When Does A Bullet Become Lethal ???

Published on May 18, 2023
Duration: 17:31

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the minimum bullet velocity required for lethality using a Ballistic Dummy Lab torso. The experiment demonstrates how velocity significantly impacts penetration and damage, with higher velocities from 9mm and a 4-gauge shotgun causing progressively more severe effects. The speaker, Scott, exhibits high authority through professional testing methods.

Quick Summary

The minimum velocity for a 9mm bullet to show lethal potential was observed around 509 fps, penetrating the chest cavity of a ballistic dummy. Velocities below 328 fps failed to cause significant damage, while high velocities (812-1027 fps) from Underwood 147gr JHP rounds proved devastating.

Chapters

  1. 00:46Introduction to Lethality Experiment
  2. 02:03Low Velocity Testing (165-328 fps)
  3. 05:15Medium Velocity Testing (425-509 fps)
  4. 08:13High Velocity Testing (812-1027 fps)
  5. 13:48Russian 4-Gauge Shotgun Finale

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum velocity for a 9mm bullet to be considered lethal?

While not a single definitive number, the experiment showed that velocities around 509 fps began to demonstrate lethal potential by penetrating the chest cavity of a ballistic dummy. Lower velocities, like 165 fps, resulted in the bullet bouncing off, and 328 fps only broke a rib without deep penetration.

How does bullet velocity affect terminal ballistics?

Higher bullet velocity significantly increases terminal ballistics. As demonstrated, increased velocity leads to deeper penetration, greater tissue damage, and more devastating effects. The experiment showed a clear progression from non-penetration at low speeds to severe organ damage and skull penetration at high speeds.

What equipment was used to test bullet lethality?

The test utilized a Ballistic Dummy Lab zombie torso for realistic tissue and organ simulation. Bullet velocities were measured using a ProChrono DLX chronograph. Various custom 9mm pistols with different barrel lengths and Underwood 147gr JHP ammunition were employed, culminating in a Russian 4-gauge shotgun test.

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