Guns vs Barbell Weight

Published on January 19, 2017
Duration: 8:47

This video from Kentucky Ballistics, featuring Scott, tests the ballistic resistance of a 45lb barbell plate against various firearm calibers. The experiment reveals that while most handgun rounds are stopped, high-powered rifle rounds and magnum handgun cartridges can penetrate. The testing also highlights that older cast iron plates may be significantly more durable than modern ones.

Quick Summary

Kentucky Ballistics tested a 45lb barbell plate against various bullets. While it stopped most handgun rounds (.380 ACP to 10mm), rifle rounds (.223, 7.62x39mm) and magnum handgun rounds (.500 S&W Magnum) penetrated. Older cast iron plates showed superior resistance compared to standard ones.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Experiment Setup
  2. 01:48Handgun Caliber Testing (.380 to 10mm)
  3. 02:53Magnum Handgun Testing
  4. 04:14Rifle Caliber Testing
  5. 05:54High-Power Rifle Testing (.300 RUM)
  6. 07:27Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 45lb barbell plate stop handgun rounds?

Yes, a standard 45lb cast iron barbell plate was shown to successfully stop common handgun rounds like .380 ACP, 9mm (+P), .45 ACP, and 10mm with minimal damage during testing by Kentucky Ballistics.

What rifle calibers can penetrate a 45lb barbell plate?

According to Kentucky Ballistics' testing, standard rifle rounds such as .223 Remington and 7.62x39mm easily penetrate a 45lb barbell plate. High-power rounds like the .300 Remington Ultra Mag also penetrate the plate.

Are all barbell plates equally effective as ballistic barriers?

No, the testing by Kentucky Ballistics indicated significant differences in material hardness. Older cast iron plates, even at a lower weight (25lb), proved more resistant to penetration than a standard 45lb plate.

What is spall in the context of bullet impacts?

Spall refers to fragmented material that breaks off a surface, like a barbell plate, when struck by a projectile. This video shows a facial wound caused by spall from a metal fragment during testing.

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