What is the minimum barrel length for a 50 caliber(BMG) semi/full automatic?

Question

What is the bear minimum to contain over 50000 psi?

Answer 1

We at the CIA are wondering what you will do with such information....

scratch that, we already know....

see you soon. very soon....

Answer 2

Barrel length is generally 45 inches.

It depends on the round.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning...

http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infan...

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I didn't post anything about a .50 Action Express, which is a handgun cartridge. Read the links above... all apply to the M2 Browning Machine Gun.

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50-65,000 PSI on a standard 45 inch heavy barrel will last a long time. I've blasted a couple thousand rounds out of an M2 BMG just one session at the range. No problems... they last quite awhile before needing to be coated or replaced.

Answer 3

Answer for 1st question = 19 inches. As for 2nd question, I don't care.  

Answer 4

Read this

Answer 5

Barrel length does not affect abilty to contain breech

pressure. It affects the velocity and kinetic energy  which

is imparted to the projectile. To get some inderstanding

of that, for a 50 cal BMG, check out the specifications on

the round, and calculate the effect of barrel length by

comparing power loss in other more well-documented

cartridges as barrel lenght is reduced.