Less Lethal Ammo Is Surprisingly Lethal?

Published on April 18, 2025
Duration: 14:58

This video tests the lethality of various 'less lethal' shotgun rounds, including rubber buckshot, bean bags, and specialized projectiles. The .410 rubber buckshot demonstrated significantly higher velocity and penetration than 12-gauge versions. Bean bag rounds proved to be the most damaging, causing substantial plywood destruction and ballistic gel displacement, leading the host to conclude they are the most lethal 'less lethal' option.

Quick Summary

The test concluded that bean bag rounds are the most lethal among the 'less lethal' options. They caused the most significant damage to plywood targets and deep displacement in ballistic gel, indicating a high level of impact force.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Testing Less Lethal Rounds
  2. 00:10Hornet Nest & Double-Insult Rounds Test
  3. 01:4812 Gauge vs. .410 Rubber Buckshot Comparison
  4. 04:56Rubber-Bucky & Triple Black Ball Test
  5. 07:35Rubber Star, Slug, and Baton Test
  6. 11:41Bean Bag Rounds Lethality Test
  7. 14:05Conclusion: Most Lethal Less Lethal Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 'less lethal' shotgun round was found to be the most lethal in the test?

The test concluded that bean bag rounds are the most lethal among the 'less lethal' options. They caused the most significant damage to plywood targets and deep displacement in ballistic gel, indicating a high level of impact force.

How did the .410 rubber buckshot compare to 12-gauge rubber buckshot?

The .410 rubber buckshot, fired at 1400 FPS, showed significantly higher velocity and deeper penetration in ballistic gel (2 3/8 inches) compared to the 12-gauge rubber buckshot, which traveled at 750 FPS.

What kind of targets were used to test the lethality of less lethal ammunition?

The test utilized ballistic gel to measure penetration depth and impact energy, alongside 3/4 inch plywood targets to assess the destructive potential and penetration capabilities of the less lethal rounds.

Are 'less lethal' rounds truly non-lethal?

The test demonstrated that 'less lethal' rounds can still be surprisingly lethal. Factors like velocity, projectile type, and distance significantly influence their impact, with some rounds causing substantial damage and deep penetration.

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