[Leaning Right]

> the pressure isn’t contained so that it goes one direction as it is in a firearm, the sides blow out, etc makes noise yes <

I’m not a ballistics expert, and I do not play one on TV. But I think you’re right. It’s all about the pressure, or in this case a lack of pressure. My guess is that a cartridge in a fire would behave like a mini hand grenade, with a range of a few feet or so.

[nobamanomore]

The sides will blow out, and the cartridge case is propelled backwards as fast as the bullet goes forward, so neither has any velocity.

It’s kinda like the movies shooting rifles underwater and killing people, they won’t penetrate six feet underwater. I discovered this when I was about 12, fired a .45 into water of a horse tank, the bullet would drop to the bottom, penetrate about 2 feet.

[JBW1949]

But did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express????

[Riley]

My guess is that a cartridge in a fire would behave like a mini hand grenade, with a range of a few feet or so.

I wouldn't even go that far.

One of a hand grenades defining characteristics is lethal fragmentation. Uncontained ammo burning is more like a firecracker. Lots of noise, lightweight bits of brass casing fly around. If your eyes are protected you're probably fine.

[Redbob]

"My guess is that a cartridge in a fire would behave like a mini hand grenade, with a range of a few feet or so."

You guess wrong; see other replies.