9MM vs 40 CAL vs 45 ACP vs CINDER BLOCK

Published on December 5, 2016
Duration: 4:01

This test compares 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP against cinder blocks. Surprisingly, the .40 S&W demonstrated superior penetration, piercing the block while the 9mm lodged and the .45 ACP ricocheted with significant spalling. The results challenge expectations, highlighting the .40 S&W's effective balance of velocity and mass for this specific medium.

Quick Summary

In a cinder block ballistic test, the .40 S&W caliber surprisingly achieved the best penetration, outperforming both 9mm and .45 ACP. The 9mm lodged in the block, while the .45 ACP ricocheted. The .40 S&W's success was attributed to its effective balance of velocity and weight for this specific barrier.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:319mm Penetration Test
  3. 01:09.45 ACP Penetration Test
  4. 02:42.40 S&W Penetration Test
  5. 03:19Conclusion & Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Which handgun caliber performed best against a cinder block in Edwin Sarkissian's test?

In Edwin Sarkissian's cinder block test, the .40 S&W caliber surprisingly demonstrated the best penetration, successfully piercing the block. Both the 9mm and .45 ACP rounds did not achieve the same level of penetration in this specific test medium.

What happened to the 9mm bullet when fired at the cinder block?

The 9mm 115-grain FMJ round tested penetrated the first layer of the cinder block but became lodged in the concrete. It failed to pass through the hollow center of the block, indicating limited penetration power against this material.

How did the .45 ACP perform against the cinder block?

The .45 ACP 230-grain FMJ round ricocheted back towards the shooter after hitting the cinder block. While it created a shallow entry hole, it caused significant internal spalling due to its mass and energy transfer, but did not penetrate effectively.

Why did the .40 S&W outperform the 9mm and .45 ACP against the cinder block?

The presenter suggested the .40 S&W's success was due to an optimal balance of velocity and projectile weight for penetrating the cinder block. This combination allowed it to achieve better penetration than the lighter, slower 9mm or the heavier, potentially less velocity-optimized .45 ACP in this scenario.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Edwin Sarkissian

View all →