Priming Mixtures for Small Arms

Abstract

A primer for small arms ammunition including a primary explosive and an oxidizer system containing bismuth oxide is provided. A method of forming the primer and a small arms ammunition cartridge also is provided. The oxidizer system can be non-hygroscopic and non-toxic. The primer can include reducing agents or fuels, sensitizers, binders and gas producing agents.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method of making a priming mixture for small arms ammunition comprising:
 combining on a dry weight percent the following components:   about 20% to about 70% by weight of a primary explosive;   about 10% to about 70% by weight of an oxidizer system comprising bismuth oxide;   about 0% to about 25% by weight of a gas producing agent;   about 0% to about 20% by weight of a sensitizer; and,   about 0% to about 20% by weight of a reducing agent.   
     
     
         24 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 42 , further comprising pelletizing the aqueous priming mixture. 
     
     
         25 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 24 , further comprising charging a percussion cup with the pelletized priming mixture to form a charged percussion cup. 
     
     
         26 . A method of making a priming mixture for small arms ammunition comprising combining the following components:
 a primary explosive; and,   a non-hygroscopic, non-corrosive oxidizer system comprising bismuth oxide.   
     
     
         27 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 43 , further comprising pelletizing the aqueous priming mixture. 
     
     
         28 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 27 , further comprising charging a percussion cup with the pelletized priming mixture to farm a charged percussion cup. 
     
     
         29 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 43 , further comprising combining and mixing a sensitizer with the aqueous priming mixture. 
     
     
         30 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 43 , further comprising combining and mixing a reducing agent with the aqueous priming mixture. 
     
     
         31 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 43 , further comprising combining and mixing a gas producing agent with the aqueous priming mixture. 
     
     
         32 .- 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 23 , further comprising forming an aqueous priming mixture by combining and mixing water with the recited components. 
     
     
         43 . The method of making the priming mixture of  claim 26 , further comprising forming an aqueous priming mixture by combining and mixing water with the recited components.