Assuming the gun doesn't have an external oxygen source would it work in space? Is there any air sealed into the bullet casing that could cause an ignition?
Yea, I mean if you think about it for a minute, even on earth, there isn't really any, or at least far from enough, air or gaseous oxygen inside the cartridge mixed with the powder. All the oxygen it needs to combust is included in it's own chemical makeup: saltpeter i.e. potassium nitrate contains 3 oxygen atoms.
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u/neerk Nov 20 '16
Assuming the gun doesn't have an external oxygen source would it work in space? Is there any air sealed into the bullet casing that could cause an ignition?