How does this relate to an bolt in an action? Smashing the end of a bolt (nail) has no relation to what compressed air does in its system. Massive over force if I may say. I think you may be referring to a bolt jumping out rather than failure.
........................................Now, imagine what could happen in a PCP where the cocking in a separate function, like it is in most Big Bores (because they are so hard to cock)…. The bolt handle and the back end of the slot in the receiver have to take the load from the sudden stop if it flies back because it was not locked down.... Big Bores need some secondary safety system to prevent the bolt from flying out the back in the event of a failure....Bob
Two things concerned me when I first got my .25 Marauder: 1. That the bolt lug was a "tiny" little threaded bolt, bearing on a aluminum receiver; 2. That there was no disconnector to prevent firing with the bolt unlocked.I did a few sums, and neither the peak force due to 3000 PSI on the bolt, nor its acquired energy during pressurized travel, scared me any more.Now, when I look at Lloyd's bolt FPE for larger calibers, that is scary; if there is no mechanism to prevent firing while the bolt is closed but unlocked. I have 5 ft.lb Weirauch air pistols that cannot be fired until the action is fully closed. Sure, that mechanism adds cost, but so does being sued for maiming someone. To me, such a disconnector on high power PCPs is a must, just like the anti-beartrap mechanisms on fixed barrel sliding cylinder springers.
Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate what can happen with a unlocked bolt handle. I know some dont like the nanny state but a built in safety that won't allow the gun to shoot unless the bolt is fully locked, a J slot, and lastly a cushioned dead stop may help.