WO2017172712A2

WO2017172712A2 - Gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system

Info

Publication number: WO2017172712A2
Application number: PCT/US2017/024470
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Tiberius JAMES
Original assignee: Adler Capital Llc
Priority date: 2016-03-28
Filing date: 2017-03-28
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: US20190106364A1; WO2017172712A3

Abstract

A gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system has a case having an open forward mouth end, a rear end, and an interior, the rear end defining a pocket that receives a primer and a passage communicating between the pocket and the interior of the case, a quantity of propellant received within the interior of the case, a quantity of anti-fouling composition received within the interior of the case, and a bullet having a rear portion inserted into the open forward mouth end of the case. The anti-fouling composition may have at least one salt and at least one acid. The acid may be anhydrous. The salt may be sodium chloride or sodium nitrate. The acid may be anhydrous citric acid. The anti-fouling composition may have at least one abrasive. The abrasive may be stannic acid. The anti-fouling composition may be 50% salt by weight and 50% acid by weight.

Description

GAS PROPELLED MUNITIONS ANTI-FOULING SYSTEM

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number

62/314,093 filed on March 28, 2016, entitled "GAS PROPELLED MUNITIONS

CLEANING SYSTEM (GPMCS),"and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/334,619 filed on May 11, 2016, entitled "GAS PROPELLED MUNITIONS

ANTIFOULING SYSTEM (GPMAS)," which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

Field of the Invention

[002] The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to a chemical composition that reacts to produce anti-fouling agents upon discharge of a firearm.

Background of the Invention

[003] Modern firearms utilize a brass cartridge containing a primer, gunpowder, and a bullet. A firing pin struck by the firearm's hammer strikes the primer, which in turn ignites the gunpowder. The resulting gas pressure drives the bullet forward out of the firearm through the barrel. Every time the gun is fired, various types of fouling residues are deposited within the barrel, chamber, action, and magazine area. Carbon residue results from the combusted powder. Copper residue results from copper-jacketed bullets. Lead residue results from lead bullets. Shotguns also have plastic residue resulting from the plastic wads from shotshells. Severe fouling can result in numerous undesirable effects. These include misfeeding of rounds, decreased muzzle velocity, and decreased accuracy. Salts in the primer and/or gunpowder are also corrosive, which can cause considerable damage to a firearm if they are not periodically removed.

[004] The traditional approach to avoiding the negative effects of fouling is to at least clean the barrel of a firearm as often as after every shooting session by removing residue using various chemicals and cleaning patches. However, this is a time-consuming process that is especially lengthy for semi-automatic and automatic firearms with a bolt carrier group, which requires thorough disassembly of the firearm to reach and remove all the fouling. [005] To address the time-consuming nature of traditional firearm cleaning techniques, various cleaning systems have been developed that attempt to clean the firearm through normal use, although with associated disadvantages. These include:

• a modified bullet that cleans only the barrel, and does not clean other portions of the firearm, such as the breach and magazine feeding area.

• a special round with the sole function of cleaning that cannot perform as a normal bullet, which requires the user to stop shooting and load the special round as a separate step to perform firearm cleaning.

• a round that functions via a complex series of mechanical events, or by a combination of mechanical and chemical actions, such as by having a complex arrangement of pistons to actuate scrubbing components that may release chemicals as the bullet moves through the barrel. Such a round may have many small machined components, making it expensive to manufacture and requiring specialized manufacturing processes that make it unable to be offered for sale at an affordable price.

• a round having liquid cleaners, such as detergents, loaded into the round. A segregation barrier is required between the cleaners and the powder because a liquid cleaner would degrade the gunpowder and interfere with proper operation of the round.

[006] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling

system that provides anti-fouling agents while permitting normal operation of the firearm. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system that provides anti- fouling agents while permitting normal operation of the firearm.

