20MM vs DRY ICE (Can Dry Ice Stop A Bullet ???)

Published on September 8, 2025
Duration: 12:58

This video from Kentucky Ballistics features an expert firearms instructor, Scott, conducting an experimental test to determine if dry ice can stop bullets. The experiment progresses from .22 LR up to a powerful 20mm Vulcan rifle, demonstrating the surprising resilience of dry ice and the immense power of large-caliber firearms. Scott's high-energy, humorous, and experimental approach, combined with his deep knowledge of ballistics and specialized firearms, provides an engaging and informative look at projectile dynamics against an unusual medium.

Quick Summary

Expert firearms instructor Scott from Kentucky Ballistics tested if dry ice can stop bullets, using calibers from .22 LR to a 20mm Vulcan rifle. Results showed dry ice fragments violently and creates massive vapor clouds, but high-energy projectiles like the 20mm round penetrate through multiple blocks, indicating it's not a reliable bullet stop for powerful ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro Skit
  2. 00:58Experiment Introduction
  3. 01:35Sponsor: PDS Debt Solutions
  4. 03:19Dry Ice Wood Chipper Test
  5. 04:46.22 LR vs Dry Ice
  6. 05:199mm vs Dry Ice
  7. 06:13.460 Magnum vs Dry Ice
  8. 06:5512-Gauge Slug vs Dry Ice
  9. 07:4120mm Vulcan vs 140lbs Dry Ice
  10. 09:11Post-Shot Inspection
  11. 10:33Trans Am Giveaway

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a bullet hits dry ice?

When bullets impact dry ice, they cause rapid fragmentation and sublimation, creating large clouds of CO2 vapor. The effectiveness of dry ice in stopping a bullet depends heavily on the projectile's caliber and energy; smaller calibers shatter the ice, while larger calibers like the 20mm can penetrate multiple blocks.

Which firearm was used to test the largest caliber against dry ice?

The largest caliber tested against dry ice was the 20mm Vulcan, fired from an Anzio 20mm bolt-action rifle. This massive firearm generated over 30,000 ft-lbs of energy, resulting in a spectacular explosion of ice and vapor.

Can dry ice stop a 20mm bullet?

While dry ice significantly disrupts and fragments upon impact, it does not effectively stop a high-energy projectile like a 20mm round. The 20mm bullet penetrated multiple blocks of dry ice and the supporting table, demonstrating that dry ice is not a viable bullet stop for such powerful ammunition.

What safety precautions are necessary when handling dry ice for firearm tests?

Handling dry ice requires wearing heavy protective gloves to prevent frostbite and ensuring good ventilation to avoid CO2 buildup, which can displace oxygen. For firearm tests, standard range safety protocols, including eye and hearing protection and a secure backstop, are crucial.

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