BULLET VS PLASTIC ACRYLIC - Edwin Sarkissian

Published on April 2, 2016
Duration: 7:21

This guide details a ballistic test conducted by Edwin Sarkissian, a recognized firearms personality, to determine the penetration capabilities of a 5.56mm round through Optix acrylic plastic. The experiment involved setting up a target of approximately 25 spaced acrylic sheets followed by a dense block of 10 sheets. The results show that while a 5.56 round can penetrate a significant number of spaced sheets, its trajectory can deviate, and it ultimately fails to penetrate a dense stack of 10 sheets, suggesting a limit of around 25-30 sheets for this caliber and setup.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic test, a 5.56mm round from an AR-15 penetrated about 20-25 spaced sheets of Optix acrylic. A dense stack of 10 sheets, however, stopped the projectile, demonstrating how material density significantly impacts penetration resistance and can cause bullet deflection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Setup and Preparation
  2. 00:52Experiment Overview
  3. 02:04Firearm and Ammunition
  4. 02:41First Shot Analysis
  5. 04:06Second Shot Analysis
  6. 05:24Third Shot and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sheets of acrylic can a 5.56mm round penetrate?

In this test, a 5.56mm round fired from an AR-15 penetrated approximately 20-25 spaced sheets of Optix acrylic. However, a dense stack of 10 sheets stopped the projectile, indicating material density is a key factor in penetration resistance.

What firearm and ammunition were used in the acrylic penetration test?

The test utilized a Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The ammunition used was Winchester and Independence brand 5.56mm rounds.

What happens to a bullet when it hits acrylic plastic?

When a bullet hits acrylic plastic, it can penetrate multiple sheets. However, the hard surface can cause significant deflection, altering the bullet's trajectory and potentially causing it to lose energy rapidly or exit the target area unexpectedly.

What is the significance of starburst fractures in acrylic?

Starburst fractures are radial and concentric cracks that form around the impact point on brittle materials like acrylic. They indicate the stress concentration and failure mechanism of the material when struck by a projectile.

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