50 Cal vs Fire Hydrant

Published on February 24, 2018
Duration: 12:43

This video demonstrates the destructive power of various calibers against a fire hydrant, starting with small-caliber handguns and progressing to high-powered .50 BMG rifles. The testing, conducted by Edwin Sarkissian, highlights how smaller rounds like .22 LR and 9mm have minimal effect, while 7.62x39mm achieves penetration, and .50 BMG rounds cause catastrophic damage, ultimately splitting the hydrant in half. The experiment provides a visual comparison of ballistic impact across a wide range of firearm calibers.

Quick Summary

The destructive power of firearms against a fire hydrant was tested, showing .22 LR and 9mm rounds had negligible effects. The 7.62x39mm achieved penetration, while .50 BMG rounds, particularly Raufoss Mk 211 and API, caused catastrophic damage, splitting the hydrant in half.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Fire Hydrant Target
  2. 00:31.22 LR Test: Walther P22
  3. 01:049mm Test: Glock 19
  4. 01:545.56mm Test: Colt AR-15
  5. 03:027.62x39mm Test: AK-47
  6. 04:29.50 BMG Raufoss Test
  7. 06:37.50 BMG API Test
  8. 08:31Guest Shooter & Final Break
  9. 10:21Final Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a .22 LR round hits a fire hydrant?

When a .22 LR round from a Walther P22 hits a cast iron fire hydrant, it has minimal effect, only chipping the paint and failing to cycle the action properly due to insufficient power.

Can 9mm rounds damage a fire hydrant?

Standard 9mm FMJ rounds fired from a Glock 19 disintegrate upon impact with a cast iron fire hydrant, causing no visible damage to the structure itself. The bullets lack the mass and construction to penetrate hardened materials.

Which rifle caliber successfully penetrated the fire hydrant first?

The AK-47, firing 7.62x39mm rounds, was the first rifle caliber tested that successfully penetrated the cast iron fire hydrant, creating a hole through the structure.

How effective are .50 BMG rounds against a fire hydrant?

.50 BMG rounds, especially specialized types like Raufoss Mk 211 (HEI) and API, are extremely effective. They easily penetrate the cast iron, cause significant structural damage, and can ultimately split the hydrant in half.

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