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    Superformance in Gas Guns

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    okan
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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Superformance in Gas Guns

    Uploaded by

    okan
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    Copyright:

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    34 views3 pages

    Superformance in Gas Guns

    Uploaded by

    okan
    .

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 3

    IN SEMI-AUTO/SELECT FIRE GUNS

    Background
    Superformance ammunition was developed in the Hornady ballistics lab utilizing state of the art test equipment in
    accordance with SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) guidelines for pressure, velocity
    and accuracy utilizing test barrels with SAAMI minimum specification chambers and bore and groove dimensions.

    All ammunition is extensively tested for pressure and velocity deviation at temperatures from - 20˚F to + 140˚F.
    All Superformance loads exhibit extremely stable performance with very little if any deviation in pressure and
    velocity at extreme temperatures.

    Superformance propellants provide a longer duration/application of peak pressure in the pressure time curve that
    occurs within the barrel (see Fig. 1 pressure curve). In other words, both Superformance and standard propellants
    provide an equally powerful “push” applied to the base of
    the bullet, but with Superformance propellants, the “push” Pressure Time Chart
    Fig. 1
    is applied for a longer period of time.

    Once the peak pressure dissipates, the Superformance


    Chamber Pressure
    powder burn returns to a “normal” curve, similar to stan-
    dard propellants. This illustrates the highly progressive
    burning characteristics of the powder and its ability to
    completely burn. A complete burn of the entire Super-
    Superformance
    formance charge takes place in a shorter period of time,
    Custom
    creating far less velocity reduction in shorter barrel lengths
    (barrel length = time to burn). Time

    INTERNAL BALLISTICS OF SUPERFORMANCE IN SEMI-AUTO/SELECT FIRE GUNS


    Superformance ammunition is tested and is safely within SAAMI pressure guidelines. Gas operated (direct
    Back Pressure from Suppressor
    impingement or gas piston) firearms are perfectly safe to use with Superformance ammunition. However, Hornady
    Gas Tube
    ballisticians have conducted testing with a variety of guns (including guns equipped with suppressors), and our
    findings conclude that some systems work far better with Superformance ammunition than others.
    Bolt Chamber
    It is recommended that to get the best functioning with Superformance ammunition in Barrelgas operated/gas piston
    w/Suppressor
    = Back Pressure
    semi-automatic or select fire guns, rifle length gas systems with 20 inch or longer barrel lengths are best for
    reliable firing and extraction. Any other configuration, particularly shorter barrels/gas systems are best served
    with the installation of an adjustable gas system, ESPECIALLY if a suppressor is to be installed.

    Due to the longer duration of peak pressure produced by Superformance™, the post peak/declining port pressure
    at common carbine and mid-length gas port locations is still higher than that produced by standard propellant.
    This has a tendency to flood the system with a larger volume of gas, at a higher velocity, that tries to open the bolt
    of the gun too fast. It’s a timing issue. The cartridge case is still swollen from the application of pressure during
    firing while the gun is simultaneously trying to extract the cartridge case before it has had an opportunity to settle
    back to its original size, or more simply: the gun is still in the process or firing while it’s trying to extract the
    cartridge case.

    If the firearm and the ammunition are not in sync, there can be what is commonly identified as “pressure signs”
    on the cartridge case. This is exhibited by the movement/marring of the head of the cartridge case, cratered
    primers, flat primers, ripped or ruptured cartridge cases, “popped primers”, and/or any combination of these
    (continued on next page)
    effects. If any of these “pressure signs” are apparent, stop firing immediately. If an adjustable gas system is
    installed, it is advisable to reduce the amount of gas flowing through the system by closing the gas port until
    the gun operates correctly.

    With the installation of an adjustable gas system, gas pressure can be metered to a point that enough gas is
    applied to open the bolt, but at a slower rate to allow the cartridge case to return to its original diameter prior to
    the movement of the bolt, and thus allow for proper extraction.

    16” Barrel w/Carbine Length Gas System


    Gas Tube

    Gas Port

    Bolt Chamber
    Gas port is approx 7.8” from the breech

    18” Barrel w/Mid-Length Gas System


    Gas Tube

    Gas Port

    Bolt Chamber
    Gas port is approx 9.8” from the breech

    20” Barrel w/Rifle Length Gas System


    Gas Tube

    Gas Port

    Bolt Chamber
    Gas port is approx 13.17” from the breech

    Pressure VS Gas Port Location


    Carbine Length Gas System (Approx)

    Rifle Length Gas System (Approx)


    Mid-Length Gas System (Approx)
    Chamber Pressure

    Pressure (Superformance™)
    Pressure (Standard Propellant)

    2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

    Gas Port Location (inches from breech)

    Due to the longer duration of peak pressure produced by Superformance™, the post peak/declining pressure
    at common carbine and mid-length gas port locations is still higher than that produced by standard propellant.
    However, there is very little difference in port pressure between Superformance™ and standard propellants at
    the rifle length port location.

    (continued on next page)


    Cha
    SUPERFORMANCE™ AND SUPPRESSORS Superformance
    Custom
    The use of suppressors on rifles creates yet another dynamic in firearms design that is not commonly understood
    or communicated. Consider the suppressor on a firearm the same as a muffler on a car. The suppressor works as
    a filter for the gas (noise) that is escaping the barrel during firing. As a “filter”, it takes longer for the gas to leave
    Time This back pressure, ESPECIALLY in a gas operated
    the confines of the firearm, and thus, it creates back pressure.
    firearm forces an extensive amount of gas back through the firearm’s operating system that may create too much
    thrust too early during the firearm’s cycle of operation.

    To counteract this back pressure, the use of an adjustable gas system is advised. By metering the gas system to
    ensure that it will cycle the firearm correctly and not flood the system with gas/pressure, the gun will work properly
    and will still benefit dramatically from the increased velocity potential of Superformance ammunition.

    Back Pressure from Suppressor


    Gas Tube

    Bolt Chamber
    Barrel w/Suppressor
    = Back Pressure

    Hornady Manufacturing 3 0 8 - 3 8 2-13 9 0 h o r n a d y. c o m

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