Cartridge for m16/ar15 rifles

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention sets forth a cartridge design that includes a bullet having a larger diameter than the 0.224 inch bullet currently included in the 223 Remington or 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and a case that has substantially the same base diameter as the case currently included in the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. The overall length of the disclosed cartridge is substantially similar to the overall length as the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge.

1 . A rifle cartridge, comprising:
 a bullet with a diameter greater than 6.5 mm; and   a case with a base diameter substantially similar to a base diameter of the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge,   wherein:
 a length of the rifle cartridge is substantially similar to a length the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge 
 the cartridge is compatible with a standard bolt of an M16 or AR15 rifle. 
   
   
   
       2 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the bullet diameter is greater than or equal to 6.8 mm and less than or equal to 7.62 mm. 
   
   
       3 . The cartridge of  claim 2 , wherein the base diameter is identical to the base diameter of the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. 
   
   
       4 . The cartridge of  claim 2 , wherein the length of the cartridge is identical to the length of the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. 
   
   
       5 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the bullet has a hollow point. 
   
   
       6 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the bullet is made from lead and jacketed with a copper alloy and the case is made from brass. 
   
   
       7 . A method of retrofitting an assault rifle that accepts 0.223 Remington or 5.56 mm NATO cartridges, comprising:
 removing a barrel of the assault rifle; and   attaching a barrel configured to accept the cartridge of  claim 1 .   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method consists essentially of:
 removing a barrel of the assault rifle; and   attaching a barrel configured to accept the cartridge of  claim 1 .   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 loading cartridges of  claim 1  into an existing magazine of the assault rifle; and   firing the assault rifle using an existing bolt of the assault rifle.   
   
   
       10 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising a high performance gun powder operable to compensate for the larger bullet.