can define a central opening 139 in some embodiments.

[0061] The core is received within the arms 134 and proximal end 131 of the deformable component 130. In this example, the core 110 defines a cylindrical body 125 and a conical distal end portion 110b. The conical distal end portion 110 terminates at a planar tip 114.

[0062] The deformable component 130, core 110, and base 150 can be assembled together and shaped into a completed projectile using a die or other suitable method. For example, the material (e.g., lead) of the core 110 is swaged into the base 150 via the central opening 139 in the proximal end 131 of the deformable component 130, followed by swaging the assembled components to wrap the arms 134 around the core 110 and shape the projectile 100' to have its finished geometry (e.g., an ogival profile).

[0063] FIG. 21 illustrates a completed pistol cartridge 300 including a deformable projectile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 22 illustrates a completed rifle cartridge 310 with a deformable projectile 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 23 illustrates a projectile 100 or 100' with fingers 134 of the deformable component 130 in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FURTHER EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0066] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0067] Example 1 is a firearms projectile with a core extending along a central axis and having a distal end portion with a tip. The projectile also has a deformable component with a proximal end portion extending circumferentially around part of the core and fingers that extend distally of the proximal end portion along the distal end portion. The fingers of the deformable component are configured to bend rearward upon impact with a target.

[0068] Example 2 includes the projectile of Example 1, where the deformable component includes from 3 to 9 fingers, such as 5, 6, or 7 fingers.

[0069] Example 3 includes the projectile of any of Examples 1 or 2, where adjacent fingers are spaced circumferentially by a gap along at least a majority portion of an axial length of the plurality of fingers.

[0070] Example 4 includes the projectile of Example 3, where part of the core occupies the gap between adjacent fingers.

[0071] Example 5 includes the projectile of any of Examples 1-4, where the fingers converge to define a meplat at a distal end of the projectile.

[0072] Example 6 includes the projectile of Example 5, where the projectile defines an open space radially inside of the fingers and axially between the tip of the core and the distal end of the projectile.

[0073] Example 7 includes the projectile of any of Examples 1-6, where the core includes a base portion with an outer diameter defining a caliber of the projectile.

[0074] Example 8 includes the projectile of Example 7, where the core defines an annular shoulder extending radially outward from the distal end portion to a distal end of the base portion.

[0075] Example 9 includes the projectile of Example 8, where the proximal end portion of the deformable component abuts the annular shoulder.

[0076] Example 10 includes the projectile of Example 7, where the base portion defines a recess sized and configured to receive at least part of the proximal end portion of the deformable component.

[0077] Example 11 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples, where the proximal end portion of the deformable component includes an annular body extending along the central axis.

[0078] Example 12 includes the projectile of Example 11, where the proximal end portion further includes a domed proximal end on the annular body.

[0079] Example 13 includes the projectile of Example 12, where the domed proximal end defines a central opening.

[0080] Example 14 includes the projectile of any of Examples 1-6 and further includes a base defining a recess, wherein a proximal end portion of the deformable component is received in the recess.

[0081] Example 15 includes the projectile of Example 14, where the proximal end portion of the deformable component and the recess have a rounded profile.

[0082] Example 16 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples, where the deformable component is made of stainless steel.

[0083] Example 17 includes the projectile of Example 16, where each of the fingers has a thickness and a width, and where the thickness is from 50-100% of the width.

[0084] Example 18 includes the projectile of Example 17, where the thickness is from 0.030 to 0.060 inch.

[0085] Example 19 includes the projectile of Example 18, where the thickness is from 0.040 to 0.050 inch.

[0086] Example 20 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples and includes a jacket over the core and the deformable component.

[0087] Example 21 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples, where a distal end portion of the projectile has an ogival shape.

[0088] Example 23 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples, where the core comprises lead.

[0089] Example 24 includes the projectile of any of Examples 23, wherein the core comprises antimony.

[0090] Example 25 includes the projectile of any of the foregoing Examples, where the projectile is configured for pistol ammunition.

[0091] Example 26 includes the projectile of any of Examples 1-24, where the projectile is configured for rifle ammunition.

[0092] Example 27 is a pistol ammunition cartridge comprising the projectile of any one of Examples 1-24.

[0093] Example 28 is a rifle ammunition cartridge comprising the projectile of any one of Examples 1-24.

[0094] Example 29 is a method of making a firearms projectile, the method comprising providing a deformable component having a proximal end portion and a plurality of fingers extending distally of the proximal end portion; providing a projectile core with a distal end portion; assembling the deformable component with the core so that the proximal end portion of the deformable component wraps around part of the core and so that the plurality of fingers extend distally along the distal end portion of the core; and shaping the fingers to define an ogival geometry.

[0095] Example 30 includes the method of Example 29 and includes providing a deformable component preform having a central region and the plurality of fingers extending radially outward from the central region; defining a hole in the central region; and shaping the deformable component preform to define an annular body extending along a central axis and the plurality of fingers extending axially from the annular body in a spaced-apart configuration.

