30 Carbine vs 357 Mag vs 9mm +P: Huge Difference?

Published on December 6, 2024
Duration: 13:20

This guide details a comprehensive ballistics comparison between 9mm +P, .30 Carbine, and .357 Magnum calibers, as demonstrated by Banana Ballistics. The expert-level testing includes penetration tests against steel, concrete, and wood, as well as terminal performance evaluations in water jugs and ballistic gel, utilizing professional equipment like a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistics testing by Banana Ballistics compares 9mm +P, .30 Carbine, and .357 Magnum in carbine platforms. Results show .357 Magnum has the highest muzzle energy (1,108 ft-lbs) and deepest penetration in ballistic gel. .30 Carbine and .357 Magnum penetrated 1/8" steel, while only .30 Carbine penetrated 3/16" steel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Scenario
  2. 00:21Steel Penetration Test (1/8")
  3. 01:29Steel Penetration Test (3/16")
  4. 02:45Concrete Penetration Test
  5. 04:45Wood Penetration Test
  6. 07:08Velocity and Energy Data
  7. 07:29Water Jug Impact Test
  8. 10:00Ballistic Gel Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do 30 Carbine, 357 Magnum, and 9mm +P compare in steel penetration?

.30 Carbine and .357 Magnum successfully penetrated 1/8" mild steel, while 9mm +P only dented it. Against 3/16" mild steel, .30 Carbine penetrated cleanly, but .357 Magnum left a significant dent, indicating varied performance against different thicknesses.

What are the muzzle energy figures for 30 Carbine, 357 Magnum, and 9mm +P in carbine platforms?

From their respective carbine barrel lengths, 9mm +P registered 617 ft/lbs, .30 Carbine produced 949 ft/lbs, and .357 Magnum yielded 1,108 ft/lbs, showcasing significant energy differences.

How does terminal ballistics performance differ between these three calibers in ballistic gel?

In ballistic gel tests, .357 Magnum demonstrated the most violent expansion and energy transfer, penetrating the deepest. .30 Carbine followed, with 9mm +P showing less penetration and expansion compared to the other two carbine rounds.

Which caliber performed best against concrete blocks in the Banana Ballistics test?

None of the tested calibers (9mm +P, .30 Carbine, .357 Magnum) penetrated the concrete blocks. They all caused varying degrees of surface damage and spalling, indicating concrete's effectiveness as a barrier against these rounds.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Banana Ballistics

View all →