Rifles VS Cantaloupe 5.56 7.62x39 .270 Winchester .450 Bushmaster

Published on March 12, 2023
Duration: 11:59

This video compares the terminal ballistics of four common rifle calibers (5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, .270 Winchester, and .450 Bushmaster) by shooting cantaloupes at 15 yards. The presenter, from Buckeye Ballistics, highlights differences in projectile performance, particularly between FMJ and expanding rounds, and discusses energy transfer and penetration characteristics. The test aims to provide a visual comparison of how different calibers and bullet types affect soft targets.

Quick Summary

Buckeye Ballistics compared 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, .270 Winchester, and .450 Bushmaster calibers by shooting cantaloupes. The test revealed that 5.56x45mm FMJ caused more immediate damage than 7.62x39mm FMJ, while expanding rounds like the .450 Bushmaster's ballistic tip created more fragmentation than the .270 Winchester's soft point.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Caliber Overview
  2. 01:49Test Setup & Ammunition Types
  3. 04:015.56x45mm NATO Test
  4. 05:447.62x39mm Test & Comparison
  5. 08:25.270 Winchester Test
  6. 09:10.450 Bushmaster Test & Comparison
  7. 10:04Caliber Performance Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

How do 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x39mm FMJ rounds perform on soft targets?

In a cantaloupe test at 15 yards, 5.56x45mm NATO FMJ demonstrated more immediate explosive damage, while 7.62x39mm FMJ showed greater penetration and carried more energy, though it caused less initial fragmentation.

What is the difference in terminal ballistics between expanding rounds like .270 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster?

Expanding rounds like the .270 Winchester (soft point) and .450 Bushmaster (ballistic tip) caused significantly more damage than FMJ. The .450 Bushmaster's ballistic tip and larger caliber led to more fragmentation and wider dispersal than the .270 Winchester's soft point.

Are cantaloupes effective targets for testing rifle caliber terminal ballistics?

Cantaloupes proved to be more resilient than expected, not completely disintegrating from FMJ rifle rounds. However, they provided a good visual comparison for the differences in fragmentation and damage between various calibers and bullet types.

How does bullet design (FMJ vs. expanding) affect terminal performance in rifle calibers?

Using FMJ ammunition for 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm showed less dramatic results. The use of expanding bullets (.270 soft point, .450 ballistic tip) resulted in much greater destruction of the cantaloupe, highlighting the importance of bullet construction for terminal effects.

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