Finally FAIR .22WMR vs 5.7x28 Ballistic Gel Test - Speer Gold Dot

Published on June 17, 2025
Duration: 24:22

This video provides a detailed ballistic gelatin test comparing the 5.7x28mm and .22 WMR calibers, specifically using Speer Gold Dot ammunition. The instructor emphasizes the importance of matching barrel lengths for a fair comparison, using a pistol for the 5.7x28mm and a rifle for the .22 WMR to achieve similar velocities. The test includes bare gelatin and denim-covered gelatin blocks, measuring penetration, expansion, and retained weight to assess terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

To fairly compare 5.7x28mm and .22 WMR in ballistic tests, velocities must be matched. This often involves using a rifle barrel for .22 WMR and a pistol barrel for 5.7x28mm, which can result in similar average velocities around 1700-1750 ft/s for 40-grain bullets, enabling a more accurate terminal ballistics assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can 5.7x28mm and .22 WMR be fairly compared in ballistic tests?

A fair comparison requires matching velocities, which often means firing .22 WMR from a rifle barrel and 5.7x28mm from a pistol barrel. This setup can yield similar average velocities around 1700-1750 ft/s for 40-grain bullets, allowing for a more accurate assessment of terminal ballistics.

What are the key differences between the older and newer Speer Gold Dot 5.7x28mm ammunition?

The newer Speer Gold Dot 5.7x28mm is designed for longer barrels, resulting in less expansion and fragmentation from a pistol. The older version was more pistol-friendly, offering greater expansion and a larger wound cavity, though potentially less penetration.

How does Speer Gold Dot .22 WMR perform differently from a pistol versus a rifle barrel?

When fired from a rifle barrel, Speer Gold Dot .22 WMR tends to overexpand and fragment more due to higher velocities, dumping energy quickly and reducing penetration. From a pistol, it performs more as designed for short barrels, with less fragmentation and better penetration.

What ballistic gelatin medium does the instructor use and why?

The instructor uses 10% NOX ballistic gelatin, which is favored by the FBI for its ability to more closely represent flesh. It typically yields less bullet expansion and more penetration compared to clear, petroleum-based gelatin blocks.

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