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.

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.

Test equipment

• Software-controlled pull testing system
• High-capacity load cell (e.g., up to 5000 N as required)
• Customised lower fixture with interchangeable inserts for multiple calibres
• Lever-operated wedge grip and compression attachment