Coated ammunition and methods of making

Abstract

Ammunition, consisting generally of a casing, propellant, projectile and primer, is entirely coated with a coating that renders the ammunition resistant to infiltration by moisture or deleterious matter, such as sand or salt, that have the effect of fouling the propellant or otherwise causing the ammunition to misfire or not fire properly. Methods of making ammunition in accordance with the invention are described.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . Ammunition having characteristics of being waterproof and resistant to environmental damage, comprising:
 a unit of ammunition comprised of a casing, a projectile attached to the casing and partially extending beyond a distal end of the casing, a primer attached to a proximal end of the casing, and a propellant contained within the casing; and   polyurethane forming a protective film that entirely coats an outer surface of the unit of ammunition and sealing any crevices or openings to block infiltration of moisture and deleterious environment elements into the unit of ammunition,   wherein the protective film on the outer surface of the unit of ammunition has a thickness in a range of about 0.01 mm to about 0.045 mm.   
     
     
         28 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film comprises less than about 0.09% by weight of the ammunition. 
     
     
         29 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film has an adherent force in a range of 800 psi to 4000 psi. 
     
     
         30 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film is heat stable to at least 300° F. 
     
     
         31 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film is configured to provide the ammunition with a matte finish. 
     
     
         32 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film is configured to render the ammunition low-observable. 
     
     
         33 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film contains a colorant to provide the ammunition with colored finish. 
     
     
         34 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film contains a fluorescing agent to enable the ammunition to fluoresce in the presence of UV light. 
     
     
         35 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the casing or projectile has a surface that was pre-treated by mechanical or acid etching prior to application of the protective film so as to provide increased adhesion of protective film to the unit of ammunition. 
     
     
         36 . The ammunition of  claim 27 , wherein the protective film mitigates buildup in a barrel or bore of a gun and reduces fouling by at least 50% compared to the unit of ammunition in the absence of the protective film. 
     
     
         37 . Ammunition having characteristics of being waterproof and resistant to environmental damage, comprising:
 a unit of ammunition comprised of a casing, a projectile attached to the casing and partially extending beyond a distal end of the casing, a primer attached to a proximal end of the casing, and a propellant contained within the casing; and   polyurethane, polysiloxane polymer, or epoxy polysiloxane forming a solid protective film that entirely coats an outer surface of the unit of ammunition and sealing any crevices or openings to block infiltration of moisture and deleterious environment elements into the unit of ammunition,   wherein the protective film on the outer surface of the unit of ammunition has a thickness less than about 0.045, comprises less than about 0.09% by weight of the ammunition, has adhesion to the unit of ammunition in a range of 800 psi to 4000 psi, and a heat resistance in a range of 300° F. and 2000° F.   
     
     
         38 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film consists essentially of polyurethane. 
     
     
         39 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film consists essentially of polysiloxane polymer. 
     
     
         40 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film consists essentially of epoxy polysiloxane. 
     
     
         41 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film is configured to provide the ammunition with a matte finish. 
     
     
         42 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film is configured to render the ammunition low-observable. 
     
     
         43 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film contains a colorant to provide the ammunition with colored finish. 
     
     
         44 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film contains a fluorescing agent to enable the ammunition to fluoresce in the presence of UV light. 
     
     
         45 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film mitigates buildup in a barrel or bore of a gun and reduces fouling by at least 50% compared to the unit of ammunition in the absence of the protective film. 
     
     
         46 . Ammunition having characteristics of being waterproof and resistant to environmental damage, comprising:
 a unit of ammunition comprised of a casing, a projectile attached to the casing and partially extending beyond a distal end of the casing, a primer attached to a proximal end of the casing, and a propellant contained within the casing; and   a protective film composed of polyurethane entirely coating an outer surface of the unit of ammunition and sealing any crevices or openings to block infiltration of moisture and deleterious environment elements into the unit of ammunition,   wherein the protective film comprises less than about 0.09% by weight of the ammunition.   
     
     
         47 . The ammunition of  claim 44 , wherein the protective film on the outer surface of the unit of ammunition has a thickness is a range of about 0.01 mm to about 0.045, 
     
     
         48 . The ammunition of  claim 37 , wherein the protective film mitigates buildup in a barrel or bore of a gun and reduces fouling by at least 50% compared to the unit of ammunition in the absence of the protective film.