That's a big gun!

[Yahoshua]

Originally Posted by kurtz

Surely recoil is the application of one of Newtons Laws (3rd I think) Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

The recoil is because the propellant in the cartridge expands forcing the casing and bullet away from each other equally. As the bullet can move freely out of the barrel that moves faster and further than the rifle itself.

I seem to be posting parts of the recoil process and not the full event . I need to get my brain in order. But yes you are correct.

Okay, we'll start from the beginning here using a Bolt-Action Rifle as an example, the chamber is loaded and the bolt is in the process of firing.

1. Firing pin strikes Primer, igniting powder in cartridge. Cartridge casing expands and stops against the wall of the chamber and bolt face.

2. Expanding gases from powder in cartridge begin to force bullet out of the casing and onto the lands and grooves in the barrel (the casing doesn't move rearward yet because it's grabbing the sides of the chamber).

3.Friction between the bullet and the lands and grooves pulls the barrel slightly forward.

4. Air that's in the barrel begins to be pushed out by the bullet toward the muzzle.

5. Shock from the air impact breaks the speed of sound (bang).

6. Bullet leaves muzzle.

7. Expanding gases leave muzzle.

8. Cartridge casing springs back to original size after internal pressure drops.

9. Air rushes back into barrel and slams into spent cartridge casing.

10. Cartridge casing slams into face of bolt and the force of impact travels through the receiver, the stock, and into the shooter.

The video here will help with the above processs (the forward movement is almost imperceptible since there's no background to illuminate the barrel, but I believe this is a beretta that's being fired).

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video//S...g_Stuff/?m=new