The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - exact mode of explosion caused by a short throw

Sig_Dude · July 21, 2010, 09:03 AM

I have read many times that not putting enough powder in a cartridge either on purpose or by accident can cause a fatal kaboom incident. I have tried to understand but just can't what the exact mode of explosion is. I would think that, assuming the bullet had just enough oomph to clear the muzzle that you'd be OK. I would also assume that if the bullet got stuck in the barrel, the gas would simple leak out the action or barrel-cylinder gap. I am aware that if you fire a squib followed by a real-deal you'd blow up your barrel.

So what *exactly* happens when you unknowingly fire a cartridge with not enough nitrocellulose?

July 21, 2010, 09:03 AM	#1
Sig_Dude Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2010 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 115	exact mode of explosion caused by a short throw I have read many times that not putting enough powder in a cartridge either on purpose or by accident can cause a fatal kaboom incident. I have tried to understand but just can't what the exact mode of explosion is. I would think that, assuming the bullet had just enough oomph to clear the muzzle that you'd be OK. I would also assume that if the bullet got stuck in the barrel, the gas would simple leak out the action or barrel-cylinder gap. I am aware that if you fire a squib followed by a real-deal you'd blow up your barrel. So what exactly happens when you unknowingly fire a cartridge with not enough nitrocellulose?