Summary of the Invention

[007] The present invention provides an improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[008] To attain this, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a case having an open forward mouth end, a rear end, and an interior, the rear end defining a pocket that receives a primer and a passage communicating between the pocket and the interior of the case, a quantity of propellant received within the interior of the case, a quantity of anti- fouling composition received within the interior of the case, and a bullet having a rear portion inserted into the open forward mouth end of the case. The anti-fouling composition may have at least one salt and at least one acid. The acid may be anhydrous. The salt may be sodium chloride or sodium nitrate. The acid may be anhydrous citric acid. The anti- fouling composition may have at least one abrasive. The abrasive may be stannic acid. The anti-fouling composition may be 50% salt by weight and 50% acid by weight. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

[009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of the current embodiment of a gas propelled munitions anti- fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with an anti-fouling composition incorporated into a cartridge as an additive agent.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of the gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a cartridge as a mixed agent.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a cartridge as a segregated agent.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of the gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a cartridge as a packetized agent.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a blank round as an added agent. [0015] Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a cartridge as a spherically encased agent.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a side sectional enlarged view of the anti-fouling composition of Fig. 6 as a

spherically encased agent.

[0017] Fig. 8 is an isometric enlarged view of the anti-fouling composition as a cylindrically

encased agent with open ends.

[0018] Fig. 9 is an isometric enlarged view of the anti-fouling composition as a cylindrically

encased agent with closed ends.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a side sectional view of a sixth alternative embodiment of the gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a shotshell as a segregated agent.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of a seventh alternative embodiment of the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the anti-fouling composition incorporated into a squib round as a segregated agent.

[0021] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the squib round of Fig. 11 incorporated into a counter

measures round.

[0022] Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a counter measures dispenser suitable for use with the

counter measures round of Fig. 12.

[0023] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

Description of the Current Embodiment

[0024] An embodiment of the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 10 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a cartridge having a cylindrical case 12 with an open forward mouth end 14, a partially enclosed rear end 16, and an interior 18. The rear end defines a primer pocket 20 that has a forward-facing passageway 22 to communicate with the interior. The primer pocket receives a primer 24. A quantity of propellant 26 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the forward-facing passageway. A quantity of anti-fouling composition 28 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the propellant as a distinct, abutting layer. A projectile/bullet 30 has a rear portion 32 inserted into the mouth of the case, and a nose portion 34 protruding beyond the mouth of the case. In the current embodiment, the cartridge is a centerfire cartridge, but can also be a rimfire cartridge. The case can be a metal such as brass, a plastic, or any other suitable material. The propellant can be gunpowder or any other suitable material.

[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 100 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a cartridge that differs from the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 by premixing the anti-fouling composition with the propellant prior to adding the resulting mixture 128 to the interior 18 of the case 12. Otherwise, the components of the system 100 are identical to the system 10. The ammunition

manufacturing process requires no changes from what is done with a conventional cartridge. The mixture is substituted for the standard propellant powder.

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 200 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a cartridge that differs from the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 by segregating the anti-fouling composition 28 from the propellant 26 within the interior 18 of the case 12 by placing a barrier 228 between them. Otherwise, the components of the system 200 are identical to the system 10. In the current embodiment, the barrier can be plastic or any other suitable material that prevents the anti- fouling composition and propellant from interacting with one another and potentially altering properties during storage.

[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 300 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a cartridge that differs from the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 by segregating the anti-fouling composition 28 from the propellant 26 within the interior 18 of the case 12 by placing the anti-fouling composition in a packet wrapper 328 prior to adding the anti-fouling composition to the interior 18 of the case 12. Otherwise, the components of the system 300 are identical to the system 10. In the current embodiment, the packet wrapper can be plastic or any other suitable material that prevents the anti-fouling composition and propellant from interacting with one another and potentially altering properties during storage. [0029] Fig. 5 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 400 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a blank round that differs from the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 by not inserting a bullet into the interior 18 of the case 12 and instead crimping the mouth 14 of the case closed once the anti-fouling composition 28 and propellant 26 have been added to the interior of the case. Otherwise, the components of the system 400 are identical to the system 10. In alternative embodiments, a barrier or a packet can be used to separate the anti-fouling composition and propellant from one another.

[0030] Figs. 6-9 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 500 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a cartridge that differs from the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 by encasing the anti-fouling composition 28 with the propellant 26 to form pellets 528 having a core of anti-fouling composition with a bound outer surface covering of propellant. Otherwise, the components of the system 500 are identical to the system 10. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the pellets are spheres. However, as is shown in Fig. 8, the propellant and anti-fouling composition can be extruded to form a cylindrical pellet 530 with exposed ends 532, 534 of anti-fouling composition.

