How HARD Is It ACTUALLY To Disable A CAR ???

Published on December 23, 2025
Duration: 19:32

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the effectiveness of various firearm calibers in disabling a vehicle. Expert Scott demonstrates that common pistol rounds often only cause cosmetic damage, with a surprising .380 ACP round being the first to stop a truck by hitting the radiator. Larger calibers, including .45 ACP, 12-gauge, and standard rifle rounds, also fail to disable the engine. Ultimately, a powerful .416 Rigby rifle is required to destroy the carburetor and stop the vehicle, highlighting the significant firepower needed to overcome automotive systems.

Quick Summary

Scott from Kentucky Ballistics tested various firearm calibers against vehicles. While .22 LR, 9mm, and .40 S&W caused minor damage, a .380 ACP round surprisingly stopped a Ford F-150 by hitting the radiator. Standard rifle calibers failed, and only a powerful .416 Rigby rifle could disable the Chevy 1500 by destroying its carburetor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Testing Vehicle Disablement
  2. 00:53Experiment Setup: Ford F-150 & Target Simulation
  3. 03:35Visibility Test: Obscuring Driver View
  4. 03:59Pistol Caliber Testing: .22 LR to .40 S&W
  5. 06:20The .380 ACP Surprise: Radiator Hit
  6. 09:16Chevy 1500 Testing: .45 ACP & 12-Gauge
  7. 11:30Rifle Caliber Testing: 5.56 NATO to .30-06
  8. 15:36Large Caliber Conclusion: .416 Rigby Stops Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearm caliber was surprisingly effective at disabling a vehicle in the Kentucky Ballistics test?

The .380 ACP caliber, fired from a Ruger LCP II pistol, surprisingly managed to disable a Ford F-150. The bullet is believed to have struck the radiator and potentially damaged the hood release cable, leading to the vehicle's stoppage.

Can common pistol calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP disable a car?

In the Kentucky Ballistics test, common pistol calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, as well as 12-gauge shotgun rounds, were insufficient to disable the tested vehicles, causing only cosmetic damage or breaking glass.

What caliber firearm was ultimately needed to stop the Chevrolet 1500 truck?

A very powerful .416 Rigby bolt-action rifle was ultimately required to stop the Chevrolet 1500. The shot successfully destroyed the carburetor, proving that significant firepower is necessary to disable older vehicle engines.

Do rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO or .308 Win disable vehicles?

The tests conducted by Kentucky Ballistics showed that standard rifle calibers such as 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, .308 Win, and .30-06 Springfield, even with multiple engine bay hits, did not stop the Chevrolet 1500 truck.

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