3D Printed Projectiles

[Dean Weingarten]

Taofledermaus has done some experimentation with 3D printing of 12 gauge projectiles. They have had mixed results, but it is clear that there is promise in this approach. Combining the base wad with the projectile, while incorporting a hole in the nose for an embeded penetrator is one obvious possibility.

Making the projectile solid, with a hollowed base, could also strengthen the projectile and improve performance.

The slow motion video of the firing is fascinating to watch.

Link to Video

Dean Weingarten

http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2013/05/taofledermaus-has-done-some.html

 

[481]

That's an interesting video. I'd assumed that 3D printing would print a solid projectile instead of a honeycomb type structure- perhaps it is a cost-saving aspect of the program? (I have no idea how expensive the printing media is)

I suspect that a fully rifled barrel would solve most of the stability problems. Any plans to run the design through such a barrel?

 

[longdayjake]

So why would 3d printable shotgun stuff be any better than a bunch of rocks?

 

[Sentryau2]

Id be more interested in seeing 3d printed bullet jackets!?! Tho i dont reload i think it would be interested and cheaper?? Plastic is still cheaper then copper Maybe it would make for good training rounds?

 

[NickEllis]

So why would 3d printable shotgun stuff be any better than a bunch of rocks?

Hard to pick up ballistically repeatable rocks Plus, there is potential to actually develop expandable slugs, etc. using 3D tech.

 

[WardenWolf]

The problem is the bullet casing. You can't do a casing out of plastic, at least not at handgun or rifle pressures. Shotguns can get away with it. Muzzleloading shotguns and muskets are probably the best bet for 3d printing a gun, just to keep pressures down. Doing that, you could theoretically eliminate all metal parts, actually, as all you'd need is a percussion cap to set it off. Of course, there is the absolute illegality of making a gun that won't trip a metal detector, but there are roundabout ways of eliminating all metal as long as you're willing to use some old technology.

 

[-v-]

I'll offer a better question: A bullet mold can be bought for what, $20? And melting lead to pour and cast bullets is also fairly inexpensive. So for about $50 of setup cost you could make high quality cast bullets. So the question I have regarding printed projectiles: Why? I mean, I respect the idea of doing for the sake of doing, but I see little to no actual practical application of this.

 

[we are not amused]

I think you people are missing the point.

Lighten up and have some fun!

 

[barnbwt]

Why? I mean, I respect the idea of doing for the sake of doing, but I see little to no actual practical application of this.

Because bullet moulds are hard for most folks to make. 3D printing has always been more about creativity than convenience. If you have no intention of changing things around, it will always, by definition, be cheaper to buy mass-produced from an organization devoted to building it cheaper than you can make yourself.

Where did this notion that 3D printing is for the lazy come from? It's much more labor intensive than it's given credit for. You just don't get black grease and metal shavings in your hair in the process. As for applications; can you imagine cheap frangible defense rounds? A 40gr bullet is a 40gr bullet if they both shatter on impact; making the plastic one longer to compensate for density is unimportant at self-defense distances. And we already have nylon jackets on bullets, and polymer casings on shotshells; only a matter of time until the lead core and case head are the only metallic components.

TCB

 

[Deus Machina]

The problem is the bullet casing. You can't do a casing out of plastic, at least not at handgun or rifle pressures.

Oh, but you can. It's been attempted, and I see some blue .308 casings now and then, but I think they're just lightweight practice rounds and it's just not economical to do full-pressure ones yet.

As for the honeycomb thing, it's a cost (I'm not sure just how expensive the media is, any more), effort (solid pieces from a hot machine may warp) and time-saving measure.

 

[silicosys4]

Buying a $2000+ printer and keeping it fed with both plastic and software is NOT more practical than buying a bullet mold and feeding it with lead.
I commend the ingenuity of it, but the practicality of it is nil.

Think about it. If a man is required to fend for himself, it is a lot easier to go back to hand drawn brass and simple chemistry, handcasting,
than it is to produce complex printers and chemically produce the plastics to feed it....and the software to run it....especially for something as consumable as ammo.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

Those people who think that a computer screen will replace a book is just crazy.

A. Caveman, circa 1993.

 

[swalton1943]

You all miss the point entire!! Watching the gov'ment and the antis run in circles and try to figure out what they can do about it is fun!!

 

[Sam Cade]

Oh, but you can.

Yup.

http://polycaseammunition.com/

Several years ago (2007 maybe) I went through a couple thousand plastic cased (but brass rimmed) 5.56. It was meh.

..then it all disappeared.

I suppose it will return someday.

 

[481]

You all miss the point entire!! Watching the gov'ment and the antis run in circles and try to figure out what they can do about it is fun!!

I agree. Watching the Lefties get all exacerbated and hyperventilated over the technology is a hoot.

Now that's entertainment!

 

[Dean Weingarten]

Not only that, but some are induced to actually think about the subject. When that happens, many change their views.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Several years ago (2007 maybe) I went through a couple thousand plastic cased (but brass rimmed) 5.56. It was meh.

I was given two rounds of that stuff by my LGS as a conversational piece.

 

[7.62 Nato]

Why didn't they use a rifled barrel, or make rifled slugs ?