Alternatively, Fig. 9 illustrates how the propellant and anti-fouling composition can be extruded to form a cylindrical pellet 536 with closed ends 538, 540 that do not expose the anti-fouling composition. The cylinder with exposed ends permits adjustment of the amount of exposed anti-fouling composition to the extent desired. The cylinder with closed ends seals the anti-fouling composition within the propellant and helps ensure propellant-to- propellant contact to facilitate ignition of adjacent pellets.

[0031] The pellets 528, 530, 536 utilize the propellant 26 to partially or fully sequester the anti- fouling composition 28, thereby preventing the anti-fouling composition from interacting with at least a portion of the propellant and potentially altering properties during storage. In addition, the propellant is on the exposed surface of each pellet. So, when each pellet is ignited, the flame front goes to the next pellet's external propellant coating, and propagates more effectively. Encapsulation of the anti-fouling composition also eliminates the possibility of separation or settling of separate chemical layers. The ammunition

manufacturing process requires no changes from what is done with a conventional cartridge. The encapsulated propellant is substituted for the standard propellant powder.

[0032] If it is determined the addition of the anti-fouling composition 28 into the center core of the pellets 528, 530, 536 takes up too much volume when implemented with traditional pistol or rifle propellants, then a more energetic propellant can be used to compensate for the reduction of propellant volume displaced by the anti-fouling composition. If the cost of the anti-fouling composition is less than the cost of the propellant it displaces, the cartridge cost including the anti-fouling composition may be the same or lower than a conventional cartridge despite the addition of the anti-fouling composition.

[0033] Fig. 10 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system 600 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a shotshell having a shell 612 with an open forward mouth end 614, a partially enclosed rear end 616, and an interior 618. The rear end defines a primer pocket 620 that has a forward-facing passageway 622 to communicate with the interior. The primer pocket receives a primer 624. A tubular case 626 having an initially open forward end 628 and an open rear end 630 has the rear end received within the mouth of the shell such that an interior 632 of the case communicates with the interior of the shell and the forward-facing passageway. A quantity of propellant 634 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the forward-facing passageway. A quantity of anti-fouling composition 636 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the propellant as a distinct, abutting layer. A wad 638 is inserted in front of the anti-fouling composition. A quantity of shot 640 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the wad. The forward end of the case is then crimped closed as shown to retain the components within the interior of the case. In the current embodiment, the shell can be made of a metal such as brass or any other suitable material. The case can be plastic, paper, or any other suitable material. The wad can be plastic, a biodegradable fiber, or any other suitable material. The propellant can be gunpowder or any other suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the anti-fouling composition and propellant can be premixed prior to being added to the case, a barrier or a packet can be used to separate the anti-fouling composition and propellant from one another, or the propellant can encapsulate the anti-fouling compensation prior to being added to the case.

[0034] Fig. 11 illustrates a seventh alternative embodiment of the improved gas propelled

munitions anti-fouling system 700 of the present invention. More particularly, the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system is shown in the form of a squib round having a case 714 having an initially open forward mouth end 718, a partially enclosed rear end 716, and an interior 720. A rear flange 712 extends outwards from the rear end of the case. The rear end defines a primer pocket 726 that has a forward-facing passageway 728 to communicate with the interior. The primer pocket receives a primer 730. A quantity of propellant 722 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the forward-facing passageway. A quantity of anti-fouling composition 724 is received within the interior of the case immediately forward of the propellant as a distinct, abutting layer. The forward end of the case is then crimped closed as shown to retain the components within the interior of the case. The squib round can use an electronic igniter (not shown) or the illustrated mechanical primer to ignite the propellant and discharge the squib round.

