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Why no aluminum case rifle ammo?
- Thread starter Murfpcola
- Start date
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My guess is the high pressure that comes out of rifle rounds and/or the bottlenecked shape are not well suited for aluminum.
It does, but brass still "flows" inside the chamber with all the pressure coming from within.
I'm no expert, and I honestly don't know the true answer. I was just offering my guess.
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GAU-8 Cannon used on the A-10 and other air platforms use AL cases all day long!!!
https://www.orbitalatk.com/defense-systems/armament-systems/30mm/docs/gau-8a_fact_sheet.pdf
GAU-8/A Cannon
30mm, 7-barrel Gatling
3900 rounds/minute
Normal burst: 100-2500 rounds
Ammo capacity: 1350 rounds
Loaded weight: 4000 lb
Length: Over 21 ft
Linkless feed system
108104_01
Approved for Public Release November 2002
#IS 02-S-2725
Ammunition Technical Data
PGU-13 HEI PGU-14 API PGU-15 TP
Length (max): 290mm 290mm 290mm
Cartridge weight: 681g 694g 681g
Muzzle velocity (nominal): 1020 m/s 1013 m/s 1021 m/s
Projectile weight: 378g 395g 378g
Dispersion (typical): 0.6mr x 0.6mr 0.6mr x 0.6mr 0.6mr x 0.6mr
Fuze: M505
Cartridge case: Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
https://www.orbitalatk.com/defense-systems/armament-systems/30mm/docs/gau-8a_fact_sheet.pdf
GAU-8/A Cannon
30mm, 7-barrel Gatling
3900 rounds/minute
Normal burst: 100-2500 rounds
Ammo capacity: 1350 rounds
Loaded weight: 4000 lb
Length: Over 21 ft
Linkless feed system
108104_01
Approved for Public Release November 2002
#IS 02-S-2725
Ammunition Technical Data
PGU-13 HEI PGU-14 API PGU-15 TP
Length (max): 290mm 290mm 290mm
Cartridge weight: 681g 694g 681g
Muzzle velocity (nominal): 1020 m/s 1013 m/s 1021 m/s
Projectile weight: 378g 395g 378g
Dispersion (typical): 0.6mr x 0.6mr 0.6mr x 0.6mr 0.6mr x 0.6mr
Fuze: M505
Cartridge case: Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Murfpcola
Master
You know a lot more about that stuff than I do. I do not even reload. I was not trying to bash your answer. I figure if it could be used it would make for some cheap ammo that is not as hard on guns as steel case.
Little Jack
Master
Pressure, heat reaction, ductility, cost etc.
The GAU use an aluminum casing but that was done for weight issues, not cost. I've heard the alloy (important which is used and for what) they use in the GAU is pretty exotic. I couldn't find anything on GAU pressures on a quick Google search.
It could be done but it's likely not worth it.
Chamber pressure for the 30mmx173mm is 50kpsi, according to orbital.
Also, if you really want to nerd out on the aluminum 30mm case. Search "30x173 aluminum alloy case" in Google and look for the dtic.Mil results (eighth one down on my results). PDF file 881759
One more PDF on dtic covers results from a study looking at aluminum for rifle cartridges. Short version, it can be done but it costs more.
The GAU use an aluminum casing but that was done for weight issues, not cost. I've heard the alloy (important which is used and for what) they use in the GAU is pretty exotic. I couldn't find anything on GAU pressures on a quick Google search.
It could be done but it's likely not worth it.
Chamber pressure for the 30mmx173mm is 50kpsi, according to orbital.
Also, if you really want to nerd out on the aluminum 30mm case. Search "30x173 aluminum alloy case" in Google and look for the dtic.Mil results (eighth one down on my results). PDF file 881759
One more PDF on dtic covers results from a study looking at aluminum for rifle cartridges. Short version, it can be done but it costs more.
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wildrider666
Master
http://ammo.com/casing-type/aluminum
Excerp: Melting Point
This won't be an issue for most people, but it is an interesting fact. When used in automatic weapons that are specifically manufactured for steel and brass, aluminum casings could melt or otherwise become unstable. Odds are you aren't hunting moose with an M-60 or MAC-10, so this is more or less a "non-issue" for most target shooters or for those training to use a new firearm.
As the Link states alum case are used by the A10 and Abrams tank but those cases are large/thicker then common rifle cartridge cases and less prone to melt down.
Excerp: Melting Point
This won't be an issue for most people, but it is an interesting fact. When used in automatic weapons that are specifically manufactured for steel and brass, aluminum casings could melt or otherwise become unstable. Odds are you aren't hunting moose with an M-60 or MAC-10, so this is more or less a "non-issue" for most target shooters or for those training to use a new firearm.
As the Link states alum case are used by the A10 and Abrams tank but those cases are large/thicker then common rifle cartridge cases and less prone to melt down.
wildrider666
Master
*5.56 mm*Aluminum*& .50*Caliber*Steel*Case*Development5.56 mm*Aluminum*& .50*Caliber*Steel*Case*Development ...*Caliber*Cartridge*Case*. ... A Critical Assessment of the*Aluminum*Cartridge*Case*Failure Mechanism.
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011/smallarms/WednesdayAmmo12759Mil...
This Link reviews 5.56 alum and 50BMG steel case development. Burn through was a issue as was a 25 hour multi step heat treatment for the 5.56. I just browsed over it. Its a PDF File
http://ammo.com/casing-type/aluminum
Excerp: Melting Point
This won't be an issue for most people, but it is an interesting fact. When used in automatic weapons that are specifically manufactured for steel and brass, aluminum casings could melt or otherwise become unstable. Odds are you aren't hunting moose with an M-60 or MAC-10, so this is more or less a "non-issue" for most target shooters or for those training to use a new firearm.
As the Link states alum case are used by the A10 and Abrams tank but those cases are large/thicker then common rifle cartridge cases and less prone to melt down.
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011/smallarms/WednesdayAmmo12759Mil...
This Link reviews 5.56 alum and 50BMG steel case development. Burn through was a issue as was a 25 hour multi step heat treatment for the 5.56. I just browsed over it. Its a PDF File
http://ammo.com/casing-type/aluminum
Excerp: Melting Point
This won't be an issue for most people, but it is an interesting fact. When used in automatic weapons that are specifically manufactured for steel and brass, aluminum casings could melt or otherwise become unstable. Odds are you aren't hunting moose with an M-60 or MAC-10, so this is more or less a "non-issue" for most target shooters or for those training to use a new firearm.
As the Link states alum case are used by the A10 and Abrams tank but those cases are large/thicker then common rifle cartridge cases and less prone to melt down.
Last edited:
