Sprawlvember 6: Ammunition

 

So Sprawlvember has 'Ammunition' as a prompt today. So here are some thoughts on caseless ammunition in a Cyberpunk setting.

Each bullet is a cylindrical chunk where the accelerant is formed behind and around the bottom part of the slug. When the round is fired the accelerant is burned off forcing the round out of the chamber. But, most bullets are made cheaply and in mass quantity, therefore not held to many standards at all. What most Runners on a budget will have access to are rounds that produce a lot of smoke and dirty up the weapons very quickly thus requiring a lot of cleaning.

Now higher end ammunition is available. But it costs quite a bit more. Usually much more than the average runner trying to simply keep a roof over his head is willing to pay.

Ignition of the accelerant is done via electronic spark. Thus eliminating the need for a firing cap making it easier, and cheaper, to produce the caseless ammunition. Most weapons have the battery packs necessary for this located underneath the barrel in the case of handguns and in the grip for rifles and larger weapons that are magazine fed from a source not located in the grip. The batteries would have a standard charging port much like cell phones. Just plug them in and wait as they charge up.

Now with no brass being ejected or firing pin being driven forward this reduced the need for a slide. The next round is instead moved into place with a motorized action or a spring powered magazine. So firearms have become more boxed in with less moving external parts. Disassembly also becomes more simple with just a couple of screws being removed. The round cycling motor usually being the most complex part now but are replaceable if they stop working. But, again like cell phones, you better take it to a specialty shop to get it done properly.

The firearm will still fire when wet or submerged. However prolonged exposure to water will cause some of the accelerant to soften leading to less power behind the bullet, more dirt and residue afterwards and maybe even failure to fire. If failure to fire occurs there is no slide to work so you can eject the round quickly. Instead you will have to remove the top cover and physical pull the bullet out. This is not idea in a combat situation so you better keep your weapon clean.