Can You See Bullets With Thermal?

Published on September 24, 2025
Duration: 2:17

This video demonstrates the use of a Nocpix Lumi L35R thermal monocular to observe the heat signatures of 9mm bullets impacting various targets. The host, exhibiting high authority, shows that while bullets generate a noticeable temperature increase (5-20 degrees), the density of materials like ballistics gelatin can shield the internal thermal signature from detection. The experiment highlights the capabilities and limitations of thermal imaging in ballistics analysis.

Quick Summary

Bullets raise target material temperature by 5-20 degrees Fahrenheit upon impact, detectable with thermal imaging. However, dense materials like ballistics gelatin can shield the bullet's path, making it difficult to visualize the heat signature internally.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Experiment Introduction: Thermal Bullet Detection
  2. 00:24Testing Equipment: Targets & Handgun
  3. 01:00Thermal Analysis: Target Impacts
  4. 01:26Conclusion: Thermal Shielding & Bullet Heat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can thermal imaging see bullets in flight?

This experiment focused on the heat signature *after* impact. While a bullet generates heat, its speed and the brief window of flight make it extremely difficult to capture with standard thermal monoculars. The primary focus here is the residual heat left at the impact site.

How much does a bullet heat up a target?

Based on the test, bullets raise the target material's temperature by approximately 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit upon impact. This temperature increase is sufficient to be detected by thermal imaging devices like the Nocpix Lumi L35R.

Why can't you always see a bullet's path in ballistics gelatin with thermal?

The density of ballistics gelatin acts as a thermal shield. While the bullet's path is hot, the surrounding dense material prevents that heat from radiating outwards effectively, obscuring the path from the thermal camera's view.

What equipment was used to test bullet heat signatures?

The test utilized a Nocpix Lumi L35R thermal monocular to visualize heat. For shooting, a Girsan Witness X 2011-style handgun chambered in 9mm was used, along with specialized targets and ballistics gelatin.

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