Tiffany Haney
In an episode of MythBusters, Jamie and Adam tested the dangers of ammunition in a fire. They found that the brass cases were more dangerous than the bullets themselves. Under heat, the cases split, exposing sharp edges and separating from the bullets at a greater speed. While the bullets themselves are relatively harmless, the brass cases could cause nasty injuries. In the episode, the MythBusters also blew up a keg of beer, emptied firearms at a frying pan, and tested the dangers of red rags on bulls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can bullets be deflected by a pan? | Yes, but it is dangerous. |
| Can bullets penetrate a pan? | Yes. |
| Can bullets be cooked in a pan to make a fire? | No direct evidence found. |
| Can bullets be cooked in a fire? | Yes, but the brass cases are more dangerous than the bullets. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ammunition can cook off in a house fire, causing the chambered ammunition to fire
- The risk of aircraft armament cooking off is a significant hazard during pre-flight operations
- A cook-off can be caused by a sustained thermal event less intense than a fire
- Ammunition with a relatively low auto-ignition temperature can cook off at 160–170 °C
- Cooking off was a characteristic of early 17th-century Swedish leather cannons, which prematurely ignited gunpowder
Ammunition can cook off in a house fire, causing the chambered ammunition to fire
Ammunition can pose a serious risk in the event of a house fire. An episode of MythBusters on the Discovery Channel explored this issue, testing two scenarios: storing loaded guns and loose ammunition in an oven, and throwing loose ammunition into a campfire. The results showed that while the bullets themselves may not be the primary concern, the brass cases can be extremely dangerous. When heated, these cases can split, creating sharp, shrapnel-like edges. Due to their lighter weight, the cases separate from the bullets at high speeds, potentially causing injury if someone is nearby.
In a real-world example, a test was conducted to determine the danger posed to firefighters by ammunition during a fire. Using a propane torch, rounds were heated, and it was observed that the primer shot out of the case with a velocity comparable to a BB gun. This demonstrates the potential for ammunition to discharge when exposed to high temperatures, such as in a house fire.
The MythBusters episode, titled "Red Rag to a Bull," highlighted the importance of understanding the risks associated with ammunition and fire. While the specific scenario of ammunition cooking off in a house fire was not mentioned, the show's hosts, Jamie and Adam, emphasized the potential dangers of loose ammunition in a campfire, which could translate to a residential fire setting.
It is crucial to recognize the hazards posed by ammunition in a fire. While the likelihood of death may be low, as mentioned in one source, the potential for injury is significant. The sharp edges of heated brass cases and the discharge of primers can lead to bloody and painful outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to take precautionary measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safe storage and handling of ammunition to mitigate these risks.
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The risk of aircraft armament cooking off is a significant hazard during pre-flight operations
The potential for ammunition to cook off poses a serious threat to flight safety. If ammunition were to detonate prematurely, it could cause damage to the aircraft, injure crew members, and compromise the integrity of critical systems. The risk is not limited to the bullets themselves; the brass cases that hold the bullets can also be dangerous. Under heat, these cases can split, creating sharp shrapnel that separates from the bullet at high speeds. This shrapnel could penetrate the aircraft's exterior or internal systems, leading to catastrophic failures.
To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to implement proper safety protocols during pre-flight operations. This includes ensuring that all ammunition is securely stored and monitored to prevent unintended heating. Additionally, crew members should be trained to recognize the signs of potential cook-off and take appropriate action. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify the design of the aircraft or ammunition storage systems to improve heat dissipation and reduce the likelihood of thermal induction.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the potential impact of external factors, such as industrial exhaust plumes. High-temperature exhaust plumes can cause significant air disturbances, including turbulence and vertical shear, which can affect aircraft stability. Additionally, the gases released in these plumes can reduce visibility, deplete oxygen levels, and contaminate aircraft engines. Pre-flight planning should involve assessing the intended route and taking necessary precautions to avoid these hazards.
By understanding the risks associated with aircraft armament cooking off and implementing proactive safety measures, the potential impact on flight operations can be significantly reduced. A comprehensive approach to pre-flight planning, crew training, and aircraft design can help mitigate this significant hazard and ensure the safe operation of aircraft.
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A cook-off can be caused by a sustained thermal event less intense than a fire
Shooting at frying pans or old cookware is considered fun by some gun enthusiasts. However, it can be extremely dangerous. In one instance, a person was injured when a bullet ricocheted off a frying pan and hit them in the gut. In another incident, a person shooting at a pan was fortunate that the bullet did not penetrate their skin, but it did leave a neat profile impression of the bullet on their shirt and skin.
