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Case Studies / Bullet extraction and seating force testing

Bullet extraction and seating force testing

Solution

Software-controlled force testing system.
Calibre-specific fixture designed for secure cartridge holding.
Standard wedge grip and compression fixtures for dual-mode testing.

Benefits

Programmable test methods to accommodate varying ammunition specifications.
High repeatability with interchangeable fixtures, ensuring consistent results.

The Presto Stantest force testing system has been assisting ammunition manufacturers to conduct accurate and repeatable tests for the force of bullets being extracted and seated for various calibers. The highly repeatable force to pull a projectile out or seat it is measured using software-controlled testing, caliber-specific fixtures, and precision wedge grips. Programmable test methods enable manufacturers to test various ammunition specifications without varying the test speed or losing repeatability of test conditions. The interchangeable fixture setup allows for fast fixture changes to meet the demands for different cartridge designs and production. During the assembly and quality control process, real-time force measurement and automated data capture enable manufacturers to monitor the strength of the bullet pull, the consistency of the crimp, and the seating of bullets during the assembly process, leading to improved ballistic consistency, assembly quality, and reliability of ammunition.

Requirement

When ammunition is being produced, a projectile will go into the cartridge and then be held in place by crimping or sealing. Although the cartridge neck gives the required tension, the crimp or sealant is very important in holding the bullet. It defines the minimum force required for extraction and helps prevent issues such as bullet movement or setback during handling and firing.

The force necessary to part the projectile with the casing is defined as bullet pull strength and is an important parameter to determine the ammunition consistency and ballistic performance. This value may be different among cartridges of the same batch depending, on the caliber, design, or manufacturing tolerances, or among cartridges of the same design.

In predictable ballistic behavior, consistency of the pull force is absolutely necessary. Variations in retention force around the bullet circumference can lead to inconsistent projectile release, ultimately affecting trajectory and impact accuracy. For this reason, precise and repeatable testing is critical in ammunition quality control processes.

Solution

Presto Stantest provides advanced force testing systems designed to evaluate both bullet extraction and seating forces with high precision. The test system is aimed at proper measurement of the force needed to break the tension in the neck and the resistance to crimp in projectile removal.

The cartridge case is placed in a special lower holder that is designed as per the caliber so that it fits and stays in a stable position. The projectile is gripped using a wedge grip connected to a calibrated load cell. Testing is performed at a controlled speed to maintain repeatability, while the system records the peak force required to extract the bullet.

The same system can be configured for seating force measurement by integrating a compression fixture. This enables controlled application of force on the projectile until it re-enters the casing, providing valuable data on seating characteristics and assembly quality.