How Bulletproof Is LEAD ???

Published on November 5, 2025
Duration: 18:04

This video from Kentucky Ballistics features Scott, an expert in recreational ballistics testing, demonstrating the bulletproof capabilities of a 65-pound lead block against various calibers. The testing ranges from common handgun rounds like .22 LR and .45 ACP, which cause superficial damage, to powerful rifle rounds like the .408 CheyTac and .50 BMG, which show significant penetration and fragmentation, highlighting the limits of lead as armor against high-energy projectiles.

Quick Summary

A 65lb lead block (6x6x4 inches) was tested against various calibers. Handgun rounds caused dents, while intermediate rifle rounds penetrated about 1 inch. Powerful rounds like the .408 CheyTac penetrated halfway, and the .50 BMG nearly traversed the block, showing lead's limitations against high-energy projectiles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro Skit
  2. 01:17Lead Block Introduction
  3. 04:35Handgun Testing: .22 LR to .45 ACP
  4. 07:11Magnum Handgun Testing
  5. 09:0412 Gauge Slug Test
  6. 10:12Rifle Testing: 5.56 to .300 Win Mag
  7. 12:30Large Caliber Rifle Testing: .408 CheyTac
  8. 14:24.50 BMG Test

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is a 65lb lead block against common handgun rounds?

A 65lb lead block (6x6x4 inches) showed significant resistance to calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, and .500 S&W Magnum. These rounds created dents and flattened or deformed upon impact, failing to penetrate deeply through the 4-inch thickness.

What happens when rifle calibers impact a lead block?

Intermediate rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, and .300 Win Mag penetrated about 1 inch into the lead block and caused fragmentation. More powerful rounds like the .408 CheyTac penetrated halfway, and the .50 BMG nearly went through.

Can a lead block stop a .50 BMG round?

While a 4-inch thick lead block significantly slowed and deflected a .50 BMG round, causing it to exit the side, it did not completely stop it. This demonstrates the extreme power of .50 caliber anti-materiel rounds against dense materials.

Which calibers were tested against the lead block?

The test included .22 LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .500 S&W Magnum, a 12 Gauge slug, 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag, .408 CheyTac, and .50 BMG.

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