Could a Football Helmet Save Your Life From a Crossbow?

This video tests the ballistic resistance of an excavator bucket against various calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG API. While smaller calibers and even .450 Bushmaster and .308 were stopped, the .50 caliber Armor Piercing Incendiary round successfully penetrated the bucket, destroying a dummy target behind it. The test highlights the significant difference in terminal effects between standard rifle rounds and specialized armor-piercing ammunition.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of various calibers against a large pine tree, culminating with a .50 BMG API round. Surprisingly, even powerful rifle rounds like 5.56mm and 7.62mm, as well as handgun rounds like 10mm and .44 Magnum, failed to fully penetrate the tree. The .50 BMG API round, while charring the entry point, also did not exit the back of the tree, demonstrating the significant stopping power of a substantial tree trunk.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of various firearms rounds in a swimming pool, from .22 LR to .50 BMG. Surprisingly, higher velocity rifle rounds like the .223 and .308 fragmented quickly, while the .50 AE Desert Eagle traveled the furthest at 190 inches. The .50 BMG sniper rifle, despite its power, only penetrated 61 inches, likely due to massive energy displacement.

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a Secret Service Suburban window against various calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG. While smaller calibers and even a 10mm and .44 Magnum were stopped with varying degrees of damage, the window was eventually penetrated by a .50 BMG sniper rifle round. The testing provides a clear demonstration of the limits of armored vehicle glass against high-powered rifle threats.