ASTM F590-92(2000)
(Specification)Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Gun Projectiles and Propellants
Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Gun Projectiles and Propellants
SCOPE
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers projectiles and propellants manufactured for use with non-powder guns intended for target shooting, educational, and recreational purposes and is to be used in conjunction with Consumer Safety Specification F589. Non-powder guns are commonly identified as BB guns, air guns, or pellet guns.
1.2 The projectiles and propellants covered by this consumer safety specification are BB cal, .177 cal (4.5 mm), and .22 cal (5.5 mm) air gun shot of various materials; .177 cal (4.5 mm), 5 mm, .22 cal (5.5 mm) pellets and .177 cal (4.5 mm), 5 mm, and .22 cal (5.5 mm) darts and propellants identified as 8 and 12-g type CO2 cylinders with both small and standard-sized necks.
1.3 This consumer safety specification does not cover propellants such as dichlorodifluoromethane or projectiles that are propelled by a combustible release of energy; non-powder gun projectiles used with products identified as blow guns, sling shots, cork guns, toy guns, or archery cross bows and other such devices; projectiles designed for adult use in obsolete non-powder guns, custom-made non-powder guns, and non-powder guns designed for and used by law enforcement, scientific, veterinary or military use; and shot used with shotguns in the firearm classification.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: F 590 – 92 (Reapproved 2000)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Non-Powder Gun Projectiles and Propellants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 590; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Guns
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers projectiles
3. Terminology
and propellants manufactured for use with non-powder guns
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
intended for target shooting, educational, and recreational
purposes and is to be used in conjunction with Consumer
Projectiles
Safety Specification F 589. Non-powder guns are commonly
3.1.1 air-gun dart—a .177 cal, 5 mm, or .22 cal non-powder
identified as BB guns, air guns, or pellet guns.
gun projectile having a pointed configuration on one end and
1.2 The projectiles and propellants covered by this con-
tufts on the other (see Fig. 1).
sumer safety specification are BB cal, .177 cal (4.5 mm), and
3.1.1.1 tuft—the material that is added to the body of a dart.
.22 cal (5.5 mm) air gun shot of various materials; .177 cal (4.5
3.1.2 air-gun shot—a BB, .177, or .22-cal, ball-shaped,
mm), 5 mm, .22 cal (5.5 mm) pellets and .177 cal (4.5 mm), 5
non-powder gun projectile made of lead, lead alloy, or steel
mm, and .22 cal (5.5 mm) darts and propellants identified as 8
(see Fig. 2).
and 12-g type CO cylinders with both small and standard-
3.1.2.1 air-gun shot, lead—a shot made of lead or lead alloy
sized necks.
which may or may not have a protective finish.
1.3 This consumer safety specification does not cover pro-
3.1.2.2 air-gun shot, lead-coated—a shot made of steel that
pellants such as dichlorodifluoromethane or projectiles that are
has a thin, uniform coating of lead or lead alloy. It may or may
propelled by a combustible release of energy; non-powder gun
not have a protective finish.
projectiles used with products identified as blow guns, sling
3.1.2.3 air-gun shot, steel—a shot made of steel that is
shots, cork guns, toy guns, or archery cross bows and other
coated with a protective finish.
such devices; projectiles designed for adult use in obsolete
3.1.2.4 dimension across flats—the diameter of an air-gun
non-powder guns, custom-made non-powder guns, and non-
shot, as measured across the flats.
powder guns designed for and used by law enforcement,
3.1.2.5 maximum spherical diameter—the largest diameter
scientific, veterinary or military use; and shot used with
of an air-gun shot, as measured with a ring gage.
shotguns in the firearm classification.
3.1.3 caliber—the nomenclature used to indicate the bore
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
size of a non-powder gun and the compatible projectile
test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This
intended for use with that bore size.
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
3.1.4 non-powder gun projectile—a projectile that is de-
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
signed for and intended to be discharged from a non-powder
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
gun.
