While a summary (that I found on the web) of the issues for
this thread, I was mulling over the section about bullet set-back in the article I linked to, and I came upon this quote:
"This was first confirmed via a European cartridge maker (Hirtenberger in Austria) from information given to me by a high level Glock representative. 1/10" set back can cause pressures to double from 35,000 psi to 70,000 psi.
Note this was achieved with factory ammo and without the detrimental effect of lead build up in the barrels. I also had 'off the record' confirmations of this from two U.S. sources, one governmental and one manufacturer."
Now, since this is a particularly dangerous idea, I just want to make it crystal clear that
I am not recommending that anyone test this in their own firearms, nor am I saying that it is safe to do so. I am, however, rather skeptical that 0.1" of set-back could double the pressure in a .40 S&W. I can see where the seating depth could bring the pressure several thousand psi over the SAAMI maximum average, and therefore be dangerous, but doubling the pressure seems outlandish.
So this is an academic discussion, not a practical one, and I'm here to pick your brains. Unfortantely, the exact commercial load is not mentioned, nor are specific ballisticians or companies. What do you think? What could cause a pressure doubling with seating a bullet 0.1" inches deeper? The worst case I can think of is with a full charge of a high-energy ball powder that is being compressed by the extra seating depth. Even then... 70,000 psi?
I can't imagine any responsible manufacturer producing ammo that is a) loaded to the maximum recommended pressure, and, b) producing a round that is so dangerously sensitive to bullet movement.
Your thoughts please.
