Low toxicity primer compositions for reduced energy ammunition

Abstract

A primer composition with reduced toxicity suited for reduced-energy ammunition comprises bismuth (III) oxide as the principal oxidizer and contains a portion of propellant composition mixed therein. This composition may also be used in a cartridge which is otherwise substantially free of any other propellant compound and preferably produces a residue which is substantially free of toxic substances.

1 . A primer composition for use in reduced-energy ammunition primer cup comprising:
 a) a percussion initiated, shock-sensitive primary explosive,   b) a combustible fuel,   c) an oxidizer   
       characterized by the use of bismuth(III) oxide as the oxidizer and the presence of a further propellant composition mixed with the balance of the primer composition to form the final primer mixture. 
     
     
         2 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a) a secondary explosive   b) an explosive sensitizer, and   c) a frictionator   
       wherein the fuel is metallic. 
     
     
         3 . The primer composition of  claim 2 , wherein the primary explosive is present in an amount of from about 20 to about 25% by weight; the secondary explosive is present in an amount of from 6.5 to about 10% by weight; the propellant is present in an amount of from about 10 to 20% by weight; the oxidizer is present in an amount of from about 25 to 40% by weight; the metallic fuel is present in an amount of from about 5 to 15% by weight; the sensitizer is present in an amount of from about 2.5 to 5% by weight; and the frictionator is present in an amount of from about 9 to 11% by weight, such percentages being based on the total weight of the primary explosive, the secondary explosive, the propellant, the oxidizer, the metallic fuel, the sensitizer and the frictionator. 
     
     
         4 . The primer composition of  claim 3 , wherein the primary explosive is present in an amount of from about 21.5 to about 23.5% by weight; the secondary explosive is present in an amount of from 6.5 to about 8% by weight; the propellant is present in an amount of from about 13 to 19% by weight; the oxidizer is present in an amount of from about 30 to 35% by weight; the metallic fuel is present in an amount of from about 6 to 10% by weight; the sensitizer is present in an amount of from about 2.5 to 3.5% by weight; and the frictionator is present in an amount of from about 9.5 to 10.5% by weight. 
     
     
         5 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , wherein the propellant is present in an amount of from about 15% to 18.5% by weight based on the total weight of the active ingredients. 
     
     
         6 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , wherein the propellant is a double-based propellant. 
     
     
         7 . The primer composition of  claim 6 , wherein the propellant is selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, black powder and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , wherein the primary explosive is diazodinitrophenol. 
     
     
         9 . The primer composition of  claim 2 , wherein the secondary explosive is pentaerythritol tetranitrate. 
     
     
         10 . The primer composition  claim 1 , wherein the fuel is aluminum. 
     
     
         11 . The primer composition of  claim 2 , wherein the sensitizer is tetrazene. 
     
     
         12 . The primer composition of  claim 2 , wherein the frictionator is bismuth powder or titanium powder. 
     
     
         13 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an effective amount of a binder for maintaining integrity of the primer composition during handling. 
     
     
         14 . The primer composition of  claim 13  wherein the binder is a polymerized vinyl compound. 
     
     
         15 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , in combination with a cartridge having a casing with an interior cavity and a projectile. 
     
     
         16 . The primer composition of  claim 15  wherein an interior cavity of the casing is substantially free of propellant. 
     
     
         17 . The primer composition of  claim 15 , wherein the projectile comprises a water-based marking compound. 
     
     
         18 . The primer composition of  claim 1 , wherein such composition, when fired, provides a residue which is free of toxic substances. 
     
     
         19 . The primer composition of  claim 18  wherein such composition, when fired, provides a residue which is free of mercury, lead, barium, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, selenium, tin, and thallium.