How Deadly Are Plastic Bullets?

This video demonstrates a ballistics test comparing body armor's resistance to a Barrett .50 caliber rifle, a 500 Beowulf, and a 44 Magnum. The armor proved exceptionally tough, with multiple rounds from these powerful calibers failing to penetrate. The presenter notes the difficulty in breaking down the armor, likening it to making a snowball.

This video provides a practical comparison of .357 Magnum hardcast and JSP ammunition through various mediums, including frozen milk jugs and a Level 4 ballistic plate. The presenter, Mr. Madness, demonstrates the penetration capabilities and expansion characteristics of each bullet type, highlighting the hardcast's non-deforming nature for deep penetration and the JSP's expansion for increased energy transfer. The test also showcases the resilience of an RTS Tactical Level 4 plate against multiple calibers and bullet types.

This video tests the ballistic resistance of approximately one-inch thick, multi-layer plexiglass, commonly used in bank teller windows, against a powerful 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum round. The glass, rated for 357 Magnum, was completely destroyed by the 500 Magnum, demonstrating its inability to withstand significantly higher energy rounds. The test highlights the limitations of ballistic materials when subjected to forces exceeding their design specifications.

This video tests the bullet resistance of a sledgehammer against various calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG. The sledgehammer demonstrates significant resistance, with no caliber achieving a complete pass-through. Notably, even larger calibers like 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm NATO caused significant denting and bullet fragmentation, while the .50 BMG created a substantial divot. The experiment concludes that a sledgehammer is effectively bulletproof against the tested rounds.

This video compares the terminal ballistics of a powerful 72 caliber air rifle against a 12-gauge slug. Through a series of tests involving pine trees, sand, steel plates, and ballistic gel, the video demonstrates the significant momentum and penetration capabilities of heavyweight air rifle projectiles, highlighting their potential as a quieter alternative to firearms in certain scenarios.

This video tests Velocias 9mm 96-grain solid copper hollowpoint defensive ammunition. The instructor evaluates its performance against a steel target, observing significant mushrooming and recovery of the projectile after a 3-inch dig. Further testing in a sand jug with a 2x6 backer shows the rounds do not penetrate the wood, indicating effective energy transfer and stopping power within this medium.

This video provides an expert-level comparison between the .44 Magnum and .50 Action Express calibers, featuring a Magnum Research Desert Eagle and a Ruger Super Redhawk. The host, demonstrating high authority, conducts a series of tests including penetration through lumber, steel, sand, and concrete, followed by ballistic gel testing with hollow-point rounds. The analysis highlights differences in muzzle energy, penetration, and wound channel, ultimately questioning the cost-to-performance ratio of the .50 AE.

This video provides an objective comparison of 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers through a series of rigorous tests including lumber, sand, concrete, and ballistics gel. The host, leveraging specialized equipment like a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and digital calipers, presents data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. While .40 S&W showed competitive performance in some tests, the analysis concludes with a preference for 9mm due to its higher capacity and lower recoil, highlighting the importance of practical considerations beyond raw ballistics.

This video provides an in-depth, experimental comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges, utilizing a chronograph and various barrier materials. The host, demonstrating high expertise through empirical testing, reveals significant performance differences, particularly in barrier penetration, with 5.56x45mm NATO generally outperforming .223 Remington.

This video from Banana Ballistics explores the surprising lethality of "less lethal" shotgun ammunition. Through rigorous testing with ballistic gel and plywood, the host demonstrates that rounds like bean bags and high-velocity .410 rubber buckshot can cause significant damage, challenging the common perception of these rounds as entirely non-lethal. The testing highlights the importance of understanding ammunition performance beyond its intended classification.