Originally Posted By: EDM
Query: Does rate of burn really matter?

Assuming 1,100 fps at point of exit, 1,100 fps versus 2.5-foot barrel length means that the ejecta is going the barrel length to point of exit in 1/220th of a second (twice the 1/440th of a second of the ejecta going at 1,100 fps x 2.5 feet after exit at full speed). The average person's reaction time is about 3/10ths of a second or 66/220ths of a second. The travel time of the ejecta is about 66 times faster than the average person's mind works.


Good post. But human reaction time is not a measure of neurophysiological capacity to discriminate rates of acceleration. If I send identical letters to England - one by steamship, one by supersonic transport - both will be able to convey my meaning. The contents of the letter sent by steamship will not be degraded by virtue of having spent an extra week or so aboard ship.

Of course, communication can be degraded if the letterwriter and/or recipient are dunces. smirk

Sam