What Happens when you Shoot Damaged Ammo?

Published on February 27, 2016
Duration: 13:38

This expert guide details the experimental process of testing damaged 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition using an AR-15. The VSO Gun Channel Host, demonstrating high authority and a safety-oriented approach, outlines the use of specialized equipment like a Chrony Beta Model chronograph and a K-Zone shooting rest. The experiment focuses on understanding the effects of physically damaged cartridges on firearm function, chamber pressure, and projectile velocity, while emphasizing strict safety protocols throughout the high-risk demonstration.

Quick Summary

Shooting damaged 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition carries significant risks. While some damage, like bent front cases, might allow normal cycling, pushed-in projectiles can cause dangerous pressure spikes and velocity increases. Rear-bent cases may require the forward assist. These unpredictable factors, including point of impact shifts, make firing damaged ammo a hazardous practice that should be avoided.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Testing Damaged Ammo
  2. 00:22Equipment and Setup: AR-15, Chronograph, Ammo Types
  3. 01:17Safety Precautions: PPE and Obstruction Checks
  4. 03:17Testing Bent Front Ammo Results
  5. 05:42Testing Bent Back Ammo Results
  6. 07:54Testing Pushed-In Projectiles Results
  7. 09:38Target Analysis and Brass Inspection
  8. 11:17Conclusion: Risks of Damaged Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you shoot damaged 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition?

Shooting damaged 5.56x45mm NATO rounds can lead to unpredictable results. While some damage like bent front cases may allow normal cycling, pushed-in projectiles can increase chamber pressure and cause velocity spikes. Rear-bent cases might require the forward assist to chamber. Crucially, these risks make shooting damaged ammo highly dangerous.

Is it safe to fire ammunition with pushed-in bullets?

It is not safe to fire ammunition with pushed-in bullets. This type of damage reduces the internal volume of the cartridge case, which can lead to dangerous pressure spikes when fired. These spikes can exceed safe operating limits for the firearm and pose a significant risk to the shooter.

What are the key safety precautions when testing ammunition?

When testing ammunition, especially damaged rounds, strict safety protocols are paramount. This includes wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), using a stable shooting rest to keep hands clear of the action, and monitoring the target downrange for any signs of barrel obstructions like squib loads. Never conduct such tests without proper safety measures.

How does damaged ammunition affect point of impact?

Damaged ammunition, particularly rounds with pushed-in projectiles, can significantly affect the point of impact. In this test, such rounds caused a 3-inch downward shift in impact compared to undamaged ammunition. This deviation is likely due to altered ballistic performance resulting from increased chamber pressure and altered projectile launch dynamics.

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