An ammunition press for manufacturing or reloading ammunition cartridges. The ammunition press includes an adjustable shell holder for holding ammunition shells (sometimes called cases) of various sizes. A catch tray is provided for collecting spent primers or other debris. According to a user's preference, the ammunition press can be customized to provide an over-center actuated configuration or a non-over-center actuated configuration. A light is integrated with the press for illuminating the shell holder. Components of the press and associated methods are also disclosed.

The present invention provides an ammunition cartridge having a primer insert having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a extraction flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the substantially cylindrical coupling element is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, wherein the primer recess comprises a recess bottom and a circular recess side wall; a primer flash aperture through the recess bottom that extends through the bottom surface, wherein the primer flash aperture is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding to form a flash hole; and one or more pads positioned on the recess bottom; a groove in the primer recess positioned around the primer flash aperture to extend at least partially over the recess bottom and adapted to receive a polymer overmolding.

The present invention provides an ammunition cartridge having a primer insert having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a extraction flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the substantially cylindrical coupling element is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, wherein the primer recess comprises a recess bottom and a circular recess side wall; a primer flash aperture through the recess bottom that extends through the bottom surface, wherein the primer flash aperture is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding to form a flash hole; and a groove in the primer recess positioned around the primer flash aperture adapted to receive a polymer overmolding, wherein the groove extends at least partially over the bottom surface and the circular recess side wall and the groove is adapted to receive polymer through the primer flash aperture and over the bottom surface and the circular recess side wall.

A fully automated, integrated, end-to-end synchronized and compact manufacturing system produces polymer or metal case ammunition. Manufacturing stations support case assembly, sealing (gluing/welding), final product inspection, cartridge packaging or binning, and loading. Station modularity facilitates rapid changeover to accommodate ammunition of differing calibers. Sensors and apparatus may be provided to place a manufacturing cell in a wait state until all components or materials are received in a preferred orientation for proper assembly. The system may join and use multipart cases, each including a lower portion with a head end attached thereto and at least one upper portion having a necked-down transition to the open top end. Elevator feeders, vibratory bowl feeders, and robotic pick-and-place feeders may be used to deliver components for assembly.

A fully automated, integrated, end-to-end synchronized and compact manufacturing system produces polymer or metal case ammunition. Manufacturing stations support case assembly, sealing (gluing/welding), final product inspection, cartridge packaging or binning, and loading. Station modularity facilitates rapid changeover to accommodate ammunition of differing calibers. Sensors and apparatus may be provided to place a manufacturing cell in a wait state until all components or materials are received in a preferred orientation for proper assembly. The system may join and use multipart cases, each including a lower portion with a head end attached thereto and at least one upper portion having a necked-down transition to the open top end. Elevator feeders, vibratory bowl feeders, and robotic pick-and-place feeders may be used to deliver components for assembly.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of making a polymeric ammunition cartridge having wicking texturing about the projectile aperture.

A primer feed system, includes a feed bowl having a first end and a second end, an oscillation mechanism coupled to the feed bowl for imparting an oscillating movement to the feed bowl, and a feed ramp coupled to the second end of the feed bowl for supplying primers from the feed bowl to a cartridge reloading device, and at least one primer position sensor positioned adjacent the feed ramp, wherein the primer position sensor senses orientation of primers in the feed ramp.

A primer feed system, includes a feed bowl having a first end and a second end, an oscillation mechanism coupled to the feed bowl for imparting an oscillating movement to the feed bowl, and a feed ramp coupled to the second end of the feed bowl for supplying primers from the feed bowl to a cartridge reloading device, and at least one primer position sensor positioned adjacent the feed ramp, wherein the primer position sensor senses orientation of primers in the feed ramp.

The herein described Table Top Priming Machine for Small Caliber Ammunition provides a simple, safe, and more precise means to produce reliable ammunition than other priming machines in the prior art. The Table Top Priming Machine uses a unique rotary disk assembly to hold cases as the machine installs primers into the cases. Gravity assists with securing cases in the disk assembly and promotes ejection of the finished cases. The compact construction of the machine makes the machine accessible for individuals or manufactures with limited space to create consistent ammunition at high speeds with limited space. Furthermore, the machine's design allows for any end user to assemble and maintain the machine with general hand tools, which obviates the need for specialized maintenance from the manufacturer.

The herein described Table Top Priming Machine for Small Caliber Ammunition provides a simple, safe, and more precise means to produce reliable ammunition than other priming machines in the prior art. The Table Top Priming Machine uses a unique rotary disk assembly to hold cases as the machine installs primers into the cases. Gravity assists with securing cases in the disk assembly and promotes ejection of the finished cases. The compact construction of the machine makes the machine accessible for individuals or manufactures with limited space to create consistent ammunition at high speeds with limited space. Furthermore, the machine's design allows for any end user to assemble and maintain the machine with general hand tools, which obviates the need for specialized maintenance from the manufacturer.