Very impressive. I think that a modern design made from chrome moly steel like a Rem 700 would not fragment. I think. You should try one.

They used a full case of P38 powder. The
case head failed, gas destroyed the receiver.
What's the point?, what was learned?.

Because they could.

I thought this was an answer to Saeed's question in a recent post: How does one remove a barrel quickly and efficiently?

The same 243 load fired in a Remy700 would be very interesting.

quote:

Originally posted by hawkins:
They used a full case of P38 powder. The
case head failed, gas destroyed the receiver.
What's the point?, what was learned?.

Do not use wrong type of powder?

The comparative strength of different rifle designs at pressure that exceed 150% of proof pressures may be signifigant on some level but I am left wondering how relative is it to the average handloader?

35 grains of the fastest pistol powder made - and a double base powder at that - is not likely to leave any firearm in any kind of condition that I would trust.
Even if the gun did not fail catastrophically it would undoubtedly be riddled with microfractures throughout the action and chamber areas.
Some guns are safer when exposed to pressures well beyond those that could be expected to be achieved without purposeful misuse but are they safe to use after that?

Glad you didn't make Walter shoot it

I have seen photos of a M70 and a M700 fired with gross overloads or obstructions. Once the case fails the top of the receiver blows off.
However in both rifles the bolt stayed in place.