Rubber Bullets (Legit or Gimmick?)

Published on June 18, 2026
Duration: 2:15

This video tests the effectiveness of rubber bullets in 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum calibers. The 9mm rubber bullets demonstrated surprising effectiveness, penetrating a glue block and cycling the firearm. The .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum rubber bullets performed poorly, with the .44 Magnum experiencing a squib load. The presenter concludes that while rubber bullets can be less lethal deterrents, lead ammunition remains superior for effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Testing reveals that 9mm rubber bullets are surprisingly effective, capable of cycling firearms and penetrating targets like glue blocks. However, .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum rubber bullets showed poor performance, with the latter experiencing a dangerous squib load. Rubber bullets are best considered less lethal deterrents, not replacements for standard ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rubber Bullet Test
  2. 00:069mm Rubber Bullet Test
  3. 00:309mm Rubber Bullet Cycling Test
  4. 00:459mm Rubber Bullet Effectiveness Conclusion
  5. 00:59.357 Magnum Rubber Bullet Test
  6. 01:16.357 Magnum vs 9mm Rubber Bullet Performance
  7. 01:31.44 Magnum Rubber Bullet Test
  8. 01:43.44 Magnum Squib Load Incident
  9. 01:54Final Verdict: Rubber vs Lead

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rubber bullets effective for self-defense?

While rubber bullets are designed to be less lethal and can act as a deterrent, their effectiveness varies by caliber and situation. In testing, 9mm rubber bullets showed some penetration and cycling capability, whereas .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum variants performed poorly, with one instance of a squib load.

Which caliber of rubber bullet is most effective?

Based on the testing conducted, 9mm rubber bullets demonstrated the most effectiveness, successfully cycling a Glock 19 Gen 5 and penetrating a glue block. The .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum rubber bullets were significantly less effective.

What is the purpose of rubber bullets?

Rubber bullets are intended for less lethal applications, primarily to deter or incapacitate a threat without causing severe injury or death. They are not designed to match the power or penetration of standard lead ammunition.

Can rubber bullets cause a squib load?

Yes, rubber bullets can potentially cause a squib load, especially in larger calibers like .44 Magnum, as demonstrated in the video. A squib load occurs when a projectile does not have enough energy to exit the barrel, posing a significant safety hazard.

More from Kentucky Ballistics

View all →