How do incendiary bullets work?
The message title says it all... How exactly does incendiary bullets burn after impact?
My guess is that they are filled with a liquid, gel, or fluid that is exposed upon impact and either ignites chemically when contacting oxygen or else has some type of magnesium striker.
However, the only problem I see with my theory is that in order to pour lead into a bullet mold it would likely be hot enough to trigger the flammble liquid then... [8)]
How far off am I??? [:I]
My guess is that they are filled with a liquid, gel, or fluid that is exposed upon impact and either ignites chemically when contacting oxygen or else has some type of magnesium striker.
However, the only problem I see with my theory is that in order to pour lead into a bullet mold it would likely be hot enough to trigger the flammble liquid then... [8)]
How far off am I??? [:I]
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Hi Bambihunter,
Not all incendiary bullets will function exactly the same way but all are intended to do the same thing - start fires. For example, some incendiary bullets may be ignited by a timed fuse and some may ignite from the impact. This is similar to a contact explotion, but the bullets are not necessarily considered to be explosive.
The composition of the incendiary compound can vary as well, but many are made from a soild which is barium nitrate or magnesium so upon impact the ignition source will be very high temperature.
The .30-06 incendiary used by the military could be identified by an aluminum tipped bullet which would allow easy compression and deformation to explode the mixture.
Incendiary bullets were originally developed to fight the ballons used in WWII. The incendiary property is often combined with other bullet properties to be used on aircraft or lightly armored or unarmored vehicles. For example, armor-piercing-incendiary bullets.
I am sure other people will provide additional info.
Regards,
Heavyiron[8D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by bambihunter
However, the only problem I see with my theory is that in order to pour lead into a bullet mold it would likely be hot enough to trigger the flammble liquid then... [8)]
How far off am I??? [:I]
The lead core is inserted into into the jacket as a solid, not a liquid, it is than swedged (pressed) into place (taking on the size and shape of the jacket. The process is known as "cup and core".
Other materials can be introduced into the forming process (incendary, penatraters, etc) or the nose can be left empty to affect balance (flight) and terminal proformance (tumbling inside soft tissue).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
heavyiron, I must respectfully take issue with some of the information you provided.
(1) The silver (or aluminum tip) loading in US military ammunition is API while the plain incendiary (which was dropped in rifle caliber ammo after WW2) is identified by a blue somewhat darker than "robin's egg." These consistent identification schemes are the final forms; others, several of them dual color, were used in development programs and there are some discrepancies in these as one moves from .30-06 to .50 BMG to .60 HMG to 7.62x51 and on to other larger or more modern types.
(2) The original request for the development of this loading came from the Cavalry Board for a .50 BMG to use against ground targets. The program was quickly expanced to include loadings for the USAAF in view of self-sealing fuel tanks - first seen on Nazi planes during the Battle of Britain. Balloons had a very limited role in the Second World War - primarily as unmanned obstacles for attacking aircraft. While some incendiary and API ammunition was issued to ground forces, the emphasis was always on airborne weapons systems and defense against enemy aircraft.
bambi, the mechanical / technical data Tailgunner and heavyiron gave is spot on.
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the french." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / demoMAGGOTS" (me)0 -
How do they work? Sometimes not too good!
Ok seriously about the same as tracers. The jacket filled with incenderary substance and sealed. When the propelling charge ignites, it burns away the sealant and ignites the incendiary load, which usually burns somewhat slower than a tracer. Tracers utilize a phosphorus mixture.
Illegal in California.0
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