I found and article at LoadData.com by John (Mule Deer) titled "How Smokeless Burns" and I have a few questions for him or anyone else that can help.

In the article it states the following.

One of the most frequently
encountered misconceptions
in handloading is that
a charge of smokeless powder is still
burning when the bullet (or shot
charge) exits the muzzle. As �evidence,�
many shooters cite the muzzle
flash, especially visible in dim
light. Nope, that ain�t burning
powder. Instead it�s the hot gas produced
by burned powder, re-igniting
once it strikes the oxygen in the
atmosphere.
Instead, almost all smokeless powder
burns within a short distance in
front of the cartridge. The exact
point varies with the powder�s burning
rate, the cartridge, the projectile
etc. But even in huge �magnum�
rifle cartridge, over 99% of the
powder is burned within 4-5 inches
of bullet travel.

My questions are, How did we arrive at this conclusion? Are there lab results etc. that can be tacked to this conclusion to help understand it?

Don't get me wrong, I tend to agree with this, but there are many that do not. Quickload for example disagrees with this theory.

Theory? That's my point, is it a theory or is it a fact that can be backed up with documentation?

Thanks
Steve

Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, a forty ounce malt liquor, a crack pipe, an Obama phone, free health insurance. and some Air Jordan's and he votes Democrat for a lifetime.