[0096] Example 31 includes the method of Example 29 or 30, where the projectile core includes a base portion having a first outer diameter; the distal end portion of the projectile core has an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and assembling the deformable component with the core includes installing the distal end portion of the projectile core through the proximal end portion of the deformable component.

[0097] Example 32 includes the method of Example 31 and further includes punching the distal end portion of the projectile core, thereby causing part of the projectile core to occupy gaps between adjacent fingers.

[0098] Example 33 includes the method of Example 29 or 30 and further includes providing a cylindrical base extending along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end, where the base defines a recess in the distal end; and assembling the base with the deformable component and the core.

[0099] Example 34 includes the method of any one of Examples 29-33 and further includes jacketing the projectile.

[0100] Example 35 includes the method of any one of Examples 29-33 and further includes assembling the projectile into a cartridge casing.

[0101] Example 36 includes the method of Example 35, where the cartridge casing is for a pistol ammunition cartridge.

[0102] Example 37 includes the method of Example 35, where the cartridge casing is for a rifle ammunition cartridge.

[0103] The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A firearms projectile comprising:a core extending along a central axis and having a distal end portion with a tip; and a deformable component having a proximal end portion extending circumferentially around part of the core and having a plurality of fingers extending distally of the proximal end portion along the distal end portion;wherein the fingers of the deformable component are configured to bend rearward upon impact with a target.

2. The firearms projectile of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers includes from 3 to 6 fingers.

3. The firearms projectile of claim 2, wherein adjacent fingers are spaced circumferentially by a gap that extends along at least a majority portion of an axial length of the plurality of fingers.

4. The firearms projectile of claim 3, wherein part of the core occupies the gap between adjacent fingers.

5. The firearms projectile of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers converge to define a meplat at a distal end of the projectile.

6. The firearms projectile of claim 5, wherein the projectile defines an open space radially inside of the fingers and axially between the tip of the core and the distal end of the projectile.

7. The firearms projectile of claim 1, wherein the core includes a base portion with an outer diameter defining a caliber of the projectile.

8. The firearms projectile of claim 7, wherein the core defines an annular shoulder extending radially outward from the distal end portion to a distal end of the base portion.

9. The firearms projectile of claim 8, wherein the proximal end portion of the deformable component abuts the annular shoulder.

10. The firearms projectile of claim 7, wherein the base portion defines a recess sized and configured to receive at least part of the proximal end portion of the deformable component.

11. The firearms projectile of claim 1, wherein the proximal end portion of the deformable component comprises an annular body extending along the central axis.

12. The firearms projectile of claim 11, wherein the proximal end portion further comprises a domed proximal end on the annular body.

13. The firearms projectile of claim 12, wherein the domed proximal end defines a central opening.

14. The firearms projectile of claim 1, further comprising a base defining a recess, wherein a proximal end portion of the deformable component is received in the recess.

15. The firearms projectile of claim 14, wherein the proximal end portion of the deformable component and the recess have a rounded profile.

16. The firearms projectile of claim 1, wherein the deformable component is made of stainless steel.

17. The firearms projectile of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of fingers has a thickness and a width, and wherein the thickness is from 50-100% of the width, and wherein the thickness is from 0.030 to 0.060 inch.

18. The firearms projectile of claim 1, further comprising a jacket over the core and the deformable component.

19. A pistol ammunition cartridge comprising the projectile of any one of claims 1-18.

20. A rifle ammunition cartridge comprising the projectile of any one of claims 1-18.

21. A method of making a firearms projectile, the method comprising:providing a deformable component having a proximal end portion and a plurality of fingers extending distally of the proximal end portion;providing a projectile core with a distal end portion;assembling the deformable component with the core so that the proximal end portion of the deformable component wraps around part of the core and so that the plurality of fingers extend distally along the distal end portion of the core; and shaping the fingers to define an ogival geometry.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:providing a deformable component preform having a central region and the plurality of fingers extending radially outward from the central region;defining a hole in the central region; andshaping the deformable component preform to define an annular body extending along a central axis and the plurality of fingers extending axially from the annular body in a spaced-apart configuration.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein:the projectile core includes a base portion having a first outer diameter;the distal end portion of the projectile core has an outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; andassembling the deformable component with the core includes installing the distal end portion of the projectile core through the proximal end portion of the deformable component.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:punching the distal end portion of the projectile core, thereby causing part of the projectile core to occupy gaps between adjacent fingers.

25. The method of 24, further comprising:providing a cylindrical base extending along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the base defines a recess in the distal end; and assembling the base with the deformable component and the core.

26. The method of claim 21 or 22, further comprising jacketing the projectile.

27. The method of claim 21 or 22, further comprising assembling the projectile into a cartridge casing.

Images