People who are fond of firearms are well aware of Flaubert's cartridge. What ammunition are these and what are they for? This type of annular ignition cartridge is a capsule in which a spherical bullet is pressed.
Ammunition Summary
Flaubert's small-caliber cartridge, the reviews of weapon lovers about which the vast majority are only positive, was invented back in 1845. Its original purpose was reduced to training shooting. The French gunsmith who invented it (Louis Flaubert) gave his name to this unique innovation. He patented his brainchild three years later (in 1849). Such ammunition is not suitable for firing at long distances, since they do not have sufficient lethal force. Let's take a closer look at Flaubert's cartridge. What is this product? In what cases is it used? Its sleeve is filled with a special detonating composition (most often in this role is Bertoletova salt, or potassium chlorate). No powder charge in such cartridges.
Flaubert's cartridge. What kind of ammunition and what are its properties?
Such ammunition can not cause serious harm to humans and large animals. They are used for sports, target or recreational shooting, and sometimes for shooting small rodents (mice and rats). Even the most powerful Flaubert cartridges do not emit characteristic loud noise when fired. At the same time, the flame, which usually appears when shooting, is practically absent.
The long evolution of Flaubert's cartridges
Many beginner shooters do not know which revolver under Flaubert's cartridge should be bought? This is due to the fact that over the course of many decades the mentioned type of ammunition has greatly changed. The first cartridges of this type, manufactured in the USA and Europe, had only one caliber - 9 mm. Weapons chambered for Flaubert at that time were pretty easy to pick up. After, in 1888, these ammunition was modernized in America. It was then that they got their modern look. To date, they are available only in Europe. In this case, the cartridges can have such calibers: 4 mm and 5.6 mm. As a rule, their bullet is spherical, although on sale you can also find specimens with a conical (conical) "filling".
Flaubert cartridge in Russia
Most often in the Russian Federation there are cartridges of this type manufactured by the Czech company Sellier & Bellot or the German company Dynamit Nobel. These world famous weapons brands have long established themselves in the CIS market. The Flaubert cartridge from these manufacturers has a caliber of 4.0 mm. It is equipped with a hemispherical bullet weighing 0.5 g. Despite the common similar parameters, they still have slight differences. So, the cartridges of a German company are distinguished by a capsule made of thinner non-ferrous metal. On its bottom there is an impression in the form of an acorn. In the products of a Czech company, sleeves are made of steel. They are a little shorter than German. Despite this, the power of both cartridges is the same. The speed of a bullet when it leaves the muzzle is about 200 m / s. In terms of muzzle energy, this is only about 10 J.
Issue price
Despite the fact that the ammunition in question is not considered as firearms per se, Flaubert's cartridge, the price of which is about 20 rubles per 1 piece, is not legally sold in Russia. The certification and their distribution on the territory of our country legally is hindered by the lack of an appropriate legislative framework. But almost anyone can buy the mentioned units in several specialized online stores. These shells are sold in boxes of 100 or 200 pcs.
Flaubert cartridge interchangeability
Ammunition from German and Czech manufacturers is interchangeable. There are only a few exceptions to their rule. So, German copies are not suitable for the Czech-made Kora Brno revolver. For him, only the appropriate Flaubert cartridge is needed. What does it mean? Some weapons are intended only for firing "native" ammunition. So, Kora Brno is “imprisoned” only under Czech ammunition. The same can be said about the German ME revolver: only domestic products can be used for it.
5.6 mm Flaubert cartridge
This ammunition is one of the largest, designed for civilian weapons. Some manufacturers produce them equipped with a conical-shaped lead-free shell bullet. Also, sometimes there are other options for cartridges of the same caliber. They are distinguished by their spherical bullet.
Bullet speed when shooting Flaubert cartridges
Although Flaubert ammunition cannot be sold freely under the laws of the Russian Federation, they remain one of the most low-powered ammunition. When a bullet takes off from a muzzle, the bullet has an initial speed rarely exceeding 200 m / s. By its power, it can be equated to the ammunition of medium air rifles. The only significant argument against their free sale is that the mass of the mentioned bullet significantly exceeds the pneumatic projectile. Because of this, it can reach an energy of 60 J, which in itself, if mishandled or mistreated, can lead to serious injuries.
The use of weapons designed for these munitions
The gun chambered by Flaubert can be used not only as a small weapon. It is often used for self-defense, when the victim and the attacker are separated by a relatively small distance. When using this type of weapon , a certain pattern can be traced: the longer the barrel of a pistol or revolver chambered for Flaubert, the quieter the sound of a shot. In this case, he plays the role of a kind of "silencer".
Weapon selection
There are several secrets to choosing the right weapon. A revolver or gun under the Flaubert cartridge is selected in a special way. But his description is the topic of another article. Therefore, we confine ourselves to just a small remark. So, for a smooth-bore weapon , cartridges in which the bullet has the shape of a sphere are best suited.