These incidents highlight the potential dangers of shooting at cookware, and it is worth noting that even experienced marksmen can be injured by ricocheting bullets. While it may seem like an entertaining target, the potential risks are significant.
In an episode of the TV show MythBusters, the hosts tested the dangers of cooking off ammunition. They simulated two scenarios: storing loaded guns and loose ammunition in an oven and throwing loose ammunition into a campfire. The results indicated that the brass cases were more dangerous than the bullets themselves. When heated, the cases split open, creating sharp, shrapnel-like edges. Due to their lighter weight, the cases separated from the bullets at much higher speeds, potentially causing severe injuries if someone were nearby.
The MythBusters episode demonstrates that while cooking off ammunition may not result in lethal consequences, it can still cause significant harm. The sharp edges of the split brass cases and the high-speed separation of the cases from the bullets underscore the inherent dangers of this practice. Therefore, it is essential to handle ammunition with caution and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or fire to prevent unintended injuries.
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Ammunition with a relatively low auto-ignition temperature can cook off at 160–170 °C
Ammunition can ignite when exposed to heat, a phenomenon known as "cooking off". While the exact ignition temperature is not known, it is generally accepted that ammunition can cook off at temperatures lower than 500°F. For example, modern primers have a cook-off temperature of about 375°F.
Nitrocellulose, the primary component of modern smokeless gunpowder, has a low auto-ignition temperature of around 160–170 °C (320–338 °F). This means that nitrocellulose-based ammunition can ignite at these relatively low temperatures.
The process of "cooking off" specifically refers to the auto-ignition of combustible materials when exposed to heat. In the context of firearms, it describes the ignition of loaded cartridges in the chamber of a gun. This typically occurs in machine guns, which are prone to overheating due to rapid firing.
The ignition of ammunition can also occur in other scenarios, such as storing loaded guns or loose ammunition in an oven, or during house fires. While the ignition of ammunition can be spectacular, it is often relatively harmless, with the bullet or shot travelling a short distance. However, there is a risk of injury from flying debris or shrapnel.
Therefore, it is important to handle ammunition with care and to be aware of the potential hazards associated with exposure to high temperatures.
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Cooking off was a characteristic of early 17th-century Swedish leather cannons, which prematurely ignited gunpowder
In the 17th century, Sweden introduced leather cannons to the battlefield. These cannons were built by Swiss and Austrian engineers and first used during the Polish-Swedish War (1626-1629). The aim was to create a lightweight and mobile weapon that could be easily manoeuvred during battle.
The leather cannon was an experimental weapon, with its namesake varnished leather acting as a protective outer surface. The Swedish version of this weapon was constructed around a copper tube barrel, with glued and laminated cloth, a few iron rings, and a layer of leather.
Despite their innovative design, these cannons had a significant drawback: they were prone to "cooking off". This meant that they prematurely ignited gunpowder, which posed a serious risk of injury or death to those operating them. The problem was exacerbated by the reduced charge and special powder that had to be used to prevent the barrel from splitting due to the lightweight and fragile construction of the cannon.
The issue of "cooking off" was not unique to Swedish leather cannons, as evidenced by the MythBusters episode "Red Rag to a Bull", which explored the dangers of ammunition igniting under heat. The episode demonstrated that while the bullets themselves may not cause harm, the brass cases could act like shrapnel, separating at high speeds and causing significant injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Bullets can catch fire under certain conditions. For example, if a loaded firearm is involved in a house fire and gets hot enough, the chambered ammunition can fire.
When a bullet catches fire, the gunpowder inside the bullet case explodes, creating expanding gases. These gases usually escape through a new hole that forms on the side of the bullet case, and the bullet remains in place. However, there is a chance that the bullet might shoot out, although not with much power.
Bullets can catch fire when exposed to high temperatures. The kindling point of the bullet propellant needs to be reached for it to burn. This is typically around 160-170 °C (320-338 °F) for modern smokeless powder containing nitrocellulose.
While the bullets themselves may not cause significant harm when they catch fire, the brass cases can pose a danger. Under heat, the cases can split, creating sharp, shrapnel-like edges. These sharp pieces can cause eye injuries or other nasty wounds if they strike someone.
