My 50 Cal Exploded

Published on April 29, 2021
Duration: 19:55

This video details a catastrophic failure of a Serbu RN-50 rifle chambered in .50 BMG, which exploded due to extreme pressure exceeding 85,000 PSI. The incident resulted in severe injuries to the shooter, Scott, including a broken orbital bone, nose, lacerated jugular vein, and punctured lung. The analysis points to the breech cap shearing off its threads as the failure point, highlighting the dangers of exceeding firearm pressure limits.

Quick Summary

A Serbu RN-50 rifle chambered in .50 BMG exploded due to extreme pressure exceeding 85,000 PSI, causing the breech cap to shear off its threads. The shooter sustained severe injuries, including a broken orbital bone, fractured nose, lacerated jugular vein, and punctured lung.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rifle Exploded, Near Death
  2. 00:44The Incident: Serbu RN-50, SLAP Rounds, April 9, 2021
  3. 01:21Inconsistent SLAP Round Performance Noticed
  4. 02:56Catastrophic Failure: Rifle Explodes on Final Shot
  5. 04:42Mechanical Analysis: Breech Cap Sheared, 85,000+ PSI
  6. 05:21Severe Injuries: Orbital Bone, Jugular Vein, Lung Puncture
  7. 08:05Emergency Response: First Aid and Transport
  8. 10:50Medical Intervention: Surgery and Blood Transfusion
  9. 12:24Future Outlook: Continuing Kentucky Ballistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Serbu RN-50 rifle to explode?

The Serbu RN-50 rifle exploded due to extreme internal pressure, estimated to exceed 85,000 PSI. This pressure caused the solid steel breech cap to shear off its threads, leading to a catastrophic failure of the firearm.

What injuries did the shooter sustain from the rifle explosion?

The shooter suffered severe injuries, including a broken orbital bone in three places, a fractured nose, a lacerated jugular vein from a piece of the lower receiver, and a punctured right lung. He required immediate medical attention and life-flight transport.

What is the estimated pressure that caused the .50 caliber rifle to fail?

Mark Serbu, the rifle's designer, estimated that the pressure inside the Serbu RN-50 during the catastrophic failure exceeded 85,000 PSI. This is significantly higher than the standard safe operating pressure for .50 BMG ammunition, which is typically around 55,000 PSI.

What specific ammunition was being used when the .50 caliber rifle exploded?

The rifle was being fired using SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) rounds. While the exact cause is pressure-related, the use of specialized, high-performance ammunition like SLAP rounds can sometimes contribute to higher chamber pressures.

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