One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition having a metal injection molded primer insert.

A ram with a multi-axis, multi-directional “self-centering shell holder” having predetermined spacing with respect to its engagement with the shell holder so that the shell holder supporting the cartridge case has the ability to deviate from the ram centerline in any direction to re-align with a centerline of the die bore is provided. The present invention also provides a retaining clip with push down tab allowing for quick insertion and removal of the self-aligning shell holder from the ram top.

The present invention includes a powder compaction device comprising a loading platform positioned above a lower platform; a compaction rod aperture positioned in the loading platform; a vertical tube positioned in communication with the compaction rod aperture; a compaction rod positioned in the compaction rod aperture and extending through the compaction rod aperture, wherein the compaction rod comprises one or more reliefs having a powder volume; a drive motor in communication with the vertical tube and connected to the compaction rod to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture; a first funnel-shaped device positioned below the loading platform, wherein the first funnel-shaped device comprises a first funnel aperture, wherein the first funnel aperture aligns with the compaction rod aperture to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture; an adaptor platform secured to the lower platform and aligned with the compaction rod aperture; an ammunition cartridge fixture slidably secured in the adaptor platform, wherein the ammunition cartridge fixture comprises a funnel-shaped opening, an interior cartridge shaped void, and a funnel aperture connecting the funnel-shaped opening to the interior cartridge shaped void, wherein the funnel aperture is aligned with the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture to accommodate the compaction movement of the compaction rod; an ammunition cartridge positioned in the ammunition cartridge fixture; a powder reservoir positioned in communication with the first funnel-shaped device to transport powder to the first funnel-shaped device; a compaction controller in communication with the drive motor and one or more sensors to control the direction of the motor to control the direction of movement of the compaction rod and the force applied to the compaction rod to control the compaction of the powder; and a powder metering controller in communication with the gate and one or more second sensors to control the amount of powder delivered and he powder is despised.

The present invention includes a powder compaction device comprising a loading platform positioned above a lower platform; a compaction rod aperture positioned in the loading platform; a vertical tube positioned in communication with the compaction rod aperture; a compaction rod positioned in the compaction rod aperture and extending through the compaction rod aperture, wherein the compaction rod comprises one or more reliefs having a powder volume; a drive motor in communication with the vertical tube and connected to the compaction rod to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture; a first funnel-shaped device positioned below the loading platform, wherein the first funnel-shaped device comprises a first funnel aperture, wherein the first funnel aperture aligns with the compaction rod aperture to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture; an adaptor platform secured to the lower platform and aligned with the compaction rod aperture; an ammunition cartridge fixture slidably secured in the adaptor platform, wherein the ammunition cartridge fixture comprises a funnel-shaped opening, an interior cartridge shaped void, and a funnel aperture connecting the funnel-shaped opening to the interior cartridge shaped void, wherein the funnel aperture is aligned with the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture to accommodate the compaction movement of the compaction rod; an ammunition cartridge positioned in the ammunition cartridge fixture; a powder reservoir positioned in communication with the first funnel-shaped device to transport powder to the first funnel-shaped device; a compaction controller in communication with the drive motor and one or more sensors to control the direction of the motor to control the direction of movement of the compaction rod and the force applied to the compaction rod to control the compaction of the powder; and a powder metering controller in communication with the gate and one or more second sensors to control the amount of powder delivered and he powder is despised.

A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation.

A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale sensor, a dispensing head, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispensing head is movable to a plurality of dispensing positions to dispense ammunition powder to a plurality of cases from the plurality of dispensing positions. In some embodiments, the dispensing head moves between a home position, where the dispensing head receives powder from the conveyor, and the plurality of dispensing positions, where the dispensing head delivers loads of powder from the conveyor to individual ammunition cases.

The present invention provides a method of making a subsonic ammunition having a polymeric casing body having a generally cylindrical hollow polymer body having a body base at a first end thereof and a mouth at a second end to define a propellant chamber; a propellant insert positioned in the propellant chamber to reduce the internal volume of the propellant chamber, wherein the propellant chamber has an internal volume that is at least 10% less than the open internal volume of a standard casing of equivalent caliber; and a primer insert positioned in the body base and in communication with the propellant chamber.

The present invention provides a method of making a subsonic ammunition having a polymeric casing body having a generally cylindrical hollow polymer body having a body base at a first end thereof and a mouth at a second end to define a propellant chamber; a propellant insert positioned in the propellant chamber to reduce the internal volume of the propellant chamber, wherein the propellant chamber has an internal volume that is at least 10% less than the open internal volume of a standard casing of equivalent caliber; and a primer insert positioned in the body base and in communication with the propellant chamber.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition having a metal injection molded primer insert.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition having a metal injection molded primer insert.