Can The Marines' Wonder Bullet Keep Up With The Army's? Mk318 reduced velocity gel test

Published on March 12, 2018
Duration: 4:48

This video conducts a reduced velocity gel test comparing the Marine Corps' MK318 ammunition against the Army's M855A1. Both rounds are fired from a 10.5-inch AR-15 upper using a reduced charge of RL-15. The MK318 demonstrated significant fragmentation and a temporary stretch cavity of approximately 7 inches long by 4 inches wide, with the base reaching 16.8 inches. While both performed well at reduced velocities, the M855A1 showed a slightly shorter disruption neck.

Quick Summary

Reduced velocity testing of MK318 ammunition in a 10.5-inch AR-15 showed significant fragmentation and a temporary stretch cavity of 7x4 inches, with the bullet base reaching 16.8 inches penetration. While MK318 created a 2-inch disruption neck, it still performed effectively at sub-2000 fps velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction: Army vs Navy Ammo Test
  2. 00:08Previous Test: Reduced Velocity M855A1
  3. 00:13This Test: Reduced Velocity MK318
  4. 00:19Comparing 62-Grain DoD Rounds
  5. 00:27MK318 (Marine Corps) vs M855A1 (Army)
  6. 00:38Test Setup: Reduced RL-15 Charge
  7. 00:40Firearm: 10.5-inch AR-15 Upper
  8. 01:21MK318 Gel Test Results: Disruption Neck
  9. 01:33MK318 Gel Test Results: Temporary Cavity
  10. 01:45MK318 Fragmentation Analysis
  11. 01:54MK318 Penetration Depth
  12. 02:16MK318 Core Section Performance
  13. 02:29MK318 Performance at Reduced Velocity
  14. 02:39Velocity Comparison: MK318 vs M855A1
  15. 02:51MK318 Fragmentation and Functionality
  16. 03:13Outstanding Performance with a Caveat
  17. 03:17The 'But': MK318 Neck Length vs M855A1
  18. 03:34MK318 Performance is Still Very Good
  19. 03:56On Paper: Less Neck is Better
  20. 04:04Conclusion: Both Perform Well
  21. 04:12Viewer Input: Lower Velocity Testing
  22. 04:21Call to Action: Comments and Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

How did MK318 ammunition perform in a reduced velocity gel test?

In a reduced velocity gel test from a 10.5-inch AR-15, MK318 demonstrated significant fragmentation and created a temporary stretch cavity measuring approximately 7 inches long by 4 inches wide. The bullet base reached a penetration depth of 16.8 inches.

What is the difference in disruption neck between MK318 and M855A1 at reduced velocities?

During reduced velocity gel testing, the MK318 round created a disruption neck of about 2 inches. In contrast, the M855A1, tested under similar conditions, showed no discernible disruption neck, which is generally considered a favorable characteristic on paper.

Can MK318 ammunition still fragment effectively at reduced velocities?

Yes, even at velocities under 2,000 feet per second, the MK318 ammunition proved to be effective at fragmenting. It shed jacket and lead core pieces, with the intact core section continuing to penetrate and cause wounding.

What firearm platform and ammunition components were used in the MK318 reduced velocity test?

The test utilized a 10.5-inch AR-15 upper receiver and MK318 ammunition. A reduced charge of RL-15 propellant was used to achieve the lower velocities for both MK318 and M855A1 testing.

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