What Happens When You Fire Ammo Outside of a Gun?

Published on February 22, 2025
Duration: 36:02

This video experimentally tests what happens when ammunition is fired outside of a gun's chamber. Contrary to some misconceptions, firing cartridges without a barrel and chamber results in significantly reduced velocity and energy, often with incomplete powder burn. Even large calibers like .50 BMG and shotgun shells show minimal projectile movement and energy when ignited this way, highlighting the critical role of the firearm's design in harnessing explosive force.

Quick Summary

When ammunition is fired outside of a gun's chamber, the explosion is not contained or directed, resulting in very low projectile velocity and minimal energy transfer. The firearm's chamber and barrel are crucial for harnessing the explosive force safely and effectively.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Giveaway Announcement
  2. 02:01Firearm Chamber Physics Explained
  3. 02:589mm Control Test in Pistol
  4. 03:169mm Fired Outside Chamber Test
  5. 06:22.44 Magnum & 5.56 Outside Chamber
  6. 08:507.62x39 & .308 Outside Chamber
  7. 10:45Shotgun Shell Tests
  8. 14:05.50 BMG Test Outside Chamber
  9. 17:29Ammunition Ignited in Fire
  10. 26:17Final Large-Scale Fire Dump

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you fire ammunition outside of a gun?

When ammunition is fired outside of a gun's chamber, the explosion is not contained or directed. This results in very low projectile velocity and minimal energy transfer, often with unburnt powder scattering. The firearm's chamber and barrel are crucial for harnessing the explosive force safely and effectively.

Can a bullet fired from a cartridge outside a gun penetrate anything?

No, a cartridge ignited outside of a firearm's chamber produces very little kinetic energy. The projectile will move slowly, often barely leaving the casing, and lacks the velocity to penetrate even basic materials like a plastic trash can or a simple bulletproof glass viewing window.

Why doesn't ammo fired outside a gun explode like in movies?

Movies often exaggerate. In reality, a firearm's chamber and barrel are designed to contain and direct the explosion, creating high pressure for efficient powder burn and projectile acceleration. Without this containment, the powder burns inefficiently, and the energy dissipates without significant force.

Is it safe to ignite ammunition by throwing it in a fire?

While ammunition in a fire will pop and release projectiles, the energy is very low, and they lack penetration power. However, it's still not recommended due to unpredictable pops and potential for scattering. Proper disposal methods should always be followed.

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