338 ARC vs 8.6 Blackout: Worse Than I Thought

This video compares the terminal ballistics of .22LR, .22 Magnum, .22 TCM, and .223 Remington by shooting watermelons. The .22LR caused minimal damage, while the .22 Magnum split the melon. The .22 TCM and .223 Remington demonstrated significantly more destructive power, with the TCM causing immediate fragmentation and the .223 showing more penetration. A 12-gauge bonus round concluded the test.

This video compares the 8.6 Blackout and .308 Winchester calibers through various barrier tests, including lumber, concrete, and mild steel. While the .308 Winchester demonstrated superior penetration against mild steel and higher muzzle velocity/energy, the 8.6 Blackout showed impressive performance in lumber penetration with significant tumbling and exceptional performance in a sand box test. The high RPM of the 8.6 Blackout, due to its 1:3 twist rate, was noted for its dramatic effect on water jugs.

This review compares the .338 ARC and 8.6 Blackout calibers, evaluating their long-range performance and terminal ballistics. While the .338 ARC demonstrated superior energy retention at 300 yards, the 8.6 Blackout was ultimately chosen as the winner due to platform versatility and potential for specialized ammunition.

The .338 ARC is a new caliber designed for the AR-15 platform, aiming to bridge the gap between 300 Blackout and 8.6 Blackout. While technically compatible with AR-15 lowers and 6.5 Grendel/6 ARC bolts, it faces significant challenges with magazine reliability. Ballistic gel tests show 8.6 Blackout offers superior lethality due to its twist rate, and 300 Blackout is more practical, leaving the .338 ARC in a difficult position despite its potential.

The speaker addresses viewer concerns regarding .38 Special test results, asserting the data is based on actual past testing and not misrepresented. They also acknowledge a patron's suggestion that the .32 H&R cartridge might be underrepresented in comparisons to .327 and .38 Special, reiterating that all figures stem from empirical testing.

The 30 Epic cartridge is presented as a significantly more powerful option than 5.56 NATO, 300 Blackout, and 6.8 Special, fitting within a standard AR-15 double-stack configuration. It achieves impressive ballistics, launching a 110-grain projectile at 2,800 fps from a 13-inch barrel, utilizing 6.8 SPC magazines. This review comes from Michael of Olympus Arms, Inc., indicating high expertise.

This comparison tests the .50 AE Desert Eagle against the .44 Magnum in various barrier tests, including wood, steel, sand, and concrete. While both calibers showed impressive power, the .50 AE demonstrated superior performance in ballistic gel with deeper penetration and a larger wound channel. Ultimately, the video questions if the .50 AE's marginal gains justify its significantly higher cost per round compared to the versatile .44 Magnum.

This video provides a detailed comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition, demonstrating their performance differences through rigorous barrier testing. While visually identical, 5.56 NATO shows a slight advantage in velocity and energy. Crucially, 5.56 NATO exhibits superior barrier penetration against lumber and steel, whereas .223 Remington struggles. Specialized rounds like M855A1 also show enhanced performance against sand barriers.

This video tests the lethality of various 'less lethal' shotgun rounds, including rubber buckshot, bean bags, and specialized projectiles. The .410 rubber buckshot demonstrated significantly higher velocity and penetration than 12-gauge versions. Bean bag rounds proved to be the most damaging, causing substantial plywood destruction and ballistic gel displacement, leading the host to conclude they are the most lethal 'less lethal' option.

This video compares 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP through various barrier tests including lumber, sand, and concrete, alongside ballistics gel testing. While all calibers performed similarly through most barriers, the .40 S&W showed slightly better penetration and expansion in ballistics gel. The host ultimately favors 9mm due to its lower recoil and higher capacity, despite the .40 S&W's respectable performance.