Copper "Extreme" Penetration Bullets: Do They REALLY Work?

Published on May 4, 2020
Duration: 13:05

This TFB TV review critically examines Lehigh Defense's fluted copper bullets, the Extreme Penetrator and Extreme Defense lines. While high-speed footage and meat tests suggest these bullets create larger temporary cavities than standard defensive rounds like Federal HST, the host remains skeptical about their real-world effectiveness compared to established FBI metrics. The review highlights the importance of sectional density for deep penetration and cautions that ballistic gel may not perfectly replicate living tissue performance.

Quick Summary

Lehigh Defense's fluted bullets, like the Extreme Penetrator, aim to increase disruption and wound channel size. While tests show they can create larger temporary cavities than standard rounds, their real-world effectiveness compared to established FBI metrics remains a subject of skepticism due to testing medium limitations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Skepticism
  2. 00:51Lehigh Product History
  3. 02:18Terminal Ballistics: Temporary Stretch Cavity
  4. 03:31Extreme Penetrator (EP) Testing
  5. 04:28Backward Bullet Experiment
  6. 05:29Live Fire Meat Test: Extreme Defense vs HST
  7. 08:07Analysis and Limitations
  8. 11:21Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator bullets perform in ballistic gel tests?

In ballistic gel tests, Lehigh Defense's Extreme Penetrator bullets, particularly the 9mm version, have shown significant penetration, exceeding 30 inches. However, comparisons with other bullet types, like 10mm hard cast lead, suggest sectional density can be a more reliable indicator for deep penetration.

What is the Temporary Stretch Cavity (TSC) and how does it relate to bullet performance?

The Temporary Stretch Cavity (TSC) is the temporary cavity created by a projectile's energy transfer through tissue. While Lehigh's fluted bullets appear to create larger TSCs in tests, the elasticity of ballistic gel can differ from living tissue, potentially affecting real-world wound channel analysis.

Are Lehigh Defense's fluted bullets more effective than traditional defensive handgun ammunition?

While tests show Lehigh's fluted bullets like the Extreme Defense can create larger temporary cavities than standard rounds like Federal HST, the host remains hesitant to declare them definitively more effective for self-defense. He cites a lack of extensive law enforcement data and the limitations of testing mediums.

Does the design of Lehigh's Extreme Penetrator bullets actually make a difference?

Yes, an experiment involving firing bullets backward demonstrated that the flutes on Lehigh's projectiles have a mechanical effect. These forward-facing fluted bullets caused significantly more disruption in ballistic gel compared to a flat-base bullet, proving the flutes contribute to performance.

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