Buzz
To comprehend the mechanics of blanks and their distinction from real bullets, we first need to clarify the difference between a bullet and a cartridge—two terms that are frequently confused. A bullet is the part of the cartridge that is propelled forward to hit a target. Here's an illustrative explanation:
Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0The gray object marked 1 is the bullet. Usually, these have a lead core encased in a tougher metallic shell. Bullets emerge from the top of a casing (2), which also contains gunpowder (3) or a similar compound.
Now, examine the bottom of the shell. You'll find both a rim (4) and a primer (5). When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the powder. As it burns, it releases gas quickly, creating enough pressure to push the bullet out of the cartridge and through the barrel of the gun.
On the other hand, blank cartridges eliminate the metal bullet entirely. Instead, the top of the shell is either crimped or sealed with a wad of paper, plastic, felt, or cotton. (This crimping or wadding prevents the gunpowder from spilling.) When fired, you still hear the distinctive gunshot sound. Since there's no bullet to propel, these specialized cartridges aren't likely to cause injury unless used incorrectly.
Don't be fooled: blanks can still be deadly. In 1984, actor Jon Erik-Hexum tragically lost his life on the set of CBS's *Cover-Up* due to a blank cartridge. Bored by constant delays, the actor aimed a gun loaded with blanks at his head and reportedly said, “Can you believe this crap?” before pulling the trigger.
He had pressed the barrel against his temple, and the force of the explosion caused significant damage, even without a bullet. It drove a fragment of his skull into his brain, resulting in severe bleeding and a coma. His injuries ultimately led to his death.
“Blanks aren’t toys,” warns firearms dealer Bob Lesmeister. “You must remember that the explosive force of the gas is enough to launch a bullet.” In fact, some blank cartridges contain more gunpowder than regular ones to produce an even louder sound.
The death of Jon Erik-Hexum was not an isolated case. Blank cartridges have been linked to several reported fatalities. As with any type of ammunition, great care must be taken when handling these rounds.
