Is an Elevator Cable Bulletproof?

Published on May 24, 2021
Duration: 15:18

This video from DemolitionRanch, featuring expert Matt Carriker, experimentally tests the bullet resistance of a real elevator cable against various calibers. It demonstrates that smaller calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP are ineffective, while larger rounds like .300 Win Mag cause significant damage but not complete severance. Only the .50 BMG proved capable of potentially cutting through the cable, debunking common movie portrayals.

Quick Summary

DemolitionRanch experimentally tested elevator cable durability against various firearm calibers. Results show 9mm and .45 ACP are ineffective, .300 Win Mag causes significant strand damage, and only .50 BMG rounds demonstrated the potential to penetrate or cut the cable, debunking common movie tropes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro and Parody
  2. 01:41Experiment Introduction
  3. 02:599mm Caliber Test
  4. 04:07.45 ACP Test
  5. 05:02.45-70 Government Test
  6. 07:02.300 Win Mag Test
  7. 09:42.50 BMG Test
  8. 11:21Final Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an elevator cable stop bullets?

Based on DemolitionRanch's tests, smaller calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP are ineffective, merely flattening against the steel strands. Larger rounds like .300 Win Mag cause significant damage, but only .50 BMG rounds demonstrated the potential to penetrate or cut the cable strands.

Which firearm calibers were tested against the elevator cable?

The experiment tested 9mm, .45 ACP, .45-70 Government, .300 Win Mag, and .50 BMG calibers against the elevator cable. Firearms used included an MP5 clone, a Thompson submachine gun, a Falkor Petra, and a Barrett M82.

What was the result of testing .50 BMG rounds on the elevator cable?

Testing with .50 BMG rounds, including FMJ, Incendiary, and APIT types, showed that Armor Piercing rounds could punch through the cable, and incendiary rounds could cut through the steel strands, indicating .50 BMG's capability to damage the cable.

Are movie scenes of shooting elevator cables realistic?

The video suggests movie scenes are largely unrealistic. While .50 BMG rounds can damage an elevator cable, smaller calibers commonly depicted are shown to be completely ineffective, failing to sever the cable.

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