When a high-energy proton beam strikes a target, a direct hit on an atomic nucleus triggers a chain of nuclear reactions, releasing a massive amount of energy. Even a glancing blow that misses the nucleus will instantly melt the target and cause a devastating explosion. Furthermore, the impact generates a secondary magnetic field, inflicting even more structural damage.
Naturally, this payload couldn't be compared to a genuine, large-scale nuclear warhead, which yields an explosive force measured in tens or hundreds of thousands of tons of TNT. But compared to conventional infantry weapons, the Gauss Rifle's power was astronomically higher.
