Ballistic parameters of cal. 9mm×17mm industrial blank cartridges (cattle cartridges)

Abstract 

Introduction

Cal. 9mm×17mm industrial blank cartridges deserve special interest in the field of forensic ballistic. This calibre is most often used in Kerner-type livestock stunners, but also in different power tools. The legal framework of these industrial blank cartridges is provided by the C.I.P. and DIN 7260 regulations. The aim of this investigation is to describe and compare two experimental test procedures for measurement of maximum gas pressure and kinetic energy of cal. 9mm×17mm industrial blank cartridges according to standardized C.I.P. and DIN 7260 protocols and to provide these ballistic data.

Methods

Using two different pressure measurement barrels and standardized test projectiles, the maximum gas pressure and the kinetic energy of the test projectiles are investigated. While the pressure take-off point in C.I.P. protocol is at the cartridge mouth, the DIN 7260 protocol is modified using a pressure take-off point in the cartridge chamber. For each test protocol (C.I.P. and DIN), maximum gas pressure, velocity, impulse and energy of the test projectiles are measured. Each ten cartridges from the same ammunition lot of four different energy levels (red, blue, yellow, green) are investigated.

Results

While the cartridge energy values are comparable between the two different test protocols, maximum gas pressure measured in the DIN set-up (3907bar) far surpasses the gas pressure in the C.I.P. protocol (1586bar). Both test protocols observed higher energy values of the green and yellow cartridges than regulated in DIN 7260.

Conclusion

Enormous gas pressure values of more than 3900bar emphasize the power of industrial blank cartridges. Once again, the harmlessness of these blank cartridges and the weapons/tools that are operated with these propellants is refuted.

Keywords: Trauma mechanics, Industrial blank cartridge, Ballistics, Firing gas pressure