How Lethal Are Less Lethal Rounds ??? (Part 2)

Published on August 7, 2023
Duration: 19:35

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the effectiveness and potential lethality of various 'less lethal' 12-gauge and .410 shotgun rounds. Expert Scott tests rounds from Byrna, Fiocchi, Avert Industries, FireQuest, and CleanShot against a ballistic dummy, demonstrating that even less lethal options can cause significant damage, especially at close range.

Quick Summary

Kentucky Ballistics tested various 12-gauge and .410 less lethal rounds, finding that while some like Byrna Kinetic are designed for reduced impact at range, others like Fiocchi Rubber Baton and FireQuest Javelin can cause significant trauma. Crucially, even 'less lethal' rounds can be catastrophic and potentially lethal at close range.

Chapters

  1. 00:54Introduction to Less Lethal Testing
  2. 01:57Byrna Kinetic 12 Gauge Rounds
  3. 02:45Byrna Rounds Field Test
  4. 05:01Byrna Rounds vs. Ballistic Dummy
  5. 06:47Fiocchi Rubber Baton Rounds
  6. 08:59Avert Industries Stand-Off Rounds
  7. 09:46FireQuest Cayenne Pepper .410
  8. 10:32FireQuest Javelin Rounds
  9. 12:21CleanShot Bore Cleaners
  10. 14:42Close Range Lethality Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of less lethal shotgun rounds were tested by Kentucky Ballistics?

The video tested various 12-gauge and .410 less lethal rounds, including Byrna Kinetic, Fiocchi Rubber Baton, Avert Industries Stand-Off, FireQuest Cayenne Pepper, FireQuest Javelin, and CleanShot bore cleaners. Performance varied significantly based on design and range.

Can less lethal shotgun rounds be lethal?

Yes, especially at close range. The test showed that rounds like Fiocchi Rubber Batons and FireQuest Javelins can cause severe injury, including cracking a skull, demonstrating that 'less lethal' does not mean 'non-lethal'.

What are Byrna Kinetic 12 Gauge rounds designed for?

Byrna Kinetic 12 Gauge rounds are designed for distances up to 100 feet. They feature a plastic hull and a kinetic projectile. In testing, they showed minimal penetration on a ballistic dummy at range.

What issues can arise when using less lethal rounds?

Feeding issues can occur, as seen with Byrna Kinetic rounds in a semi-auto shotgun due to their diameter. Compatibility with specific firearm actions is crucial, and even less lethal rounds can cause catastrophic damage at close range.

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