An expanding subsonic projectile has a body having an ogive of greater than about 8 calibers. The body at least partially defines a hollow bore and a hydrostatic ram disposed proximate a first end of the bore.

An expandable broadhead includes a number of fixed blades cumulating in a point, with each of the fixed blades having a channel for receiving a cammable deployable expansion blade, with the expansion blade having a slot which cooperates with a fixed retaining pin transverse to the channel that cams the deployable blade outwardly when a forward impact shoulder of the deployable blade strikes a target. This moves the blade relative to the fixed retaining pin and thus cams the deployable blade out to an expanded position for maximum blade cutting edge contact to effectuate maximum damage to the target and a quick kill.

An expandable broadhead includes a number of fixed blades cumulating in a point, with each of the fixed blades having a channel for receiving a cammable deployable expansion blade, with the expansion blade having a slot which cooperates with a fixed retaining pin transverse to the channel that cams the deployable blade outwardly when a forward impact shoulder of the deployable blade strikes a target. This moves the blade relative to the fixed retaining pin and thus cams the deployable blade out to an expanded position for maximum blade cutting edge contact to effectuate maximum damage to the target and a quick kill.

Firearm cartridges, firearm projectiles, and/or projectile components formed at least in part from a disclosed ballistic zinc alloy. These ballistic zinc alloys overcome shortcomings of other lead substitutes for firearm projectiles, including Zamak alloys and other conventional zinc alloys. In some embodiments, and as compared to a firearm projectile formed from a conventional zinc alloy, a ballistic zinc alloy firearm projectile has at least one of an increased ductility, an increased frangibility, and/or a decreased tendency to smear or gall within a rifled firearm barrel. In some embodiments, the ballistic zinc alloy is a zinc-aluminum alloy that includes additional alloy components that collectively enhance the properties of the ballistic zinc alloy for use in firearm projectiles.

Firearm cartridges, firearm projectiles, and/or projectile components formed at least in part from a disclosed ballistic zinc alloy. These ballistic zinc alloys overcome shortcomings of other lead substitutes for firearm projectiles, including Zamak alloys and other conventional zinc alloys. In some embodiments, and as compared to a firearm projectile formed from a conventional zinc alloy, a ballistic zinc alloy firearm projectile has at least one of an increased ductility, an increased frangibility, and/or a decreased tendency to smear or gall within a rifled firearm barrel. In some embodiments, the ballistic zinc alloy is a zinc-aluminum alloy that includes additional alloy components that collectively enhance the properties of the ballistic zinc alloy for use in firearm projectiles.

A rimless cartridge comprising a case and a bullet mounted therein. In embodiments, the bullet comprises a jacket having a cylindrical body portion, an ogive portion, and a plurality of longitudinally extending paths of weakness formed in the ogive portion and defining petals there between and extending rearward from the mouth. The bullet includes a malleable core mounted within the jacket. The bullet further comprises a circumferential groove between forward and rearward circumferential indentations imparted in the body portion of the jacket.

A penetrating bullet, for use in an ammunition cartridge, has a jacket defining an internal volume and forming a closed base end opposite a nose end. A penetrator shaft is enclosed within the jacket and extends from the internal surface of the closed base end toward the nose end. Substantially filling the remainder of the internal volume is a core. The core is formed of two distinct regions, with a first stable region formed proximate the closed base end and extending to an intermediate location about the penetrator shaft. Forward from the stable region is a thermal region. The thermal region extends from the intermediate location to the nose end. The thermal region will ignite upon impact with a target to soften or otherwise weaken the target, allowing the penetrator shaft to more effectively penetrate deeper into the target medium.

A penetrating bullet, for use in an ammunition cartridge, has a jacket defining an internal volume and forming a closed base end opposite a nose end. A penetrator shaft is enclosed within the jacket and extends from the internal surface of the closed base end toward the nose end. Substantially filling the remainder of the internal volume is a core. The core is formed of two distinct regions, with a first stable region formed proximate the closed base end and extending to an intermediate location about the penetrator shaft. Forward from the stable region is a thermal region. The thermal region extends from the intermediate location to the nose end. The thermal region will ignite upon impact with a target to soften or otherwise weaken the target, allowing the penetrator shaft to more effectively penetrate deeper into the target medium.

A cartridge with a steel component bullet has desirable penetration capabilities and controlled separation of components upon terminal impact. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge comprises a steel component, a lead core, and a copper jacket. The lead jacket having a leading edge portion that extends to the cylindrical mid portion. The steel component bullet may have a forward pointed ogive portion, a cylindrical mid portion, and a tapered rearward portion. The rearwardly facing surface may be concave. The leading edge portion may have a taper oriented in a direction opposite the taper of the ogive portion of the steel component. Structure to inhibit spin is positioned on a rearward face of the steel component. The bullet having a concave rear face.

A cartridge with a steel component bullet has desirable penetration capabilities and controlled separation of components upon terminal impact. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge comprises a steel component, a lead core, and a copper jacket. The lead jacket having a leading edge portion that extends to the cylindrical mid portion. The steel component bullet may have a forward pointed ogive portion, a cylindrical mid portion, and a tapered rearward portion. The rearwardly facing surface may be concave. The leading edge portion may have a taper oriented in a direction opposite the taper of the ogive portion of the steel component. Structure to inhibit spin is positioned on a rearward face of the steel component. The bullet having a concave rear face.