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Why cant a gun shoot multiple calibers?

Originally posted by: silverpig
Ever throw a hotdog down a hallway?
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Stewie: "So, is there any tread left on the tires? Or at this point would it be like throwing a hot dog down a hallway?"

OP, I don't see how a gun could shoot 3 different calibers from the same barrel. That would make about as much sense as using .05 lead in a .07 mechanical pencil (or vice versa).
 
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the hammer strikes the casing and ignites. If there is room, there would be no forceful explosion, and the bullet would just limp out, probably not going very far or fast.

they do make adapters for bullets of other sizes to fit into larger caliber weapons, however they are not practical and probably don't even exist anymore
 
Originally posted by: destrekor
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the hammer strikes the casing and ignites. If there is room, there would be no forceful explosion, and the bullet would just limp out, probably not going very far or fast.

they do make adapters for bullets of other sizes to fit into larger caliber weapons, however they are not practical and probably don't even exist anymore
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Basically: You could do it if you really wanted to, but it'd suck.
 
This is the wrong forum. Something this complicated belongs in Highly Technical. Reading about how guns works wouldn't solve this, we need the big heads on this... STAT.
 
Originally posted by: destrekor
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the hammer strikes the casing and ignites. If there is room, there would be no forceful explosion, and the bullet would just limp out, probably not going very far or fast.

they do make adapters for bullets of other sizes to fit into larger caliber weapons, however they are not practical and probably don't even exist anymore
Click to expand...

For some large caliber sniper rifles they still use adapters to fire smaller bullets - they get huge muzzle velocity and incredible range.
 
I think I remember hearing about an assault rifle with multiple barrels and multiple magazine receivers, but it was for US troops to be able to shoot 223 and 762 (US/UN/NATO/whatever) and I'm not sure whether it was actually introduced into service.
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: destrekor
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the hammer strikes the primer
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Click to expand...

well strikes the end of the casing which holds the primer. i just kinda skimped on detail. 😀
 
A 38 special will usually shoot a 357 magnum.

A non-automatic rifle chambered for 22 magnum will usually shoot anything below that (22 long rifle, 22 long, 22 short).

A 22 Hornet can not.
Its a center fire.


.223 can sometimes be mixed with 5.56mm rounds. The primer is a little different but some guns have been designed to handle both.

Same for 308 winmag and 7.62mm.

As for the above idea of a single gun that can have parts changed out and use either 5.56 or 7.62: That would be a real pain in the butt, especially in the field. Its fine for a collectors or hunters weapon, but certainly not for soldiers out in the field.

Would actually be easier just to carry two guns.

Having said that, I have seen places like Les Baur and Bushmaster come out with AR15's in both calibers, but they are seperate guns with seperate parts.
 
Originally posted by: destrekor
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the hammer strikes the casing and ignites. If there is room, there would be no forceful explosion, and the bullet would just limp out, probably not going very far or fast.

they do make adapters for bullets of other sizes to fit into larger caliber weapons, however they are not practical and probably don't even exist anymore
Click to expand...

Same principle as in paintball, without a perfect seal the pressure behind the bullet is greatly reduced.
 
Originally posted by: GuideBot
I think I remember hearing about an assault rifle with multiple barrels and multiple magazine receivers, but it was for US troops to be able to shoot 223 and 762 (US/UN/NATO/whatever) and I'm not sure whether it was actually introduced into service.
Click to expand...

I read that as UNATCO, too much Deus Ex for me.
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: destrekor
lol
simple answer... the bullet needs to basically create a sealed space within the chamber for when the firing pin strikes the primer
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Click to expand...

Since we're nit-picking here.

Oh, and to the OP... you know what, I don't even know where to begin. Nevermind.
 
Originally posted by: GuideBot
I think I remember hearing about an assault rifle with multiple barrels and multiple magazine receivers, but it was for US troops to be able to shoot 223 and 762 (US/UN/NATO/whatever) and I'm not sure whether it was actually introduced into service.
Click to expand...

On an AR15, you can use one lower reciever with several different upper recievers.

 
Originally posted by: shortylickens
A 38 special will usually shoot a 357 magnum.

A non-automatic rifle chambered for 22 magnum will usually shoot anything below that (22 long rifle, 22 long, 22 short).

A 22 Hornet can not.
Its a center fire.


.223 can sometimes be mixed with 5.56mm rounds. The primer is a little different but some guns have been designed to handle both.

Same for 308 winmag and 7.62mm.

As for the above idea of a single gun that can have parts changed out and use either 5.56 or 7.62: That would be a real pain in the butt, especially in the field. Its fine for a collectors or hunters weapon, but certainly not for soldiers out in the field.

Would actually be easier just to carry two guns.

Having said that, I have seen places like Les Baur and Bushmaster come out with AR15's in both calibers, but they are seperate guns with seperate parts.
Click to expand...

While a gun designed for the .38 Special can fire a .357 Magnum round, you would NOT want to do this under normal circumstances. If you have a pistol designed for .357 Magnum, feel free to shoot .38 Special all you want. The reason is that a .357 (being a Magnum cartridge) produces a much higher pressure than a .38 Special and your cylinder could deform, crack or even explode.
 
Originally posted by: oogabooga
This is the wrong forum. Something this complicated belongs in Highly Technical. Reading about how guns works wouldn't solve this, we need the big heads on this... STAT.
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my sarcasm meter is broken, r u serious?
 
There are guns which can handle multiple calibers, if you swap the barrel and cylinder (for revolvers). My uncle has a 454 Casull with 2 or 3 additional barrels/cylinders.
 
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