Are 100 Bobby Pins Lethal?

Published on March 24, 2026
Duration: 1:19

This video demonstrates an experimental modification of a 12-gauge shotgun shell, replacing birdshot with thousands of bobby pins. Through a three-part test involving water jugs, cardboard targets, and ballistic gelatin, the effectiveness and lethality of this improvised projectile are evaluated. The results indicate significant energy transfer, wide pattern spread, and penetration capabilities, suggesting the bobby pin shell is 'certified deadly'.

Quick Summary

A 12-gauge shotgun shell modified to fire thousands of bobby pins demonstrates significant lethality. Tests show it can eviscerate water jugs, penetrate ballistic gelatin deeply, and even punch through metal, embedding projectiles firmly. However, this modification results in a very wide and inaccurate spread.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Bobby Pin Shotgun Shell Concept
  2. 00:11Part 1: Water Test for Energy
  3. 00:31Part 2: Accuracy and Pattern Test
  4. 00:45Part 3: Ballistic Gelatin Test
  5. 01:05Penetration Test and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you replace birdshot with bobby pins in a 12-gauge shotgun shell?

Replacing birdshot with thousands of bobby pins in a 12-gauge shell results in a projectile with significant energy transfer, causing extensive damage to water jugs and deep penetration in ballistic gelatin. However, it also creates a very wide and potentially inaccurate spread.

How effective is a bobby pin shotgun shell for accuracy?

Testing shows that a 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with bobby pins has a 'crazy spread' at 10 yards, indicating it is not accurate for precise targeting. The wide dispersion means many projectiles miss the intended point of impact.

What are the terminal ballistics of a bobby pin shotgun shell?

The terminal ballistics are significant. Bobby pins fired from a 12-gauge shell can eviscerate water jugs, penetrate ballistic gelatin deeply along the spinal column, and even punch through metal table edges, embedding themselves firmly.

Is a bobby pin shotgun shell considered lethal?

Based on the tests, including penetration of ballistic gelatin and metal, the bobby pin shotgun shell is described as 'certified deadly.' The widespread embedding of sharp metal fragments suggests a high potential for causing severe injury.

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