How Lethal Are Backwards Bullets ???

Published on June 19, 2023
Duration: 23:58

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the terminal ballistics of bullets fired backwards. Expert Scott demonstrates how reversed projectiles impact differently, often dumping energy more rapidly and causing unique wound channels compared to forward-facing rounds. The experiment highlights potential firearm stress and failure, particularly with high-pressure calibers like the .50 BMG, emphasizing safety and the unpredictable nature of reversed ammunition.

Quick Summary

Kentucky Ballistics tested backwards bullets across 9mm to .50 BMG calibers. Reversed FMJ projectiles dump energy rapidly, causing unique wound channels and fragmentation. However, this orientation creates unpredictable pressure spikes, leading to firearm failures, as seen with the .50 BMG test where the rifle's buffer tube broke.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Skit
  2. 01:16Experiment Overview
  3. 03:489mm Ballistics Test
  4. 06:00.45 ACP Ballistics Test
  5. 07:59.357 Magnum Ballistics Test
  6. 10:00.223 Remington Ballistics Test
  7. 11:15.308 Winchester Ballistics Test
  8. 12:26.50 BMG Ballistics Test and Gun Failure
  9. 15:12Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you fire a bullet backwards?

When fired backwards, bullets like FMJ types tend to dump energy more rapidly upon impact, creating larger temporary wound cavities and potentially fragmenting or expanding unpredictably, similar to hollow-point rounds but with less predictable results and increased risk to the firearm.

Are backwards bullets more lethal?

While backwards bullets can exhibit increased energy dump and unique expansion characteristics, making them potentially more damaging in certain scenarios, their unpredictability and the extreme pressure spikes they can cause pose a significant risk to firearm integrity, making them impractical and dangerous for actual use.

What calibers were tested for backwards bullet lethality?

The Kentucky Ballistics experiment tested several calibers fired backwards, including 9mm, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and the powerful .50 BMG, comparing their terminal ballistics in gel blocks.

What kind of firearm failure occurred during the backwards bullet test?

During the .50 BMG test with a backwards projectile, the Serbu RN-50 rifle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure. The extreme overpressure caused the buffer tube and stock to break off the receiver.

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