5.56 vs 7.62 vs 5.45: One Clear Choice

This video from Kentucky Ballistics tests the bullet resistance of a 22-pound steel mug against a wide array of firearms, from .22LR to .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG. The presenter, Scott, systematically fires each caliber at the mug, documenting the impact and penetration. While smaller calibers like .22LR and 5.7mm had no effect, larger handgun rounds like .44 Magnum and .460 S&W Magnum began to dent and deform the mug. Rifle calibers, particularly the 5.56mm and 277 Fury, caused significant damage and penetration. The most powerful rounds, the .500 Nitro Express, .577 Tyrannosaur, and .50 BMG, all inflicted substantial damage, with the .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG penetrating the mug, though neither fully passed through. The test highlights the impressive durability of the heavy steel mug.

This video provides a comprehensive recap of firearms filmed by Yoki Sturrup in May, showcasing a diverse collection valued at approximately $60,000. The content features detailed shooting impressions and brief overviews of various rifles, pistols, and submachine guns, including the IWI Zion 15, Zastava ZPAP M92, Glock 43X with Radion Ramjet, Springfield Hellion, FN 57, Glock 48, SIG MPX, MAC 10, FOSSCK 300 Blackout, Glock 19 Gen 5 and Gen 6, Draco NAK9, AK-47 variants, ZPAP M70 Tactical, SCAR 20S, FN M249 SAW, and Barrett M107. The presenter offers insights into handling, recoil, and overall shooting experience for each firearm, highlighting specific features and calibers.

This video provides an in-depth review of the 2019 AK-12, the second iteration of the rifle developed for Russia's Ratnik program. It details significant improvements over the AK-74, including a new quick-detach muzzle brake, a combined gas block and front sight, an integrated rear aperture sight with a Picatinny rail for optics, a four-position selector (safe, semi, two-round burst, full-auto), an ambidextrous safety selector, and a side-folding adjustable stock. The review highlights the rifle's evolution from earlier, less reliable prototypes and its adoption by the Russian military.

The video critiques the current state of the AK community, citing issues with gatekeeping, toxic attitudes, overpriced firearms, and declining ammunition availability. The speaker, who grew up as an AK enthusiast, contrasts the past affordability and welcoming atmosphere with the present-day elitism and lack of quality options. He argues that the high cost and inconsistent quality of modern AKs make them a poor choice compared to AR-15 platforms for new buyers.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Ruger Mini-14, exploring its history, mechanical design, lesser-known variants, and its surprising longevity. The presenter, Ted from Line45, highlights how the Mini-14 was designed as a civilian-friendly carbine rather than a scaled-down M14, featuring a short-stroke gas piston system inspired by the M1 Garand. It delves into obscure variants like the .222 Remington export model and the Mini-30, discussing their market reception and technical quirks. The video also touches upon the Mini-14's use by law enforcement and foreign military, its controversial legacy in high-profile incidents, and Ruger's quiet improvements to its accuracy over the years. Despite competition from modern platforms, the Mini-14's enduring appeal is attributed to its classic aesthetics, reliability, and under-the-radar profile.

This video reviews the VZ 58 rifle as featured in the TV show "Strike Back." The presenter discusses the firearm's iconic status in the show, its technical aspects, and a personal build inspired by the series. While the show's depiction of the VZ 58 is praised for its action sequences and weapon handling, the presenter encounters significant reliability issues with their own build, highlighting potential challenges with short-barreled 7.62x39mm configurations.

This video provides an expert-level comparison between the .44 Magnum and .50 Action Express calibers, featuring a Magnum Research Desert Eagle and a Ruger Super Redhawk. The host, demonstrating high authority, conducts a series of tests including penetration through lumber, steel, sand, and concrete, followed by ballistic gel testing with hollow-point rounds. The analysis highlights differences in muzzle energy, penetration, and wound channel, ultimately questioning the cost-to-performance ratio of the .50 AE.

This video provides an objective comparison of 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers through a series of rigorous tests including lumber, sand, concrete, and ballistics gel. The host, leveraging specialized equipment like a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and digital calipers, presents data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. While .40 S&W showed competitive performance in some tests, the analysis concludes with a preference for 9mm due to its higher capacity and lower recoil, highlighting the importance of practical considerations beyond raw ballistics.

This video provides an in-depth, experimental comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges, utilizing a chronograph and various barrier materials. The host, demonstrating high expertise through empirical testing, reveals significant performance differences, particularly in barrier penetration, with 5.56x45mm NATO generally outperforming .223 Remington.

This video from Banana Ballistics explores the surprising lethality of "less lethal" shotgun ammunition. Through rigorous testing with ballistic gel and plywood, the host demonstrates that rounds like bean bags and high-velocity .410 rubber buckshot can cause significant damage, challenging the common perception of these rounds as entirely non-lethal. The testing highlights the importance of understanding ammunition performance beyond its intended classification.