[0035] The squib round 700 of the current invention is particularly desirable for use in applications where squib rounds are used repeatedly in a gas-powered device, such as a stores release on an aircraft that uses either the squib gases directly or to actuate a piston assembly to perform a mechanical operation. Examples of mechanical operations include releasing a latch, ejecting an object, or performing a sequence of operations such as releasing a latch and subsequently ejecting an object. Other examples include creating the illusion of a bullet strike as a motion picture special effect, and the launch of a counter measures payload from a counter measures dispenser that is either ground-based or installed on an aircraft or ship. In these applications, fouling from the squib gasses leaves residue that must be removed to ensure continued operation when a replacement squib round is subsequently discharged.

[0036] An example of such an application is illustrated in Fig. 12, where the squib round is

combined with a counter measures case 760 having an open forward end 762, an open rear end 764, and a hollow interior 766. A counter measures payload 768 is received within the interior of the case. The forward end 718 of the squib round is attached to the rear end of the case. The combined counter measures payload, case, and squib round form a counter measures round 770.

[0037] The counter measures round 770 is loaded into a counter measures dispenser unit 750 for use. A typical counter measures dispenser unit is shown in Fig. 13, which has a body 752 with an open front 754, an open rear 756, and an interior 758, which is divided into multiple slots 772 in the current embodiment. Each slot receives a counter measures round 770. When a counter measure is needed, one of the loaded counter measures rounds has its associated squib round 700 discharged. Because the squib round discharges into the open rear end 764 of the counter measures case 760, the resulting gases propel the counter measures payload 768 out of the front of the case and the front of the counter measures dispenser unit to deploy the counter measures payload. The counter measure payload could be any suitable payload, including a pyrotechnic device used to lure away heat seeking missiles, a radio frequency-emitting device to lure away radar guided missiles, and a smoke grenade.

[0038] Several formulations of anti-fouling composition are suitable for use with the gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system of the present invention. These include:

• Formulation #1 : 4.8 grains of a mix of 50% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and 50%

Anhydrous Citric Acid (C6H807), by weight.

• Formulation #2 - 4.0 grains of a mix of 50% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and 50%

Anhydrous Citric Acid (C6H807), by weight, and subsequently adding 2% Stannic Acid (Sn02) by weight.

• Formulation #3 - 4.7 grains of a mix of 50% Sodium Nitrate (NaN03) and 50%

Anhydrous Citric Acid (C6H807), by weight.

[0039] Each of the anti-fouling composition formulations consists of a mixture of at least one salt and one acid. A third abrasive component, such as stannic acid, is added to the anti-fouling composition when the propellant to be used with the anti-fouling composition does not already contain an abrasive (some gunpowders already include stannic acid). Any suitable salt/acid composition can be used with the present invention. The abrasive is used for its polishing properties. Stannic acid (hydrated particles of tin dioxide) of a specific particle size and hardness to provide a desired abrasiveness can be obtained using the method disclosed in US Patent No. 4,048,294 to Glosky, et al.

[0040] For a 9 mm round having a bullet weight of 115 grains using a quantity of anti-fouling

composition premixed with propellant, the anti-fouling composition portion of the mixture is 20% by weight of salt, 20% by weight of acid, and 1% by weight of abrasive, with the remainder being 59% by weight propellant. For rounds of a different caliber or bullet weight, the quantities of propellant and anti-fouling composition are adjusted appropriately, with a higher proportion of propellant or a more energetic propellant being used for larger caliber and/or heavier bullets.

[0041] Testing of all three formulations has occurred by firing 75 or 300 rounds before cleaning the firearm. Compared to an identical firearm firing cartridges that are otherwise the same except for the presence of the anti-fouling composition within the cartridge, cartridges including the anti-fouling composition of the present invention had a visible reduction in the amount of residue in the barrel, a decrease in the amount of weight gained by the barrel, and visibly less residue being present on the first cleaning patch run through the barrel. In one test, a barrel firing 75 normal rounds omitting the anti-fouling composition gained 0.7 grains, while a barrel firing 75 rounds with the anti-fouling composition gained only 0.4 grains, providing evidence that the anti-fouling composition reduced the deposition of fouling residue within the second barrel. The best performing formulation of the three tested thus far is Formulation #3 when used with a gunpowder including stannic acid (tin dioxide), specifically Hodgdon® CFE Pistol Powder manufactured by Hodgdon Powder Company of Shawnee, KS. Testing with a flake powder propellant (Bullseye® manufactured by Alliant Powder of Lewiston, ID) showed reduced anti-fouling properties of the formulations compared to alternative powder propellants. When used with a gunpowder omitting stannic acid or another suitable abrasive, Formulation #3 is modified by subsequently adding 2% by weight stannic acid or another suitable abrasive. In the absence of an abrasive such as stannic acid in either the anti-fouling composition or the propellant, the anti-fouling properties of the current invention are reduced.