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
3.1.5 pellet—a .177 cal, 5 mm, or .22 cal, nonspherical,
tions prior to use.
semihollow non-powder gun projectile made of lead or lead
alloy. Typical examples are shown in Fig. 3.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.5.1 nose of pellet— the forwardmost portion of a pellet.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.5.2 overall length of pellet—themaximumdimensionof
F 589 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder
a pellet as measured parallel to the axis.
3.1.6 shot-start force—the force that is required to insert a
non-powder gun projectile into a cavity of standard size for a
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Commit- given caliber.
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F15.06 on Safety Standards for Nonpowder Gun Products.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 1992. Published December 1992. Originally
e1 2
published as F 590 – 78. Last previous edition F 590 – 84 (1989) . Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.07.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 590 – 92 (2000)
Propellants
3.1.7 CO (carbon dioxide) cylinder—a cylinder that holds
carbon dioxide in a liquid-gas combination and consists of a
main body or container and a neck containing the cap and seal
(see Fig. 4).
3.1.7.1 cap, CO cylinder—the section of the cylinder neck
FIG. 1 Air-Gun Dart
containing the seal that is punctured to release CO foruse in
the gun.
3.1.7.2 neck diameter, CO cylinder— the outside diameter
of the neck of a CO cylinder.
3.1.7.3 neck length, CO cylinder—the distance the neck of
a cylinder enters into a hole equal to the maximum allowable
neck diameter (see Fig. 5).
3.1.7.4 overall length, CO cylinder— the length measured
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.
3.1.7.5 outside diameter, CO cylinder—thediameterofthe
FIG. 2 Air-Gun Shot
main body of the CO cylinder.
3.1.8 propellant, CO (carbon dioxide)—a propellant in
which the energy source is obtained from compressed carbon
dioxide gas.
4. Requirements
4.1 Projectiles:
4.1.1 Air-Gun Shot, Steel—Air-gun shot, steel, shall con-
form to the minimum and maximum diameter dimensions
specified inTable 1 when measured in accordance with 7.1 and
7.2.
4.1.2 Air-Gun Shot, Lead—Air-gun shot, lead, shall con-
form to the minimum diameter dimensions specified in Table 2
when measured in accordance with 7.3 and shall conform to
the maximum shot-start force as specified in Table 3 when
measured in accordance with 7.4.
FIG. 3 Air-Gun Pellets
FIG. 4 CO (Carbon Dioxide) Cylinder
F 590 – 92 (2000)
4.3.2 CO Cylinder Temperature Test—CO cylinders shall
2 2
withstand a temperature as defined in 7.6.4.1 without leaking
or bursting when tested in accordance with 7.6.
4.3.3 Rupture Test—CO cylinders that have been tested in
accordance with 7.6 and 7.8 shall not fragment or splinter upon
rupture. Failure shall not occur at the cap or neck section of the
cylinder.
4.3.4 Finish and Appearance—The outermost surfaces of
CO cylinders that require protection against deterioration shall
have a protective finish.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This consumer safety specification establishes the di-
mensions and tolerances and supporting test methods for
non-powder gun projectiles and propellants to ensure compat-
ibility between the projectiles and propellants and the non-
powder guns for which they are designed.
5.2 This consumer safety specification identifies non-
powder gun projectiles and propellants and establishes product
identification requirements. The product identification require-
FIG. 5 CO Cylinder Combination Gage (C.R.S.) Maximum Neck
ments are intended to guide users of non-powder guns in
Diameter and Minimum Neck Length
selecting the correct projectile or propellant for use in various
guns, and attempts to prevent hazards associated with incorrect
TABLE 1 Air-Gun Shot (Steel)—Diameters
use of projectiles and propellants.
