Self-destructing bullet

Abstract

A self-destructing bullet for use with a firearm is disclosed. The self-destructing bullet comprises a body portion having a leading end, a spaced base portion, and a hollow chamber defined within the body intermediate the leading end and base portions thereof. The body of the bullet is formed of a low temperature melting point metallic material. A catalyst, comprised of a high temperature combustible material, is positioned within the hollow chamber of the bullet. A combustible fuse extends from the base portion of the bullet into engagement with the catalyst. In usage, when fired the gun powder charge of the firearm will ignite the fuse of the self-destructing bullet. After the bullet has traveled for predetermined period of time the fuse ignites the catalyst, and once ignited, the catalyst in turn combusts and melts or consumes the metallic material which comprises the body of the bullet to accomplish the self-destruction of the bullet.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A self-destructing projectile for being discharged from a firearm, said projectile comprising: 
 A body portion, said body portion having a leading end, an opposed base portion, and a hollow chamber defined within said body intermediate the leading end and the base portion thereof, said body being comprised of a metallic material;    a catalyst positioned within said chamber, said catalyst being comprised of a combustible material; and    a fuse extending from the base portion of the body and into engagement with said catalyst.    
     
     
         2 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said base portion is formed to be at least partially open, and wherein said fuse is positioned within said base portion.  
     
     
         3 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said fuse is constructed and arranged to be ignited upon the discharge of the projectile from the firearm.  
     
     
         4 . The projectile of  claim 3 , wherein said fuse is constructed and arranged to burn for a predetermined period of time.  
     
     
         5 . The projectile of  claim 3 , wherein said fuse is constructed and arranged to ignite the catalyst.  
     
     
         6 . The projectile of  claim 5 , wherein said catalyst is constructed and arranged to melt the projectile body upon the ignition thereof by said fuse.  
     
     
         7 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst is constructed and arranged to melt the projectile body once the catalyst is ignited.  
     
     
         8 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said fuse is comprised of a second combustible material.  
     
     
         9 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said body portion is comprised of a low temperature melting point metallic material.  
     
     
         10 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst is comprised of a high temperature combustible material.  
     
     
         11 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst comprises a solid material.  
     
     
         12 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst comprises a powdered material.  
     
     
         13 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst comprises a gel.  
     
     
         14 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         15 . A method of self-destructing a projectile discharged from a firearm, said method comprising the steps of: 
 discharging a projectile body from the firearm;    igniting a fuse provided as a part of the projectile body in response to the discharge of the projectile;    the fuse igniting a catalyst carried within the projectile body; and    the ignited catalyst melting the projectile body.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , the fuse burning for a predetermined period of time after being ignited.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of the projectile traveling for a predetermined distance prior to the ignition of the catalyst by the fuse.  
     
     
         18 . A self-destructing projectile for being discharged from a firearm, comprising: 
 A body having a leading end, an opposed base portion, and a hollow chamber defined within said body intermediate the leading end and base portion thereof, said body being comprised of a low temperature melting point metallic material;    a catalyst positioned within said chamber, said catalyst being comprised of a high temperature combustible material;    said base portion being received within a projectile casing;    said casing having a primer and a charge held therein; and    a combustible fuse extending from the base portion of the body and into engagement with the catalyst, said fuse also being exposed to the charge held within said casing.    
     
     
         19 . The projectile of  claim 18 , wherein said charge is ignited by the primer upon the actuation of the firearm.  
     
     
         20 . The projectile of  claim 19 , wherein said fuse is ignited by the charge and burns for a predetermined period of time.  
     
     
         21 . The projectile of claim  20 , wherein said fuse ignites the catalyst, and the catalyst in turn melts the body of the projectile.