5.56 vs 5.45x39 On Mild Steel: NOT So Similar After All?

This video from Guns Blazing Ranch provides a direct comparison between 5.56mm M193 and M855 'green tip' ammunition. Demonstrations show the significant difference in penetration power against a cinder block, with M855 exhibiting superior destructive capability. The content highlights practical differences relevant to firearm enthusiasts.

This demonstration by Civilian Tactical showcases the significant terminal ballistic differences between standard 5.45x39mm ammunition and the 7N6 'poison bullet'. Through ballistic gelatin testing, the video illustrates how the 7N6 round's design causes immediate tumbling and yaw, leading to a dramatic energy dump and a much larger wound cavity compared to the standard round. The instructor's expertise is evident in the controlled testing and clear explanation of the observed phenomena.

This video provides a direct comparison of .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO energy output out to 75 yards, using two 16-inch barrel AR-15 platforms and specific handloads. The analysis, conducted by The Gun Dungeon Host, utilizes a LabRadar to measure velocity and calculate energy, concluding that .300 Blackout offers significantly more energy at these distances, making it a strong contender for deer hunting where a minimum of 1000 ft-lbs is often recommended.

This video provides an in-depth comparison of the M995 and M855A1 5.56mm rounds, showcasing their performance against various steel plates and concrete. The M995, featuring a tungsten carbide penetrator, demonstrates significantly superior penetration capabilities compared to the M855A1, especially against hardened steel targets. The host, from Banana Ballistics, highlights the M995's effectiveness and its high cost.

Garand Thumb's expert analysis debunks myths about 5.56x45mm NATO lethality from short barrels. The video demonstrates through rigorous testing with high-speed cameras and ballistics gel that 5.56 remains highly effective at close to moderate ranges (up to 125 yards) even from barrels as short as 10.3 inches. Both M855 and Hornady BTHP rounds show significant fragmentation and energy transfer, proving their suitability for home defense and tactical scenarios.

This video showcases a custom AR-15 build with striking red anodized accents on components like the buffer tube, safety selector, and charging handle. The build features a micro red dot sight and a Magpul PMAG magazine. The presenter humorously compares the expense of custom firearms to past habits, highlighting the financial commitment involved in such builds.

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.