Maximum Minimum Dimension
Projectile Type Spherical Diameter, Across Flats,
6. Conformance
in. (mm) in. (mm)
Air-gun shot, steel, BB cal (.177 0.175 (4.44) 0.162 (4.11)
6.1 Non-powder gun projectiles and propellants produced
cal)
after the effective date of this consumer safety specification
Air-gun shot, steel, .22 cal 0.2198 (5.583) 0.205 (5.21)
shall not, either by label or other means, indicate conformance
with this consumer safety specification unless they conform
TABLE 2 Air-Gun Shot (Lead)—Diameters
with all the requirements contained herein.
Minimum Diameter,
Projectile Type
in. (mm)
7. Test Methods
Air-gun shot, lead, .177 cal 0.162 (4.11)
Air-gun shot, lead, .22 cal 0.205 (5.21)
NOTE 1—No precision statement on any of the following test methods
is available at this time.
7.1 Measurement of Maximum Spherical Diameter of Air-
Gun Shot, Steel (see Fig. 2 and Table 1):
4.1.3 Pellets—Pellets shall conform to the minimum and
7.1.1 Significance—The purpose of this test method is to
maximum length dimensions as specified in Table 4 when
establish the maximum diameter of air-gun shot, steel, to
measured in accordance with 7.5 and shall conform to the
ensure that the projectile will be compatible with the non-
maximum shot-start force as specified in Table 5 when mea-
powder gun for which it is intended.
sured in accordance with 7.4.
7.1.2 Apparatus:
7.1.2.1 Ring Gage, with a minimum thickness of 0.125 in.
4.1.4 Air-Gun Darts—Air-gun darts shall conform to the
(3.18 mm) and a hole diameter with the maximum diameter in
minimum and maximum length dimensions as specified in
Table 1 6 0.0001 in. (+ 0.002 mm). The ring gage is used to
Table 6 when measured in accordance with 7.5 and shall
determine whether the air-gun shot exceeds the appropriate
conform to the maximum shot-start force as specified in Table
maximum spherical diameter in Table 1.
7 when measured in accordance with 7.4.
7.1.2.2 Screening Plate (optional), with holes 0.001 6
4.1.5 Finish and Appearance—The outermost surfaces of
0.0001-in. (0.025 6 0.002-mm) smaller in diameter than the
all projectiles that require protection against deterioration shall
maximum diameter of the ring gage specified in 7.1.2.1. The
have a protective finish.
screening plate may be used to select or screen only the largest
4.2 Propellants—CO gaspropellantmaybecombinedwith
shot for measurement with the ring gage.
additional ingredients for use as a propellant for non-powder
7.1.3 Test Specimen—Test specimens shall consist of new
guns, but the propellant shall be noncombustible.
air-gun shot, selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s
4.3 Propellant Containers:
usual quality assurance practices.
4.3.1 CO Cylinder Measurement Test—CO cylinders shall 7.1.4 Procedure:
2 2
conform with the appropriate dimensions and tolerances in
7.1.4.1 Conductthetestatroomtemperature(60to80°F(16
Table 8 and Table 9 when measured in accordance with 7.6. to 27°C)).
F 590 – 92 (2000)
TABLE 3 Air-Gun Shot (Lead)—Shot-Start Force and Gage Dimensions and Tolerances
Gage Dimensions and Tolerances (see Fig. 6), in. (mm)
Maximum
Punch Diameter, Inside Diameter, Guide Inside Diameter,
Projectile Type Shot-Start Force,
60.001 in. 60.0001 in. 60.001 in.
lbf (N)
(60.025 mm) (60.0025 mm) (60.025 mm)
Air-gun shot, lead, .177 cal 22.5 (100) 0.093 (2.36) 0.175 (4.45) 0.1935 (4.915)
Air-gun shot, lead, .22 cal 20.0 (89) 0.125 (3.18) 0.216 (5.49) 0.234 (5.94)
TABLE 4 Air-Gun Pellets (Lead)—Maximum and Minimum
the shot will be compatible with the gun and the feed system
Lengths
for which it is intended.
