Ammo So Lethal It Was BANNED (How Lethal Were Black Talons ???)

Published on February 9, 2026
Duration: 20:19

This video provides an expert-level analysis of the Winchester Black Talon ammunition, debunking myths about its lethality and legal status. Instructor Scott demonstrates ballistic gel and body armor penetration tests across various calibers, from 9mm to .30-06, showcasing the ammunition's performance and historical context. The content highlights the importance of understanding ammunition capabilities beyond sensationalized claims.

Quick Summary

Expert testing reveals Winchester Black Talon ammunition was not legally banned but voluntarily withdrawn in 1993 due to public outcry. Handgun calibers failed to penetrate Level IIA body armor, performing similarly to other premium hollow-points, while the .30-06 rifle round easily defeated the armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Black Talon Ammunition
  2. 00:53Design and History
  3. 03:409mm Ballistic Testing
  4. 05:27.40 S&W and .45 ACP Testing
  5. 09:2510mm and .357 Magnum Testing
  6. 12:41.44 Magnum Testing
  7. 15:31.30-06 Rifle Testing
  8. 18:11Conclusion and Myth Debunking

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Winchester Black Talon ammunition legally banned?

No, Winchester voluntarily withdrew Black Talon ammunition from the civilian market in 1993 due to intense public pressure and negative media coverage. It was not banned by any law, and the design was later evolved into the Ranger SXT line.

How lethal was Winchester Black Talon ammunition?

Tests show Black Talon handgun ammunition performed comparably to other premium hollow-point rounds of its era, failing to penetrate Level IIA body armor but expanding effectively in ballistic gel. Claims of extreme, unique lethality were largely exaggerated.

Did Winchester Black Talon ammunition penetrate body armor?

No, the handgun calibers of Winchester Black Talon ammunition tested failed to penetrate Level IIA soft body armor. The .30-06 rifle variant, however, easily defeated the same armor.

What happened to Winchester Black Talon ammunition?

Winchester discontinued the Black Talon line in 1993 due to public backlash and rebranded the technology into the Winchester Ranger SXT (Same Trajectory eXact) line, which was primarily marketed to law enforcement.

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