Is The Question Finally Answered? 9mm FMJ Flat vs Round Ballistic Gel Test. Which Penetrates More?

Published on December 4, 2021
Duration: 11:29

This guide details a ballistic gel test comparing the penetration of 9mm FMJ Flat Nose versus Round Nose projectiles. The test, conducted by an experienced instructor, utilizes a P80 pistol and a chronograph to measure velocities and penetration depths in ballistic gel. The results indicate that flat nose FMJ bullets achieve greater penetration than round nose FMJ bullets, exiting the gel blocks and impacting a log behind the setup.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing 9mm FMJ bullet types, Flat Nose projectiles demonstrated superior penetration over Round Nose. The Flat Nose bullets exited two gel blocks, towels, and lodged in a log, while Round Nose bullets penetrated to approximately 24-25 inches. Average velocities were similar, with the Flat Nose at 1143 fps and Round Nose at 1137 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 01:03Ammunition and Firearm Details
  3. 01:58Velocity Test - Round Nose
  4. 02:55Velocity Test - Flat Nose
  5. 03:42Velocity Comparison
  6. 04:09Ballistic Gel Test - Round Nose
  7. 05:11Ballistic Gel Test - Flat Nose
  8. 06:49Analysis of Gel Results
  9. 09:33Conclusion: Flat Nose Penetrates Further

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 9mm FMJ bullet type penetrates more in ballistic gel?

In this ballistic gel test, 9mm FMJ Flat Nose bullets demonstrated greater penetration than Round Nose FMJ bullets. The Flat Nose projectiles successfully exited two blocks of ballistic gel, passed through towels, and lodged in a log, while the Round Nose projectiles stopped within the gel blocks at approximately 24-25 inches.

What were the average velocities for the tested 9mm FMJ ammunition?

The Winchester White Box 9mm FMJ (Round Nose, 115 grain) averaged 1137 feet per second (fps). The Winchester USA Ready 9mm FMJ (Flat Nose, 115 grain) averaged 1143 fps, showing a minimal difference of 6 fps between the two loads.

How does the wound channel differ between 9mm FMJ Flat Nose and Round Nose bullets?

The ballistic gel test indicated that the Flat Nose FMJ bullets created a larger and longer-carrying wound channel compared to the Round Nose FMJ bullets. This is often attributed to the increased surface area and energy transfer of the flat nose design upon impact.

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