[AlphaCat]

If a bullet (jacketed) were to explode, without being put in a barrel, say; if you threw it up against something concrete, does the bullet have the same capability to be lethal as it did before without the forward velocity it gains from the barrel?

[ranger_sxt]

Yes it potentially can be lethal, but it will not be as lethal as being in a chamber.

[marysdad]

This has been well researched and demonstrated. The answer is, no.

When not confined, the case will attain about 150 fps and the bullet (being heavier) a lot less. At 150 fps, the case won't even penetrate a sheet of corrugated cardboard ( I can't remember where I read about that). An excellent book that addresses this question (and a load of other fascinating info not found elsewhere) is Hatcher's Notebook, by Julian S. Hatcher. Hatcher served in the Ordnance Corps for 40 years and experimented with just about everything that you can do to a firearm. Hatcher experimented by electrically firing various cartridges (.30-06, .45 ACP., 12 GA.) while next to a bar of soap (to simulate flesh). The deepest penetration was a dent about 1/4 in. deep, which he felt would cause a bruise that would not break the skin.

[BLS33]

When the gas is confined in the barrel it creates much a higher propellant velocity because the gas cannot expand freely and must push the bullet out to free itself. In the open it is free to spread out immediately.

[alsaqr]

My occupation is Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Over the past 48 years i have destroyed in excess of two billion rounds of small arms ammunition by burning, mostly in open pits. Sometimes the cases and bullets fly about 15 feet: Seldom do they go further than that. Steel cased ammunition makes a louder bang when it burns.

[WILDCATT]

this question has me puzzled. and did any one catch it no! nothing will happen unless it bonces back.he said bullet not cartridge.

[robocop10mm]

A lot of less sophisticated gunners refer to ammunition as bullets. Just like the folks that refer to bullets as "heads". Lets try to nurture these neophytes and get them into the fold. I try to be as proper and descriptive as possible in dealing with the undereducated members of our society.

[bkt]

Originally Posted by alsaqr

My occupation is Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Over the past 48 years i have destroyed in excess of two billion rounds of small arms ammunition by burning, mostly in open pits. Sometimes the cases and bullets fly about 15 feet: Seldom do they go further than that. Steel cased ammunition makes a louder bang when it burns.

Is there any danger you'd want to "dispose" of it by sending it to me in the future? I'm going broke with ammo prices these days....

[Pounce]

I like that question bkt. I could use some (a lot) also!

[cnorman18]

I remember reading some years ago about a cop who accidentally shot a hole in the ceiling of his squadroom. He claimed that he dropped a live round when reloading, and that it detonated when it hit the floor. His commander didn't buy it...