What is the definition of a cook off?

A cook-off refers specifically to the phenomenon where a round is discharged as a result of the heat generated in the barrel of a firearm, especially after prolonged or rapid firing. This situation typically occurs when the barrel becomes excessively hot, causing the propellant in cartridges to ignite without the trigger being pulled. High temperatures can lead to a dangerous condition where ammunition can fire spontaneously due to the heat it is exposed to, which is why managing barrel temperature is a critical aspect of machine gun operations. Understanding this definition is essential for recognizing the potential hazards related to overheating during sustained fire and maintaining safe operating procedures in gunnery practice.