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Maximum Average Pressure (MAP)

Definition

The SAAMI statistical ceiling for mean chamber pressure across a production lot of cartridges, at specified temperature and barrel conditions. CIP uses maximum mean pressure (MMP) expressed in MPa. Forensic overpressure determinations compare reconstruction estimates against these figures.

Related terms

Chamber Pressure
The gas pressure inside the firearm's chamber and bore during combustion of the propellant charge. Measured by piezoelectric transducer in psi (SAAMI)...
Hangfire
A delay between firing-pin strike and cartridge ignition, ranging from fractions of a second to several seconds. Caused by degraded or moisture-contaminated...
Piezoelectric Transducer
A quartz or ceramic crystal sensor mounted in a barrel port that converts chamber pressure to a measurable electrical charge. The basis...
Slamfire
Unintended cartridge ignition during bolt closure, without a discrete trigger pull. Caused by free-floating firing pin inertia or primer over-sensitivity. Produces automatic-like...
Squib Load
An underpowered cartridge where the propellant fails to generate enough gas to fully propel the bullet out of the barrel. The bullet...
Throat Erosion
Wear of the bore at the point where the rifling begins (the throat or leade), caused by hot propellant gas and bullet...

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