How Lethal Are Backwards Bullets ???

Published on June 19, 2023
Duration: 23:58

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the terminal ballistics of bullets fired backwards. Expert instructor Scott demonstrates that while backwards projectiles can cause more immediate damage and energy dump, they also create unpredictable pressure spikes, potentially leading to firearm failure, as seen with the .50 BMG test. The experiment highlights significant differences in wound cavity creation and projectile deformation across various calibers when fired in reverse.

Quick Summary

Firing bullets backwards can increase immediate damage and energy transfer, creating larger wound cavities. However, this non-standard orientation generates unpredictable and extreme overpressure, posing a significant risk of catastrophic firearm failure and potential injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Backwards Bullet Experiment
  2. 01:16Experiment Setup: Calibers & Gel Targets
  3. 03:489mm Ballistics Test (Forward vs. Backward)
  4. 06:00.45 ACP Ballistics Test (Forward vs. Backward)
  5. 07:59.357 Magnum Ballistics Test (Forward vs. Backward)
  6. 10:00.223 Remington Ballistics Test (Forward vs. Backward)
  7. 11:15.308 Winchester Ballistics Test (Forward vs. Backward)
  8. 12:26.50 BMG Test & Catastrophic Firearm Failure
  9. 15:12Conclusion: Lethality vs. Firearm Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a bullet is fired backwards?

When fired backwards, bullets often dump energy more rapidly upon impact, creating larger wound cavities and sometimes fragmenting more readily than when fired forward. This effect varies significantly by caliber and bullet construction.

Are backwards bullets more lethal?

Backwards bullets can appear more 'lethal' due to increased immediate tissue damage and energy transfer. However, this effect is often accompanied by dangerous overpressure, risking firearm damage and potential injury to the shooter.

What are the risks of firing a bullet backwards?

The primary risk is extreme overpressure within the firearm's chamber and barrel. This can lead to catastrophic failure, such as a ruptured casing, damaged action, or broken firearm components, as demonstrated in the .50 BMG test.

How does a backwards bullet affect ballistic gel?

Backward-fired bullets generally cause more dramatic temporary wound cavity expansion and energy transfer in ballistic gel compared to forward-fired rounds. Some calibers show significant deformation or fragmentation.

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