A non-centerfire mechanical firing device designed to operate with a non-centerfire cartridge, wherein a conventional centerfire or rimfire cartridge is not able to be fired from the non-centerfire firing device.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an ammunition cartridge includes a cartridge casing having a longitudinal center axis, a powder pocket positioned adjacent to the cartridge casing, a piston bore positioned adjacent to the powder pocket, a piston in the piston bore, and a payload bay positioned adjacent to the payload bay, wherein the piston is not coupled to the cartridge, wherein the piston is in contact with the payload bay wherein a diameter of the powder pocket is less than an inside diameter of the cartridge casing to provide a reduced velocity to the payload.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an ammunition cartridge includes a cartridge casing having a longitudinal center axis, a powder pocket positioned adjacent to the cartridge casing, a piston bore positioned adjacent to the powder pocket, a piston in the piston bore, and a payload bay positioned adjacent to the payload bay, wherein the piston is not coupled to the cartridge, wherein the piston is in contact with the payload bay wherein a diameter of the powder pocket is less than an inside diameter of the cartridge casing to provide a reduced velocity to the payload.

Herein we describe shotgun shells each having a degradable wad comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such wad degrades quickly after landing in an aquatic environment. Plastic, aquatic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a degradable wad into shotgun shells provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable shotgun wads and methods are described herein.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an ammunition cartridge includes a cartridge casing having a longitudinal center axis, a primer pocket positioned adjacent to the cartridge casing, a powder pocket positioned adjacent to the primer pocket, a powder/propellant in the powder pocket, a piston bore positioned adjacent to the powder pocket, a piston in the piston bore, and a payload bay positioned adjacent to the payload bay, wherein the piston is not coupled to the cartridge, wherein the piston is in direct contact with the payload bay so that pressure from powder/propellant is immediately and directly applied to the payload bay having a payload, wherein a diameter of the powder pocket is less than an inside diameter of the cartridge casing to provide a reduced velocity to the payload.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an ammunition cartridge includes a cartridge casing having a longitudinal center axis, a primer pocket positioned adjacent to the cartridge casing, a powder pocket positioned adjacent to the primer pocket, a powder/propellant in the powder pocket, a piston bore positioned adjacent to the powder pocket, a piston in the piston bore, and a payload bay positioned adjacent to the payload bay, wherein the piston is not coupled to the cartridge, wherein the piston is in direct contact with the payload bay so that pressure from powder/propellant is immediately and directly applied to the payload bay having a payload, wherein a diameter of the powder pocket is less than an inside diameter of the cartridge casing to provide a reduced velocity to the payload.

A high velocity ignition system for ammunition including an casing, a primer, a payload, a first propellant region, a flash tube, a second propellant and at least one channel. The casing has a base portion and a forward portion. The primer is provided in the base portion. The payload is provided proximate the forward portion. The first propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the primer and the payload. The flash tube substantially extends between the primer and the first propellant region. The second propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the first propellant region and the base portion. The at least one channel extends between the first propellant region and the second propellant region. A separator with a forward extending cup and a rearward extending cup has a cylindrical portion that engages the inside surface of the casing, spans the internal distance in the casing, and defines flash pathways between the primer and main propellant and between the main propellant and the secondary propellant.

A drone defense ammunition, such as rifle ammunition (e.g., with a caliber of up to 20 mm) or shotgun ammunition (e.g., up to caliber 4), may include projectiles. The ammunition may release the projectiles loosely as a result of an activation occurring with a time delay to firing of the drone defense ammunition.