50 Cal vs Fire Hydrant

Published on February 24, 2018
Duration: 12:43

This video demonstrates the destructive power of various firearms against a fire hydrant, a target known for its cast iron durability. Starting with smaller calibers like .22 LR and 9mm, which show minimal effect, the test progresses to 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm, causing superficial damage and eventually a hole. The true destructive potential is revealed with .50 BMG Raufoss and API rounds, which easily penetrate and ultimately split the hydrant in half. The experiment highlights the significant difference in terminal ballistics between common handgun/rifle rounds and heavy machine gun/anti-materiel calibers.

Quick Summary

The destructive power test against a fire hydrant revealed that smaller calibers like .22 LR and 9mm had minimal effect, only chipping paint. 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm rounds showed increasing penetration, with the latter creating a hole. However, .50 BMG rounds, especially Raufoss and API types, demonstrated overwhelming destructive capability, easily penetrating and splitting the cast iron hydrant in half.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Fire Hydrant Target & Previous Damage
  2. 00:31.22 LR Testing: Walther P22 vs Fire Hydrant
  3. 01:049mm Testing: Glock 19 vs Fire Hydrant
  4. 01:545.56mm Testing: Colt AR-15 vs Fire Hydrant
  5. 03:027.62x39mm Testing: AK-47 vs Fire Hydrant
  6. 04:29.50 BMG Raufoss Testing: Serbu BFG-50A
  7. 06:37.50 BMG API Testing: Silver-Tip Rounds
  8. 08:31Guest Shooter & Final Break: .50 BMG Hydrant Split
  9. 10:21Final Inspection: Cast Iron Damage Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms were used to test the fire hydrant's durability?

The test utilized a Walther P22 (.22 LR), Glock 19 (9mm), Colt AR-15 (5.56mm), AK-47 (7.62x39mm), and a Serbu BFG-50A (.50 BMG). Different types of ammunition were also employed for each caliber.

Which caliber was most effective at destroying the fire hydrant?

The .50 BMG caliber, particularly with Raufoss (Mk 211) and Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) rounds, proved most effective. These rounds easily penetrated the cast iron and ultimately split the hydrant completely in half.

Did smaller caliber rounds damage the fire hydrant?

Smaller calibers like .22 LR and 9mm had minimal effect, only chipping paint. The 5.56mm chipped about 3mm of cast iron, while the 7.62x39mm successfully created a hole, but none achieved significant structural damage like the .50 BMG.

What is the primary material of a fire hydrant that makes it durable?

Fire hydrants are typically constructed from thick cast iron. This material is known for its strength and resistance to penetration, making it a challenging target for many standard firearms.

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