Pistols VS Pumpkins .22LR .380 9mm .40S&W .45ACP

Published on October 8, 2022
Duration: 14:10

This video from Buckeye Ballistics compares the terminal performance of various pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) fired into water-filled pumpkins. The instructor emphasizes that most calibers tend to punch through pumpkins, with significant "explosion" being rare and dependent on pumpkin juiciness and caliber. Ammunition selection, particularly bullet type and weight, is highlighted as crucial for performance, often more so than caliber alone. Future videos will cover shotgun and rifle calibers.

Quick Summary

Buckeye Ballistics tested .22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP against water-filled pumpkins. The results showed that most calibers tend to punch through, with significant 'explosions' being rare. Ammunition selection, particularly bullet type and weight, proved to be a critical factor in terminal performance, often more so than the caliber itself.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pistol Caliber Pumpkin Test
  2. 00:15Firearm and Caliber Overview
  3. 00:42Pumpkin Preparation: Water Filling Method
  4. 01:57Ammunition Selection Rationale
  5. 03:01Balancing Caliber Comparisons
  6. 04:03Muzzle Velocity and Barrel Length Factors
  7. 04:40Heavy Ammunition for 9mm, 40, and 45
  8. 05:22.380 ACP +P Load Explanation
  9. 06:21Ammunition Cartridge Showcase
  10. 06:50Shooting Order and Setup
  11. 07:23.22LR Pumpkin Impact
  12. 08:03.380 ACP Pumpkin Impact
  13. 08:249mm Pumpkin Impact
  14. 09:07.40 S&W Pumpkin Impact
  15. 09:57.45 ACP Pumpkin Impact
  16. 10:36Analysis: .40 S&W vs .45 ACP Performance
  17. 11:11The Crucial Role of Bullet Selection
  18. 11:45Summary of Pumpkin Test Results
  19. 12:28Bullet Selection's Impact on Damage
  20. 12:44Previous Test Mediums and Future Videos
  21. 13:08Upcoming Shotgun and Rifle Tests
  22. 13:39Product Links and Channel Support
  23. 13:54Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you shoot pumpkins with pistol calibers?

When shooting water-filled pumpkins with pistol calibers like .22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, they often just punch a hole through. Significant 'explosions' are rare and depend heavily on the pumpkin's juiciness and the caliber used. Most rounds tend to pass through with minimal disruption.

How does ammunition selection affect performance in ballistic tests?

Ammunition selection, particularly bullet type and weight, is crucial. For instance, using heavier bullets in .40 S&W and .45 ACP, or specific expanding rounds like Federal Velocitors for .22LR, can significantly alter terminal performance and penetration compared to lighter or fragmenting bullets.

Why did the .40 S&W pumpkin explode more than the .45 ACP in the test?

Although .40 S&W typically has more energy on paper, the specific ammunition used in this test favored the .45 ACP. The .40 S&W's dramatic result was likely due to its bullet selection, while the .45 ACP's less explosive outcome was influenced by its chosen load, highlighting that bullet construction often outweighs caliber differences.

What calibers were tested against pumpkins in the Buckeye Ballistics video?

The video tested .22 Long Rifle, .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .40 Smith & Wesson, and .45 ACP. Specific firearms used included the Taurus TX22, Ruger LCP Max, Glock 17, Glock 35, and Ruger SR1911, all firing hollow-point ammunition into water-filled pumpkins.

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