Why shooting plastic explosives won't trigger a Hollywood-style explosion
In short: Movies often depict high-stakes scenes where a single bullet ignites a massive blast. In reality, military-grade plastic explosives like C-4 are designed with a level of stability that defies these cinematic tropes.
While their sole purpose is to explode violently, most explosives used by the military are remarkably stable. This video explores the surprising resilience of plastic explosives, specifically C-4.
Contrary to popular depictions in video games and films, C-4 will not detonate if it is shot or even if it is set on fire. Remarkably, the substance remains stable even if it is being shot while it is actively burning.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Can Shooting Plastic Explosive Really Set Them Off?
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