Pistols VS Watermelons .22lr .380 9mm .40S&W .45ACP Comparison

Published on August 7, 2022
Duration: 6:55

This video from Buckeye Ballistics provides a practical, albeit unconventional, comparison of five common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) by shooting watermelons. The expert demonstrates varying levels of terminal performance, from the .22LR's significant splitting to the .45 ACP's complete watermelon fragmentation, highlighting the differences in hydraulic shock and expansion. The test utilizes specific hollow-point ammunition, including Speer Gold Dot, Aguila Super Maximum, and Underwood XTP, showcasing their effects.

Quick Summary

Buckeye Ballistics compared .22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP pistol calibers by shooting watermelons. The tests revealed increasing terminal ballistics, with .45 ACP causing complete watermelon fragmentation, showcasing significant hydraulic shock and expansion differences between calibers and ammunition types like Speer Gold Dot and Underwood XTP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Caliber Lineup
  2. 00:27Ammunition Selection Breakdown
  3. 03:41Shooting Tests: .22LR and .380 ACP
  4. 04:51Shooting Tests: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP
  5. 06:09Conclusion and Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

How do different pistol calibers perform in terminal ballistics tests?

Tests show a clear progression in destructive power from smaller to larger calibers. .22LR causes splitting, .380 ACP creates explosive impacts, 9mm shows massive power increase, .40 S&W offers more violent destruction, and .45 ACP results in complete target fragmentation.

What types of ammunition were used in the Buckeye Ballistics pistol caliber comparison?

The comparison utilized specific hollow-point ammunition: Aguila Super Maximum 30gr HP for .22LR, Underwood XTP +P 90gr for .380 ACP, and Speer Gold Dot variants for 9mm (124gr), .40 S&W (180gr), and .45 ACP (185gr).

Which pistol caliber was most effective in the watermelon ballistic test?

The .45 ACP caliber demonstrated the highest terminal effectiveness, causing complete fragmentation of the watermelon. This was followed by the .40 S&W and 9mm, indicating a significant increase in destructive capability with larger calibers.

What factors influence the terminal performance of pistol ammunition?

Terminal performance is influenced by caliber, bullet type (e.g., hollow point), bullet weight, velocity, and expansion characteristics. These factors contribute to hydraulic shock and penetration depth, as observed in the watermelon tests.

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