Rifles vs. Pistols: The Basics of Terminal Ballistics

This video demonstrates the performance of a unique Argentinian HEI Spotter round, featuring an internal detonator, compared to a standard FMJ. Through a series of tests on various targets including rubber, steel, aluminum, lumber, water, ballistic gel, and real hog meat, the detonating bullet consistently showed significantly more destructive power upon impact. The tests highlight the effectiveness of this specialized ammunition for rapid target neutralization.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of the Mk18's potential obsolescence in 2026. The speaker, demonstrating advanced knowledge, details the Mk18's cons, including lower muzzle velocity and limited fragmentation range, necessitating specific ammunition like 77 OTM for optimal performance. Alternatives like 11.5-inch or 13.7-inch barrels are discussed as potentially more effective options, while acknowledging the Mk18's niche appeal for those prioritizing a compact 5.56mm package.

This video demonstrates a ballistic test of 9mm blue tip ammunition using a Darry Arms DY9 American pistol with a compensator. The test involves firing into a ballistic gel head, with slow-motion footage highlighting the destructive impact and cavity formation around the eye socket. The information is presented for wise consideration regarding ammunition performance on soft targets.

This video demonstrates a ballistic gel test of 9mm blue tip ammunition, specifically Havoc Halo rounds, fired from a Daria Arms DY9 pistol. The presenter documents the impact and resulting damage in slow motion, highlighting the round's performance on a ballistic head target. The footage provides a visual representation of projectile expansion and penetration.

Gun owners are increasingly moving away from traditional hollow-point ammunition due to real-world performance limitations, especially when encountering barriers. This shift is driven by advancements in bullet technology offering superior weight retention, barrier penetration, and wound channel creation. The video explores several alternatives, including solid copper hollow points, fluted solid projectiles, tumble-on-impact rounds, bonded jacketed hollow points, ballistic tip ammunition, frangible rounds, and hybrid loads, detailing their performance characteristics and suitability for various self-defense scenarios.

This video from Gun For Hire Range features hosts Rich and Matt conducting a comparative test of various firearm calibers (.22, .223, .308, AK-47/7.62x39mm, and .50 BMG) against different targets including a paper roll, ballistic gel, a dead laptop, blast bottles, and tiles. The experiment visually demonstrates the significant differences in terminal ballistics and destructive power across these calibers, highlighting the impact of momentum and energy transfer.

Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo explains the 'Cruiser Ready' method for storing a home defense shotgun, balancing safety and accessibility. This technique involves a loaded magazine tube but an empty chamber, with the safety off and action unlocked. This allows for rapid deployment by simply racking the slide. Baker also advises loading the magazine one round shy of capacity to preserve magazine spring longevity and prevent potential failures.

The FBI's brief adoption of the 10mm Auto in 1989, primarily with the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, proved disastrous due to mechanical issues and complexity. This led to the development of the '10mm Lite' and ultimately the .40 S&W cartridge, which was quickly adopted by Glock and dominated law enforcement for decades. The 10mm Auto's potential was recognized, but its practical implementation by the FBI failed.

The Ruger Mini-14 has maintained popularity for nearly 50 years by filling a market gap for an affordable, practical semi-automatic rifle, drawing inspiration from the M14. Despite early accuracy criticisms and political controversies, design updates and competitive pricing have kept it relevant, though the rise of affordable AR-15s presents new challenges.

This review of the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle highlights its unique takedown feature, making it highly packable. Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo details its design evolution, caliber options (.44 Mag, .357 Mag), and compares it to other takedown lever actions. While praising its smooth action and crisp trigger, Baker notes some cosmetic quality control issues and suggests ergonomic modifications for improved handling. The rifle demonstrated 100% reliability over 300 rounds with good accuracy from premium loads.