Polymer-based cartridge casing for blank and subsonic ammunition
A polymer-based cartridge for subsonic ammunition with a first end having a projectile disposed in a mouth, a shoulder forming a bottleneck cartridge; and at least a polymer wall between the first end and a second end opposite the first. An insert is joined to the second end, having an extraction rim and groove, a primer pocket communicating with a flash hole, and the flash hole communicating with a propellant chamber. A sleeve section has a metal or a metal alloy, extending from the insert toward the first end, and at least partially covered by the wall. The sleeve section and the wall form the propellant chamber having a thickness at least 1.25 times greater than a standard thickness of a wall of a standard cartridge. The propellant chamber between the mouth and the insert is unobstructed, and comprises a powder load having a load density greater than 40%.
1. A high strength polymer-based cartridge for subsonic ammunition comprising:
a first end having a mouth;
a projectile disposed in the mouth;
a shoulder, disposed below the mouth, forming a bottleneck cartridge;
a wall, molded from a polymer, between the first end and a second end opposite the first end;
an insert joined to the second end, comprising:
an extraction rim and a groove both disposed at one end of the insert; and
a primer pocket in fluid communication with a flash hole, the flash hole in fluid communication with a propellant chamber; and
a sleeve section, comprising a metal or a metal alloy, extending from the insert toward the first end, at least partially covered by the wall,
wherein the sleeve section and the wall form the propellant chamber;
wherein the sleeve section and the wall comprises a thickness at least 1.25 times greater than a standard thickness of a wall of a standard cartridge,
wherein the propellant chamber between the mouth and the insert is unobstructed, and
wherein the propellant chamber comprises a powder load having a load density greater than 40%.
2. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the insert is made from a metal, an alloy of metals, or an alloy of a metal and a non-metal.
3. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve section ends below the shoulder.
4. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the insert and the sleeve section are integral and the insert consists of a metal or a metal alloy.
5. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve section further comprises:
a ridge formed on the sleeve section; and
a key formed on the ridge;
wherein both the ridge and the key engage the wall, and
wherein the key comprises at least one of a flat portion, a raised portion, or dimples.
6. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve section further comprises knurling.
7. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve section further comprises the neck and the mouth.
8. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the propellant chamber permits only enough propellant to propel the projectile engaged in the cartridge casing at subsonic speeds.