How Dangerous is an Over Penetrating Bullet??? (vs Human Heads)

Published on January 23, 2023
Duration: 14:27

This video, presented by an experienced firearms instructor, investigates bullet overpenetration using ballistic dummy heads. It tests various common self-defense calibers and rifle rounds, including 9mm hollow points and ball, .45 ACP hollow points, .40 S&W hollow points, and 5.56mm OTM rounds. The results offer practical insights into how different ammunition types perform against intermediate barriers and their potential to endanger bystanders.

Quick Summary

Bullet overpenetration is a key concern in self-defense, where a projectile continues past the intended target. Tests show hollow point rounds like the 9mm Federal HST expand to reduce penetration, while 9mm ball and .40 S&W penetrate further. High-velocity 5.56mm rounds cause extreme damage but may not penetrate secondary barriers as deeply as some handgun rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Apology
  2. 00:33Defining Overpenetration
  3. 01:22Ballistic Dummy Heads
  4. 02:08Experiment Setup
  5. 02:379mm Hollow Point Test
  6. 03:229mm Hollow Point Result
  7. 04:43.45 ACP Hollow Point Test
  8. 05:23.45 ACP Hollow Point Result
  9. 06:569mm Ball Ammo Test
  10. 07:309mm Ball Ammo Result
  11. 09:03.40 S&W Hollow Point Test
  12. 09:19.40 S&W Hollow Point Result
  13. 10:415.56 Rifle Round Test
  14. 11:165.56 Rifle Round Result
  15. 12:395.56 Conclusion
  16. 13:03Editor's Slow-Mo Correction
  17. 13:28Summary and Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bullet overpenetration and why is it a concern?

Bullet overpenetration occurs when a projectile passes through its intended target and continues traveling, potentially striking an unintended person or object. This is a critical safety concern in self-defense situations, emphasizing the need for responsible firearm handling and awareness of the environment beyond the target.

How do hollow point bullets compare to ball ammunition in terms of penetration?

Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and typically penetrating less deeply than ball (full metal jacket) ammunition. This expansion helps to reduce the risk of overpenetration, making hollow points often preferred for self-defense.

Does 5.56mm ammunition overpenetrate less than handgun rounds?

The test showed that while 5.56mm caused extreme damage to the first barrier, it did not penetrate the second barrier's bone structure as deeply as some handgun rounds. However, projectile construction and velocity play significant roles, and generalizations should be made cautiously.

Which tested 9mm ammunition was less likely to overpenetrate?

The 124-grain Federal Premium HST 9mm hollow point round demonstrated less penetration, stopping within the first ballistic dummy head. This contrasts with the standard 9mm ball round, which penetrated the first head and struck the second.

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