[0042] Testing of the three formulations for their barrel corrosion properties has also occurred.

Formulations #1 and #2, which use Sodium Chloride, revealed some visible corrosion of the gun barrel after resting without cleaning for two months. Formulation #3, which replaces the Sodium Chloride with Sodium Nitrate, showed no visible barrel corrosion at six weeks after having fired 75 rounds without cleaning. An additional ten rounds were then fired, and the gun rested an additional two months without cleaning. A second inspection also showed no visible barrel corrosion.

[0043] The gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system of the present invention's use of an

otherwise normal, conventional round with a novel anti-fouling composition provides numerous benefits compared to prior art approaches. The present invention applies anti- fouling agents to every portion of the firearm the exhaust gases reach, not just the barrel. The anti-fouling composition operates in rounds with standard bullets without adversely impacting performance, so the anti-fouling composition can be used every time a round is fired with any caliber of firearm with both live rounds and blanks. The present invention has no mechanical parts or liquids, and instead relies upon anti-fouling agents resulting from a chemical reaction occurring between the anti-fouling composition and the ignited propellant while the propellant combusts. The resulting anti-fouling agents travel down the barrel with the propellant gases, thereby treating the barrel. If the firearm uses the exhaust gas to operate a shell ejector, then the anti-fouling agents also travel to those additional areas exposed to the exhaust gases (the breach and magazine area). In semi-automatic and automatic rifles, the exhaust gases and anti-fouling agents travel through the gas tube into the bolt carrier group gas cylinder and the magazine area. Thus, all the areas of the firearm that would normally be fouled by the exhaust gases are instead simultaneously exposed to the anti-fouling agents of the present invention.

[0044] The anti-fouling composition of the present invention can be incorporated into cartridges and shotshells with minimal or no change to existing manufacturing processes, resulting in an affordable selling price. The present invention also has the potential to reduce cleaning time and frequency, thereby reducing firearm operating costs and extending the life of firearm components normally subjected to fouling.

[0045] While a current embodiment of a gas propelled munitions anti-fouling system has been

described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any suitable salt can be used with the present invention, either alone or in combination, including ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, sodium bisulfate, calcium chloride, lead picrate, potassium permanganate, and copper sulphate. Furthermore, any suitable acid can be used with the present invention, either alone or in combination, including perchloric acid, acetic anhydride, adenosine triphosphate, maleic anhydride, picric acid, formic anhydride, benzoic anhydride, manganese heptoxide, and phthalic anhydride. In addition, any suitable abrasive can be used with the present invention, either alone or in combination, including boron carbide, calcite, ceramic aluminum oxide, staurolite, pumice, rouge, glass powder, silicon carbide, and borazon. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0046] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: I claim:

1. A cartridge for a firearm comprising:

a case having an open forward mouth end, a rear end, and an interior;

the rear end defining a pocket that receives a primer;

the rear end defining a passage communicating between the pocket and the interior of the case;

a quantity of propellant received within the interior of the case;

a quantity of anti-fouling composition received within the interior of the case; and a bullet having a rear portion inserted into the open forward mouth end of the case.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the anti-fouling composition comprises at least one salt and at least one acid.

3. The cartridge of claim 2 wherein the acid is anhydrous.

4. The cartridge of claim 2 or 3, wherein the salt is at least one of the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, sodium bisulfate, calcium chloride, lead picrate, potassium permanganate, and copper sulphate.

5. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the acid is at least one of the group consisting of anhydrous citric acid, perchloric acid, acetic anhydride, adenosine triphosphate, maleic anhydride, picric acid, formic anhydride, benzoic anhydride, manganese heptoxide, and phthalic anhydride.

6. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-5 further comprising at least one abrasive.

7. The cartridge of claim 6 wherein the abrasive is at least one of the group consisting of stannic acid, boron carbide, calcite, ceramic aluminum oxide, staurolite, pumice, rouge, glass powder, silicon carbide, and borazon.

8. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the anti-fouling composition is 50% salt by weight and 50% acid by weight.

9. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-7, wherein the anti-fouling composition is 49% salt by weight, 49% acid by weight, and 2% abrasive by weight.

10. The cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling

composition and propellant are in a condition selected from the group consisting of abutting one another in distinct layers, mixed together, separated by a barrier, separated by a packet wrapper, and encapsulated as a pellet with a core of anti- fouling composition and an outer surface covering of propellant.

11. The cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propellant is gunpowder.

12. A shotshell for a firearm comprising:

a case having an closed forward end, an open rear end, and an interior;

a shell having an open forward mouth end, a rear end, and an interior, wherein the open forward mouth end of the shell receives the open rear end of the case and the interior of the shell is in communication with the interior of the case;

the rear end of the shell defining a pocket that receives a primer;

a passage communicating between the pocket and the interior of the shell;

a quantity of propellant received within the interiors of the shell and case;

a quantity of anti-fouling composition received within the interior of the case; a wad received within the interior of the case; and

a quantity of shot received within the interior of the case.

13. The shotshell of claim 12 wherein the anti-fouling composition comprises at least one salt and at least one acid.

14. The shotshell of claim 13 wherein the acid is anhydrous.

15. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-14 wherein the salt is at least one of the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium perchl orate, sodium bi sulfate, calcium chloride, lead picrate, potassium permanganate, and copper sulphate.

16. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the acid is at least one of the group consisting of anhydrous citric acid, perchloric acid, acetic anhydride, adenosine triphosphate, maleic anhydride, picric acid, formic anhydride, benzoic anhydride, manganese heptoxide, and phthalic anhydride.

17. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-16 further comprising at least one abrasive.

18. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-17 wherein the abrasive is at least one of the group consisting of stannic acid, boron carbide, calcite, ceramic aluminum oxide, staurolite, pumice, rouge, glass powder, silicon carbide, and borazon.

19. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the anti-fouling composition is 50% salt by weight and 50% acid by weight.

20. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-19 wherein the anti-fouling composition is 49% salt by weight, 49% acid by weight, and 2% abrasive by weight.

21. The shotshell of any one of claims 13-20 wherein the anti-fouling composition and propellant are in a condition selected from the group consisting of abutting one another in distinct layers, mixed together, separated by a barrier, separated by a packet wrapper, and encapsulated as a pellet with a core of anti-fouling composition and an outer surface covering of propellant.

22. The cartridge of any one of claims 13-21 wherein the propellant is gunpowder.

23. A propellant composition for a firearm comprising:

a quantity of propellant; and

a quantity of anti-fouling composition, wherein the anti-fouling composition comprises a salt and an acid.

24. The propellant composition of claim 23 wherein the acid is anhydrous.

25. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-24 where in the salt is at least one of the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, sodium bisulfate, calcium chloride, lead picrate, potassium permanganate, and copper sulphate.

26. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-25 wherein the acid is at least one of the group consisting of anhydrous citric acid, perchloric acid, acetic anhydride, adenosine triphosphate, maleic anhydride, picric acid, formic anhydride, benzoic anhydride, manganese heptoxide, and phthalic anhydride.

27. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-26 further comprising at least one abrasive.

28. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-27 wherein the abrasive is at least one of the group consisting of stannic acid, boron carbide, calcite, ceramic aluminum oxide, staurolite, pumice, rouge, glass powder, silicon carbide, and borazon.

29. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-28 wherein the anti-fouling composition is 50% salt by weight and 50% acid by weight.

30. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-29 wherein the anti-fouling composition is 49% salt by weight, 49% acid by weight, and 2% abrasive by weight.

31. The propellant composition of any one of claims 23-30 wherein the propellant

composition is 20% salt by weight, 20% acid by weight, 2% abrasive by weight, and 58%) gunpowder by weight.