World prices for Flaubert cartridges
Since this type of ammunition was discontinued in the United States as far back as the 40s of the 20th century, their cost in this country is quite high. So, a pack of cartridges (100 pcs.) Will cost the American shooter about $ 25. In Europe, their price is slightly lower.
Legislation issues
In Russia, this type of ammunition and weapons to it are very rare. In Ukraine, the use of such units is allowed, therefore, many residents of the Russian Federation purchase a revolver for themselves under the Flaubert cartridge and “stuffing” to them in this country. However, remember that storing them can lead to serious troubles. Since the circulation of this type of weapon in Russia is not legalized, such a purchase is fraught with problems with law enforcement agencies.
Sale of weapons under Flaubert’s cartridge in Ukraine
To date, the sale of Flaubert cartridges and weapons for them is permitted in this country. Especially in demand are those with a caliber of 4 mm. Such popularity is due to the lack of need for special permission to wear and use it. Also attracting buyers and simplicity of design. Among other things, both weapons and ammunition have a price much lower than other products of this kind. Its main advantages also include safe use for the owner, ease of operation and easy firing training.
Weapon models chambered for Flaubert
Today there are several different models of revolvers on sale. They feature a simple and robust design. At the same time, they are deprived of a number of disadvantages that reduce their technical characteristics. The vast majority of models of such weapons are made from the latest zinc alloys. They do not have steel parts in the most critical places. Almost all modern specimens have a significant gap between the barrel and the drum with bored chambers. When choosing a suitable model for yourself, it should be remembered that rifled trunks that differ in the so-called “progressive step” are chosen for non-shell lead shells. It smoothly decreases to a minimum. On sale you can find both signal weapons with special equipment that allows you to fire Flaubert cartridges, and pistols and revolvers designed only for this purpose. For example, such modernized signal models as the 9-mm semi-automatic GAS ALARM and Walter R-38 can well be used under Flaubert’s cartridge. Many craftsmen try to remake weapons on their own, but such a “modification” can lead to rather serious consequences. That is why people who know a lot about weapons recommend purchasing industrial products characterized by very good technical characteristics and a high level of safety. The following revolvers can be distinguished from specialized weapons:
- ALFA model 431, 440 or 461.
- Ekol Major Berg.
- "Safari".
- Arminius.
- "Alpha".
- ME 38 Pocket-4R.
- Kora Brno.
- Schmeiser.
- Taurus 4.
- PROFI
- Magnum
- Ekol Arda.
- Snipe
- Kimar.
- Stalker
- Keser.
All of these models are highly reliable and have an excellent appearance. They are made of modern high-strength materials. There are various modifications on sale that differ in color, material, shape of the pen and so on. That is why even the most demanding weapon lover can choose the right product for him. A pistol such as the SEM PMF-1 is also in great demand for firing Flaubert's cartridges.
Flaubert cartridge gain
As you know, one of the most important characteristics of any weapon is the firing range. Flaubert's cartridge was not originally intended for this, but over time, some manufacturers of the mentioned ammunition decided to please their customers. Without thinking twice, they made a small modernization of this shell, equipping it with an additional (albeit insignificant) charge of gunpowder. Ammunition with improved characteristics is simply called: Flaubert's cartridge reinforced. So, on the arms market recently appeared products of a Czech company under the brand name Sigal. These powerful Flaubert cartridges have the following advantages:
- The manufacturer increased the pyrotechnic charge, so its capacity increased by about 20%.
- The new ammunition is almost universal. It is suitable for almost all types of weapons designed for firing such cartridges.
Their cost is not much higher than other types of such shells. But we must remember that these units can be even more traumatic than ordinary ones. Some homegrown craftsmen manage to strengthen Flaubert's cartridges on their own. They try to add gunpowder to the sleeve. But such experiments are very dangerous and prohibited by law. The most “harmless” amplification method is to “nail” this ammunition. If you lightly hit the pool when it is on a flat and hard surface, you can increase its speed to 220 m / s. But! Such a Flaubert cartridge (reinforced) can only be used for firing a pistol made of durable steel, and not of alloys.
Flaubert ammunition safety
Despite the apparent safety of such ammunition, precautionary measures should not be neglected. Specialists-gunsmiths testify that the Flaubert cartridge of 4 m caliber when firing from a distance of 3-5 m leaves skin damage with wound channels. Despite the rather low flight speed, such an instance leads to damage to muscle fibers, subcutaneous fat mass, sternum, ribs. Such wounds are equated to moderate severity. Especially dangerous are lesions of the eyeball, which can lead to death. That is why it is so important to observe the safety precautions for handling this weapon.