700 Nitro Catastrophic Failure (When Guns Go Boom EP - 13)

Published on June 30, 2026
Duration: 20:03

This video details a dangerous experiment demonstrating the catastrophic failure of a heavily modified 700 Nitro Express double barrel rifle. The rifle, originally a 10 gauge and exhibiting 'off face' issues, was deliberately over-pressurized to extreme levels (over 150,000 psi per barrel). The test resulted in significant destruction of the firearm and surrounding materials, highlighting the severe consequences of extreme pressure events in firearms.

Quick Summary

The 700 Nitro Express rifle, originally a 10 gauge and exhibiting an 'off face' condition, was subjected to extreme over-pressurization exceeding 150,000 psi per barrel. This deliberate test resulted in a violent catastrophic failure, destroying the rifle and demonstrating the severe consequences of exceeding safe firearm operating pressures.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 700 Nitro Express Catastrophic Failure
  2. 00:40Scott from Kentucky Ballistics Introduces the Test
  3. 00:56The 700 Nitro Double Barrel Safari Rifle
  4. 01:17Why Test This Rifle? 'Off Face' Condition Explained
  5. 01:45Normal vs. Extreme Pressures for 700 Nitro Express
  6. 02:15Sponsor: War Thunder
  7. 02:50Testing the Left Barrel for Gas Escape
  8. 03:10Loudness of the 700 Nitro Express
  9. 03:24Observing Gas Escape from the Left Barrel
  10. 03:51Testing the Right Barrel for Gas Escape
  11. 04:06Preparing for the Ultimate Test: Firing Both Barrels
  12. 04:11Practice Pulls with Primed Cases
  13. 04:45First Dual Trigger Pull Attempt
  14. 04:54Second Dual Trigger Pull Attempt (Failure)
  15. 05:09Committing to the Catastrophic Failure Test
  16. 05:14Setting Up the Test Area
  17. 05:34Loading Over-Pressured Rounds
  18. 05:55Final Preparations and Safety Checks
  19. 06:02Initiating the Catastrophic Failure
  20. 06:43Post-Failure Analysis: The Rifle
  21. 07:15Analysis: One Barrel Fired, Not Both
  22. 07:40Damage to the Barrel Sleeve and Stock
  23. 07:52Finding the Left Barrel
  24. 08:07Examining the Ballistic Dummy ('Mr. Zombie')
  25. 08:14Shredded Forend and Missing Barrel
  26. 08:32Discovery of the Second Barrel
  27. 08:51Evidence of Extreme Force
  28. 09:11Finding a Piece of Brass with 'Boom' on It
  29. 09:26Damage to Cinder Blocks and Plexiglass
  30. 09:32Closer Look at the Recovered Rifle Parts
  31. 09:50Analysis of the Shredded Right Barrel and Forend
  32. 09:70The Cracked Top Rib and Front Sight
  33. 09:75Detailed Examination of the Sleeved Barrel Failure
  34. 09:91Conclusion: Devastating Consequences of Failure
  35. 10:11Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute
  36. 10:21Test Conclusion and Zombie Bust Status
  37. 10:34Sponsor: War Thunder (Repeat)
  38. 10:87Final Thoughts and Call to Action
  39. 11:17Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the normal operating pressures for a 700 Nitro Express?

Normal operating pressures for a 700 Nitro Express are typically between 40,000 and 50,000 psi. This experiment intentionally exceeded these limits significantly.

What is an 'off face' condition in a double barrel rifle?

An 'off face' condition means the barrels of a double barrel rifle do not align perfectly with the action when closed. This can lead to pressure escaping from the breech, making the firearm unsafe.

What caused the catastrophic failure of the 700 Nitro Express rifle?

The rifle was deliberately over-pressurized to extreme levels, far exceeding its safe operating limits. This, combined with its 'off face' condition and history as a converted 10 gauge, led to a violent catastrophic failure.

What kind of damage resulted from the 700 Nitro Express failure?

The failure resulted in the rifle being completely destroyed, with the barrel sleeve snapping, the stock cracking, the forend shredded, and parts of the firearm being ejected significant distances.

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