Lead-free Primer Strategy May 2018 Joel Sandstrom Senior ... · Small Caliber Percussion Primer •...
Transcript of Lead-free Primer Strategy May 2018 Joel Sandstrom Senior ... · Small Caliber Percussion Primer •...
Lead-free Primer Strategy May 2018
Joel SandstromSenior ChemistFederal Cartridge Company
Small Caliber Percussion Primer• 200 Year Evolution
• Primer Ignition – heat transfer into the propellant bed
- Flame DDNP + pyrotechnic system
- Fuel chlorates, phosphorus
- Slag fulminates, azides, lead styphnate
• Federal Gold Medal Primer- Low overpressure- No PETN
- Primary heat transfer via high heat capacity metal
Catalyst Primer Technology Primer Components and Manufacturing Consistent with Federal Gold Medal Primer Standards
The Catalyst primer employs nitro-thermite technology producing high sustained heat. The bismuth/aluminum thermite reaction creates excellent heat transfer into the propellant bed
Conventional Primer Cup
Catalyst Pyrotechnic
NITROCELLULOSE ALUMINUM BISMUTH OXIDE
Conventional Boxer Anvil
U.S. Mil No.41 Primer
CatalystNo.41 Primer
Case mouth
Primed 5.56mm caseSame No.41 cup / anvil Catalyst No.41 primer charge weight is 37% lower than U.S. Mil No.41 primer
Catalyst Thermal Output
U.S. MilNo. 41
CompositeNo. 41
5.56mm Primed Brass
Ignition ProgressionIgnition Progression
Catalyst primer exhaust is free of Lead, Barium, and Antimony
Non-Toxic Exhaust Products
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
CO2 H2O N2 CO H2 CH4 H2S COS C Al2O3 BaS Bi Pb PbS Sb
WG
T %
Reaction Products at 298oK, Fraunhofer Thermodynamic ICT Code
Barium Lead Antimony Aluminum
Bismuth
Condensed Phase Exhaust Products: Catalyst vs Lead
Ballistics ExampleGM308M, 168 gr Gold Medal Match test date 4/23/2018
Primer Velocity / Std Dev Pressure / Std Dev
GM210M 2631 / 5 56,595 / 777
GM210NX 2620 / 7 59,524 / 763
notes:
NX pellet charge weight was higher than GM210M pellet charge for this sampleNX primed brass sample was not load adjusted