All Pain, No Gain?...Cyclops .45-70 Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on August 9, 2024
Duration: 16:29

This video details a ballistic gel test of two .45-70 Government loads fired from a Bond Arms Cyclops derringer. The test focuses on projectile performance, velocity, penetration, and expansion, highlighting the extreme recoil and muzzle blast from the short-barreled firearm. The instructor concludes that while the rounds are effective, the platform is not practical for self-defense due to its harsh handling characteristics.

Quick Summary

The Bond Arms Cyclops derringer in .45-70 Government, tested with Winchester 300gr JHP and Hornady 325gr FTX, produced average velocities of 968 FPS and 1035 FPS respectively. The Winchester round showed no expansion and over 32 inches of penetration, while the Hornady round expanded and penetrated 27.25 inches. The extreme recoil and blast make the platform impractical for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:49Ammunition Overview: Winchester & Hornady .45-70
  3. 02:01Firearm: Bond Arms Cyclops Derringer .45-70
  4. 03:05Chronograph Setup & Winchester Test
  5. 04:23Winchester Velocity Results & Average
  6. 04:56Hornady LeverEvolution Test
  7. 05:55Hornady Velocity Results & Average
  8. 06:59Ballistic Gel Test: Winchester .45-70
  9. 07:43Winchester Gel Results: Full Pass-Through
  10. 07:55Ballistic Gel Test: Hornady LeverEvolution .45-70
  11. 08:32Gel Results: Hornady Expansion & Penetration
  12. 09:02Winchester Projectile Analysis (No Expansion)
  13. 09:26Hornady Projectile Analysis (Expansion & Retention)
  14. 11:38Projectile Weight & Size Comparison
  15. 12:22Practicality for Self-Defense Discussion
  16. 13:42Conclusion: Cyclops Derringer Experience
  17. 15:05Final Thoughts & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the average velocities for the .45-70 rounds fired from the Bond Arms Cyclops derringer?

The Winchester Super X 300gr JHP .45-70 averaged 968 feet per second over two shots. The Hornady LeverEvolution 325gr FTX .45-70 averaged 1035 feet per second over two shots.

How did the Winchester 300gr JHP .45-70 perform in ballistic gel from the Cyclops derringer?

The Winchester 300gr JHP .45-70 did not expand, tumbled, and passed completely through two blocks of ballistic gel, penetrating over 32 inches and exiting the backstop.

What was the performance of the Hornady LeverEvolution 325gr FTX .45-70 in ballistic gel from the Cyclops derringer?

The Hornady LeverEvolution 325gr FTX .45-70 showed good disruption and some expansion, penetrating 27.25 inches into the gel. It retained 320.8 grains of its original 325-grain weight.

Is the Bond Arms Cyclops derringer in .45-70 suitable for self-defense?

The instructor concludes that despite the effectiveness of the .45-70 rounds, the Bond Arms Cyclops derringer is not suitable for self-defense due to its extreme recoil, significant muzzle blast, and single-shot nature, making it impractical.

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