Commercial Bronze Strip for Bullet Jackets

B130-13: Standard Specification for Commercial Bronze Strip for Bullet Jackets

In the demanding world of ammunition manufacturing, precision and material integrity are paramount. For professionals involved in the design, procurement, and quality assurance of bullet jackets, understanding the foundational material specifications is essential. ASTM B130-13, the "Standard Specification for Commercial Bronze Strip for Bullet Jackets," provides an authoritative framework to ensure the consistent performance and reliability of this critical component. This industry-leading standard is indispensable for maintaining high production quality and meeting stringent defense industry requirements.

What is B130-13?

ASTM B130-13 is a comprehensive standard that defines the requirements for commercial bronze strip specifically intended for the manufacture of bullet jacket cups and other ammunition components. Originating from ASTM's extensive work in materials science, this specification establishes the acceptable chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances for Copper Alloy UNS No. C22000 when used in this specialized application. Its primary purpose is to ensure a predictable and reliable material supply chain for ammunition producers.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procurement and quality assurance of commercial bronze strip, identified as Copper Alloy UNS No. C22000, destined for bullet jacket fabrication. It details acceptable chemical compositions, various temper designations (both cold-rolled and annealed), and associated mechanical property requirements, including tensile strength and, for annealed tempers, grain size. The specification also outlines dimensional tolerances for thickness and width, as well as requirements for how the material is furnished (e.g., straight lengths or coils). Notably, it does not cover the manufacturing processes of the bullet jacket itself, focusing strictly on the raw material strip.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Quality Control Inspectors, Manufacturing Engineers, and Production Managers involved with ammunition component manufacturing.
• • Industries affected: Defense Industry, Ammunition Manufacturing, Metals Manufacturing and Supply.
• • Compliance nature: Typically voluntary, but often mandated through contractual agreements and procurement specifications, especially for government agencies.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through mill test reports, incoming material inspections, and quality audits conducted by the purchaser or regulatory bodies.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that the commercial bronze strip conform to the specified chemical composition for Copper Alloy UNS No. C22000, ensuring the correct elemental balance for performance. Professionals must ensure the material meets the defined temper requirements, as specified by designations such as H01 through H10 for cold-rolled tempers, or OS015 through OS035 for annealed tempers. Key provisions include adherence to precise tensile strength and, where applicable, grain size specifications to guarantee the strip's formability and durability. Furthermore, strict dimensional tolerances for thickness and width are stipulated to ensure consistency in downstream manufacturing processes.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B130-13 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards to provide a complete material specification. Specification B248/B248M (General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar) provides overarching requirements for these product forms. Classification B601 aids in understanding the various temper designations for copper and copper alloys, while test methods like **E8/