Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck
“One of the most frequently
encountered misconceptions
in handloading is that
a charge of smokeless powder is still
burning when the bullet (or shot
charge) exits the muzzle. As “evidence,”
many shooters cite the muzzle
flash, especially visible in dim
light. Nope, that ain’t burning
powder. Instead it’s the hot gas produced
by burned powder, re-igniting
once it strikes the oxygen in the
atmosphere.
Instead, almost all smokeless powder
burns within a short distance in
front of the cartridge. The exact
point varies with the powder’s burning
rate, the cartridge, the projectile
etc. But even in huge “magnum”
rifle cartridge, over 99% of the
powder is burned burned within 4-5 inches
of bullet travel.“
John Barsness
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Read it as you wish. Smokless powder supplies it's own oxygen, ceated by the potassium nitrate in the powder formula. This leaves a finite amount of Oxygen available inside the bore from the initial powder charge. Once Burnt,... and I dont think powder or gas can be re-ignited once it has been burned.. or can it ?
Upon exiting the muzzle, the unburned hot powder receives a new oxygen source from the atmosphere and completes the burn.
As is the case with the 270 /h4831 example, 95 %. of the powder has been consumed just short of 14" in the bore. John Barnsness notwithstanding.