Polymer Ammunition Casing Having a Thermite Primer

Abstract

A casing for ammunition cartridges is made either partially or completely from polymer, and is used in connection with thermite primers. The use of a thermite primer permits simplified manufacturing methods for the casing. The use of a thermite propellant permits the use of a thicker casing wall while still allowing adequate space for a sufficient amount of propellant to achieve the desired results.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A casing for ammunition, the casing being made from polymer, the casing having a front end, a back end, and a hollow interior, the casing comprising a thermite primer secured at the back end of the casing. 
     
     
         2 . The casing according to  claim 1 , wherein the casing is molded into a retention structure, whereby the primer is secured to the casing. 
     
     
         3 . The casing according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 the primer is generally planar, having a front surface defining a front surface area upon which thermite has been deposited, a rear surface defining a rear surface area, and an edge extending between the front surface and the rear surface, the front surface area being larger than the rear surface area, the edge having a stepped or angled configuration between the front surface and the rear surface; and   the back end of the casing defines a rear retention ledge engaging the stepped or angled edge of the primer and a forward retention ledge engaging the front surface of the primer.   
     
     
         4 . The casing according to  claim 2 , wherein the primer includes a retention ring, the retention ring securing the primer to the casing. 
     
     
         5 . A cartridge, comprising:
 a casing, the casing being made from polymer, the casing having a front end, a back end, and a hollow interior;   a thermite primer secured at the back end of the casing; and   a thermite propellant within the casing.   
     
     
         6 . The cartridge according to  claim 5 , wherein the casing is molded into a retention structure, whereby the primer is secured to the casing. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge according to  claim 6 , wherein:
 the primer is generally planar, having a front surface defining a front surface area upon which thermite has been deposited, a rear surface defining a rear surface area, and an edge extending between the front surface and the rear surface, the front surface area being larger than the rear surface area, the edge having a stepped or angled configuration between the front surface and the rear surface; and   the back end of the casing defines a rear retention ledge engaging the stepped or angled edge of the primer and a forward retention ledge engaging the front surface of the primer.   
     
     
         8 . The cartridge according to  claim 6 , wherein the primer includes a retention ring, the retention ring securing the primer to the casing.