Posted: 3/17/2005 8:26:05 PM EDT
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can it be done. how far could a bullet go...? 
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If I remember correctly, the momentum will be the same in both directions when the bullet and you push apart. If we neglect any rocket affect from the gasses, and just consider the bullet, then: M_bullet * V_bullet = M_human * V_human Let's take a 150 grain .308 at 2800 fps. 7000 grains per pound. Let's say you weigh 150 pounds. M_bullet = 150 grains = 0.021428571 pounds V_bullet = 2800 fps M_human = 150 pounds V_human = ( M_bullet * V_bullet ) / M_human = 0.4 feet per second. Better have a 20mm chain gun if you want to get moving fast. |
Don't you read the American Rifleman?  There was an ask the experts article in there once where someone asked if guns would work in space. The answer is yes. Gunpowder contains the oxygen needed for the reaction in a vacuum. |
it's self-sustaining. the saltpeter in black power is a nitrate, which contains oxygen. |
I saw that one coming a mile away! So how does atmospheric oxygen support combustion inside a cartridge? It doesn't. Gunpowder has all it needs to burn right there in its chemical composition. It just needs activation energy. For this reason, fuse burns nicely underwater. Try lighting Black Cats and throwing them in a pond. Lots of fun! |
Of course, modern firearms use a nitrocellulose based gun powder, not black powder. |
Well I'll be damned. |
True enough, but smokeless powder is an entirely different animal. But it too is chemically complete and ready for combustion with or without air. |
| Oh if only I were in charge of NASA, we'd have all the answers we want. And I wouldn't waste time getting engineers to do the mathematical models -- I'd put everything from a Lorcin to a 30mm cannon on board the space shuttle along with all the appropriate instrumentation and do a range report. Heck, while I was up there, I'd even do a dinner pic! |