Can a Magazine Tube Cause a Chain Reaction?! (50cal Edition)

Published on May 3, 2022
Duration: 11:42

This video explores the potential for a chain reaction of negligent discharges within a firearm's magazine tube. The experimenter tests various calibers, including 30-06, 7.62x54R, and 50 BMG, by dropping them down a pipe to simulate magazine loading. The results indicate that while smaller calibers are unlikely to cause a chain reaction, heavy and sharp 50 BMG rounds can indeed initiate a cascade of primer strikes and detonations.

Quick Summary

A firearms experiment demonstrated that while smaller calibers like 30-06 and 7.62x54R are unlikely to cause a chain reaction in a magazine tube, heavy and sharp 50 BMG rounds can initiate a cascade of primer strikes and detonations due to their significant mass and kinetic energy upon impact.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The 50 BMG Challenge
  2. 00:17Recap: Previous Primer Ignition Tests
  3. 00:38The Chain Reaction Hypothesis
  4. 01:02Lever Action Magazine Tubes Explained
  5. 01:38Why Not 50 BMG Initially?
  6. 01:49Test Setup: The Vertical Pipe
  7. 02:07Testing 30-06 Ammunition
  8. 03:0430-06 Results: Primer Strike, No Ignition
  9. 03:24Testing 7.62x54R Ammunition
  10. 03:557.62x54R Obstacle: Rim Hang-up
  11. 04:147.62x54R Results: Primer Hit, No Ignition
  12. 04:42Testing with a Longer Pipe (6ft)
  13. 05:05Longer Pipe Results: Still No Ignition
  14. 05:16Conclusion on Smaller Calibers
  15. 05:56The 50 BMG Test: The Ultimate Challenge
  16. 06:0550 BMG Test Setup Details
  17. 06:46First 50 BMG Test: Failure
  18. 07:00Second 50 BMG Test: Success!
  19. 07:28Post-Test Analysis: The Chain Reaction
  20. 07:40Damage Assessment: Crater and Debris
  21. 08:07Apparatus Destruction: Cap Blown Off
  22. 09:40Discovering the Bullet Stuck in Primer
  23. 10:17How the Chain Reaction Occurred
  24. 10:39Final Answer: Chain Reaction Possible with 50 BMG
  25. 11:03Video Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a magazine tube cause a chain reaction of negligent discharges?

While unlikely with most common rifle calibers like 30-06 or 7.62x54R, a chain reaction is possible with very heavy and sharp projectiles. The experiment demonstrated that 50 BMG rounds, due to their mass and design, can initiate a cascade of primer strikes and detonations within a simulated magazine tube.

What calibers were tested for magazine tube chain reactions?

The experiment tested 30-06 Springfield, 7.62x54R, and 50 BMG cartridges. While the 30-06 and 7.62x54R failed to cause a chain reaction, the 50 BMG successfully initiated a cascade of primer strikes and detonations.

Why do most magazine-fed rifles use flat-nosed bullets?

Many rifle designs that utilize tubular magazines, such as some lever-action rifles chambered in calibers like 45-70, often employ flat-nosed bullets. This design choice is likely to prevent the sharp point of a spitzer bullet from striking and potentially igniting the primer of the cartridge in front of it during recoil or rough handling.

What was the setup used to test magazine tube chain reactions?

A vertical metal pipe, longer than a typical firearm magazine tube, was secured in the ground. A cartridge was placed at the bottom, and subsequent cartridges were dropped onto it. The experiment aimed to simulate the conditions within a magazine tube to observe if a chain reaction could be initiated.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from 1ShotTV

View all →