How Many Basketballs Does it Take to Stop a Bullet?

Published on February 26, 2026
Duration: 1:17

This video demonstrates a series of ballistic tests using various projectiles, including .22LR, 12-gauge birdshot and slug, 9mm hollow point, a crossbow bolt, and a .50 Cal round, to determine how many basketballs each can penetrate. The results offer a visual comparison of the stopping power and penetration capabilities of different ammunition types and projectile platforms. The experiment highlights the significant differences in energy and effectiveness between common handgun rounds, shotgun loads, and high-powered rifle cartridges.

Quick Summary

Various calibers, including .22LR, 12-gauge birdshot and slug, 9mm hollow point, and .50 Cal rounds, were tested to determine how many basketballs they could penetrate. The .22LR went through 5, birdshot through 2, 9mm through 12, and both the 12-gauge slug and .50 Cal round penetrated 14 basketballs.

Chapters

  1. 00:01.22LR Penetration Test
  2. 00:1612 Gauge Birdshot Test
  3. 00:26Crossbow Test
  4. 00:339mm Hollow Point Test
  5. 00:4412 Gauge Slug Test
  6. 00:55.50 Cal Penetration Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers were tested to see how many basketballs they could stop?

.22LR, 12-gauge birdshot, 9mm hollow point, 12-gauge slug, and .50 Cal rounds were tested. A crossbow bolt was also included in the experiment to compare its penetration power.

How many basketballs did a .22LR round penetrate?

A .22LR round was observed to go through 5 basketballs and then bounce off the 6th basketball in the test.

What was the penetration difference between 12-gauge birdshot and a 12-gauge slug?

The 12-gauge birdshot penetrated 2 basketballs before stopping, while the 12-gauge slug penetrated 14 basketballs and bounced off the 15th, showing a significant difference in penetration power.

Did the .50 Cal round penetrate more basketballs than a 9mm hollow point?

Yes, the .50 Cal round penetrated 14 basketballs, while the 9mm hollow point round penetrated 12 basketballs in this specific test.

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