[Ultra Tech] Variable Solid Propellant Firearm

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

That's been the conventional wisdom for a while but now that polymer-cased ammo has started being used one of the benefits seems to be that using a thermal insulator rather than a conductor sends more heat out the barrel and the gun runs cooler.

Makes sense. You could probably achieve the same thing with ceramics or laminates. You could also use a consumable case that absorbs heat as part of its decomposition -- that would cost you some energy, but it it might wind up a net positive.