Elmer Keith's ka-BOOM

Published on July 16, 2015
Duration: 4:40

This entry details the catastrophic failure of Elmer Keith's Colt Single Action Army revolver due to improper ammunition. It highlights the dangers of using oversized bullets and the pressure spikes that can lead to firearm failure. The incident is presented as a pivotal moment that influenced Keith's later work in developing powerful magnum cartridges.

Quick Summary

Elmer Keith's Colt Single Action Army catastrophically failed due to using oversized .45-70 bullets (.458" diameter) in a .45 Colt (.454" diameter) firearm, causing dangerous pressure spikes. This incident was a pivotal moment that drove Keith to develop more robust magnum cartridges like the .44 Magnum.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Elmer Keith
  2. 00:57The 'ka-BOOM' Incident
  3. 02:46Technical Failure and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Elmer Keith's Colt Single Action Army to explode?

Elmer Keith's Colt Single Action Army cylinder failed due to a catastrophic pressure spike caused by using oversized .45-70 bullets (0.458" diameter) in a .45 Colt (.454" diameter) firearm. This mismatch led to the cylinder wall and top strap bursting.

How did Elmer Keith's firearm failure influence cartridge development?

The violent failure of Keith's .45 Colt revolver, which he experienced while cowboying in Montana, directly motivated him to develop more powerful and robust magnum cartridges, including the .357, .41, and .44 Magnum.

What are the dangers of using oversized bullets in firearms?

Using oversized bullets, like the .45-70 bullets in a .45 Colt firearm, creates excessive friction and pressure as the bullet tries to swage down. This can lead to bore obstruction, dangerous pressure spikes, and potentially catastrophic firearm failure.

Who was Elmer Keith and what was his contribution to firearms?

Elmer Keith was a legendary American gun writer and firearms enthusiast, instrumental in the development of the .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, and .44 Magnum cartridges. His extensive experience and experiments, including a notable firearm failure, shaped modern handgun cartridges.

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