Penetration Test - 9mm vs .40 vs .45acp - TheFireArmGuy

Published on October 20, 2014
Duration: 3:49

This guide details a firearm penetration test conducted by TheFirearmGuy, comparing 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers using a 17-board OSB target. The test reveals significant differences in penetration based on caliber and barrel length, with the longer .45 ACP demonstrating superior performance. The expert reviewer methodically analyzes recovered projectiles, offering insights into ballistic performance.

Quick Summary

A penetration test compared 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers using a 17-board OSB target. The .45 ACP, especially with a 5-inch barrel, demonstrated superior penetration compared to the 9mm and .40 S&W, with all rounds penetrating multiple boards.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Gear Overview
  2. 00:41Target Setup
  3. 00:52Shooting Phase
  4. 01:37Initial Impact Analysis
  5. 02:00Penetration Results
  6. 02:46Summary and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers were compared in the penetration test?

The penetration test compared three popular handgun calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The firearms used included the Magnum Research MR9 (9mm), Kahr CT40 (.40 S&W), Bond Arms Backup (.45 ACP), and Desert Eagle 1911 (.45 ACP).

How did different barrel lengths affect .45 ACP penetration?

The test indicated that barrel length significantly impacts penetration. The Desert Eagle 1911 with a 5-inch barrel (.45 ACP) demonstrated greater penetration than the Bond Arms Backup with a 2.5-inch barrel (.45 ACP) when fired through the OSB target stack.

What was the target setup for the penetration test?

The target consisted of 17 pieces of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) securely fastened together with lag bolts. This setup was designed to test the penetration capabilities of various handgun rounds from a close distance.

What were the key findings regarding bullet penetration?

All tested handgun rounds penetrated multiple OSB boards. The .45 ACP caliber, particularly with a longer barrel, showed a tendency for deeper penetration compared to the 9mm and .40 S&W in this specific test scenario.

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