Overall Length, in. (mm)
7.3.2 Apparatus:
Projectile Type
max min
7.3.2.1 Micrometer (0 to 1 in. (0 to 25 mm)), having an
Air-gun pellet, lead, .177 cal 0.260 (6.60) 0.195 (4.96)
Air-gun pellet, lead, 5 mm 0.295 (7.49) 0.225 (5.71)
accuracy of 6 0.0001 in. (6 0.002 mm).
Air-gun pellet, lead, .22 cal 0.311 (7.90) 0.230 (5.84)
7.3.3 Test Specimen—Test specimens shall consist of new
air-gun shot, selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s
usual quality assurance practices.
7.1.4.2 Ascreening plate may be used to reduce the number 7.3.4 Procedure:
of shot which must be passed through the ring gage. If the
7.3.4.1 Conduct the tests at room temperature (60 to 80°F
screeningplatein7.1.2.2isused,placethetestspecimenonthe
(16 to 27°C)).
plate. Shake the plate so that the smaller shot pass through the
7.3.4.2 Measure the diameter at three different positions. If
screen and the larger shot remain on the screen. Collect the
the shot appears to have a particular diameter or diameters that
larger shot remaining on the screen for measurement with the
are smaller than other diameters, then choose the smaller
ring gage. Inspect the shot which have passed through the
diameters to be measured (such as diameter across one or more
screening plate and sort all abnormal shot from the lot which
flats).
was passed through the screen for measurement with the ring
7.3.4.3 The shot is acceptable if all diameters measured are
gage.
equal to or greater than those specified in Table 2.
7.1.4.3 Place each shot in the hole of the ring gage with the
7.4 Shot-Start Force Measurement of Air-Gun Shot (Lead),
maximumsphericaldiametershowninTable1.Rolltheshotin
Pellets, and Darts (Table 3, Table 5, and Table 6) :
the ring gage so that the diameters of the three perpendicular
7.4.1 Significance—The purpose of this test method is to
axes of the shot are exposed to the hole in the ring gage. Shot
measure the force required to push an air-gun shot (lead), a
that does not roll within the ring gage is oversized and fails the
pellet,oradartintoastandardsizeholethatrepresentsthebore
test.
of a gun. This procedure is intended to ensure compatibility
7.2 Measurement of Flat Dimensions of Air-Gun Shot, Steel
between projectiles and the non-powder guns for which they
(Fig. 2):
are designed.
7.2.1 Significance—The purpose of this test method is to
7.4.2 Apparatus:
measurethedimensionsacrosstheflatsofair-gunshot,steel,to
7.4.2.1 Special Shot-Start Force Test Fixture, as shown in
ensure that the shot will be compatible with the gun and the
Fig. 6, having gage and punch diameters as provided in Table
feed system for which it is intended.
3, Table 5, or Table 6, which are appropriate for the projectiles
7.2.2 Apparatus:
being tested.
7.2.2.1 Pointed Micrometer, capable of measuring with an
7.4.2.2 Scale, suitable spring weight having an accuracy of
accuracy of 6 0.0001 in. (6 0.002 mm).
7.2.3 Test Specimen—Test specimens shall consist of new 6 0.2 lbf (6 0.89 N).
air-gun shot, selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s
7.4.3 Test Specimen—Test specimens shall consist of new
usual quality assurance practices.
air-gun shot (lead), pellets, or darts, selected in accordance
with the manufacturer’s usual quality assurance practices.
NOTE 2—The test specimens used in 7.1 may be used for this test.
7.4.4 Procedure:
7.2.4 Procedure:
7.4.4.1 Conduct test at room temperature (60 to 80°F (16 to
7.2.4.1 Conduct the tests at room temperature (60 to 80°F
27°C)).
(16 to 27°C)).
7.4.4.2 Placeatestspecimennosefirstintotheguidesection
7.2.4.2 Measure each shot and record the micrometer read-
of the shot-start force fixture. Place the punch on the rear of the
ing of the shot from a flat to the opposite surface if one flat
test specimen an
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