Light & FAST!...Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain, AR-15 Self-Defense AMMO Test!

Published on August 4, 2023
Duration: 14:05

This test evaluates Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain 5.56 NATO ammunition using AR-15 platforms with 10.5-inch and 16-inch barrels. The reviewer, an experienced firearms instructor, details the ballistic gel testing methodology, including clothing barriers and chronograph measurements. The ammunition consistently fragmented upon impact, with the 10.5-inch barrel yielding slightly more penetration and retained mass due to lower velocity. The test provides valuable insights into the terminal ballistics of this specific self-defense round, particularly its fragmentation characteristics and performance variations based on barrel length.

Quick Summary

This test evaluates Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain 5.56 NATO ammunition from 10.5" and 16" AR-15s. The 16" barrel yielded higher velocities (avg. 3072 fps) and more violent fragmentation, while the 10.5" barrel (avg. 2756 fps) achieved greater penetration (12.5") due to retained mass.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Plan
  2. 00:24Test Setup Details
  3. 00:48Sabre Blade Black Tip Ammo Overview
  4. 01:32Firearms for Testing
  5. 01:57Expected Fragmentation
  6. 02:14Chronograph Setup & Use
  7. 03:0710.5-inch Barrel Velocity Test
  8. 04:0910.5-inch Barrel Velocity Analysis
  9. 04:4116-inch Barrel Velocity Test
  10. 05:4316-inch Barrel Velocity & Energy Analysis
  11. 06:1610.5-inch Barrel Gel Impact
  12. 06:5516-inch Barrel Gel Impact
  13. 07:40Gel Block Comparison - Fragmentation
  14. 09:12Gel Block Comparison - Penetration
  15. 10:02Recovered Projectile Analysis
  16. 11:27Final Conclusions & Opinion
  17. 12:16Summary and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

How does barrel length affect the performance of Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain ammunition?

The 10.5-inch barrel produced lower velocities (average 2756 fps) and slightly more penetration (12.5 inches) in ballistic gel, retaining more mass. The 16-inch barrel achieved higher velocities (average 3072 fps) and more violent fragmentation, but less penetration (11.25 inches).

What was the fragmentation pattern of Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain ammo in the ballistic gel test?

The Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain ammunition consistently fragmented upon impact with ballistic gel. The 16-inch barrel resulted in more immediate and wider fragmentation, while the 10.5-inch barrel showed more gradual and contained fragmentation.

What were the average muzzle velocities for the Sabre Blade Black Tip 55 Grain ammo from different barrel lengths?

From a 10.5-inch barrel, the average muzzle velocity was 2756 fps. From a 16-inch barrel, the average muzzle velocity was 3072 fps. These velocities impact terminal ballistics and fragmentation.

What kind of barriers were used in the ballistic gel test for the Sabre Blade Black Tip ammo?

The ballistic gel blocks were covered with a simulated clothing barrier consisting of denim, fleece, and two layers of a cotton t-shirt to replicate real-world self-defense scenarios.

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