Finally FAIR .22WMR vs 5.7x28 Ballistic Gel Test - Speer Gold Dot

The 9mm caliber, once dominant, is seeing a quiet shift in popularity towards higher-powered options like the 10mm and the faster 5.7x28mm. This trend is driven by a renewed interest in firearm power and availability, with manufacturers now offering compact 10mm options and a growing list of brands producing 5.7x28mm firearms. While 9mm remains prevalent, these two calibers are experiencing significant growth.

This ballistic gel test by Buckeye Ballistics examines the performance of Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124gr +P ammunition across various barrel lengths (3.3" to 10.5"). The results demonstrate how increased velocity from longer barrels affects bullet expansion and penetration, with surprising outcomes at extreme velocities.

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing Speer Gold Dot .45 G.A.P. and .40 S&W self-defense ammunition. The analysis, presented with expert commentary and visual evidence, covers cartridge history, velocity, penetration, and projectile expansion through a heavy clothing barrier. While both rounds performed well, the .45 G.A.P. is noted as a niche cartridge.

This expert analysis from Line45 identifies seven firearms struggling in the 2026 market, attributing their slow sales to factors like safety recalls, reliability issues, high ammunition costs, and market saturation. The video highlights how early production problems and regulatory uncertainty can significantly impact a firearm's long-term market viability, even for well-regarded brands. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing proven track records and value over novel features when making purchasing decisions in a normalized market.

This YouTube video focuses on a velocity test of .22 WMR (22 Magnum) ammunition, likely using a chronograph. The description mentions a review of the Rossi RS22M rifle and a WIN Varmint HV Gel Test, indicating a thorough examination of the cartridge's performance. It also provides links to various gear used in the video, including steel targets, cameras, and ballistic gelatin supplies, suggesting a practical, range-focused approach to evaluating ammunition and firearms.

This YouTube video conducts a ballistic gelatin review and test comparing two types of 5.7x28mm ammunition: Federal FMJ and FN SS197. The video aims to showcase the terminal ballistics and performance of these rounds when fired into gel. It also includes links to related content, such as a Hornady 5.7x28mm video, and lists various gear and equipment used in the testing process, from cameras and safety equipment to ballistic gelatin powder and reloading tools. The creator notes their Amazon Associates affiliation.

This video compares the terminal performance of five common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) by shooting watermelons. The test demonstrates a significant increase in destructive power from .22LR up to .45 ACP, with the larger calibers causing more explosive expansion and fragmentation. Specific hollow-point ammunition from Speer, Aguila, and Underwood was used, highlighting the importance of bullet construction for terminal ballistics.

Buckeye Ballistics conducted a comparative test of common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) against concrete blocks. The host, demonstrating significant firearm and ballistics knowledge, emphasized extreme safety precautions due to ricochet risks. The test revealed that while larger calibers showed more damage, none could fully penetrate the concrete block's second wall, suggesting limitations for self-defense scenarios against hardened barriers.

This Taurus TX22 review details its performance with various .22 LR ammunition. While initially reliable with CCI Mini-Mags and cycling standard velocity rounds well, it encountered malfunctions with sub-sonic and high-velocity loads. A catastrophic failure occurred due to a squib load followed by a second shot, resulting in a bulged barrel and damaged magazine.

This video compares the terminal ballistics of .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR rimfire cartridges using cantaloupes as targets. The .22LR showed a clean pass-through with minor damage, the .22WMR caused an explosive front-face disintegration, and the .17HMR, despite its speed, disintegrated internally with no exit. The test highlights how different rimfire rounds perform on soft tissue simulants.