The ONLY 5.45mm That Isn't Trash? Wolf 55gr SP Gel Test

Published on April 21, 2020
Duration: 10:12

This video tests Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm ammunition through ballistic gelatin, finding it barely meets the 12-inch penetration minimum for vital organs. While it expands and fragments, its performance is considered mediocre compared to 5.56x45mm options, making it a borderline choice for defense or hunting in a caliber with limited high-performance ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm ammunition achieved a total penetration of 12.3 inches in ballistic gelatin, barely meeting the 12-inch minimum for vital organs. It exhibited expansion and fragmentation, but its overall performance is considered mediocre and borderline for defensive or hunting use in a caliber with limited options.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 5.45x39mm vs 5.56x45mm
  2. 00:14Challenges with 5.45x39mm Ammunition
  3. 00:29Critique of 60gr V-Max and FMJ Performance
  4. 01:09The 'Poison Bullet' Myth of 7N6
  5. 01:20Testing Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm
  6. 01:37Ballistic Gelatin Setup and Test
  7. 02:10Gelatin Block Analysis: Penetration
  8. 02:31Testing Methodology Limitations
  9. 03:16Interpreting Borderline Results
  10. 03:53Bullet Behavior: Expansion and Fragmentation
  11. 04:19Detailed Measurements: Neck, Cavity
  12. 04:50Bullet Recovery and Examination
  13. 05:35Bullet Condition: Expansion and Damage
  14. 05:44Conclusion: Does it Meet Standards?
  15. 06:07Lack of Good 5.45x39mm Defensive Options
  16. 06:15FMJ vs. Expanding/Fragmenting Rounds
  17. 06:50Best Performance in 5.45x39mm to Date
  18. 07:00Why 5.56x45mm is Superior
  19. 07:09Final Thoughts on Wolf 55gr SP
  20. 07:17Potential for Varied Results
  21. 07:31Comparison to 5.56x45mm Load Standards
  22. 07:43Unique Position of 5.45x39mm Ammunition
  23. 07:51Praise for Meeting Minimum Standards
  24. 08:085.45x39mm vs. 5.56x45mm: A Summary
  25. 08:15Best Performance Seen in 5.45x39mm
  26. 08:19Future Testing of Russian Soft Points
  27. 08:39Call for Discussion and Questions
  28. 09:02Support Gun Channels: Like, Share, Subscribe
  29. 09:42High-Speed Camera Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penetration depth of Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm ammunition in ballistic gelatin?

In a 10% calibrated ballistic gelatin test, the Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm ammunition achieved a total penetration of 12.3 inches. This barely meets the 12-inch minimum often considered necessary to reliably reach vital organs for incapacitation.

How does Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm ammunition perform in terms of expansion and fragmentation?

The Wolf 55gr SP ammunition demonstrated expansion and fragmentation during the ballistic gelatin test. Fragments were observed along the wound channel, indicating a wounding mechanism beyond simple penetration, though weight retention was not 100%.

Is Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm considered good defensive or hunting ammunition?

While the Wolf 55gr SP 5.45x39mm meets the minimum penetration depth, it's considered a borderline option for defense or hunting. The caliber itself has limited high-performance options, and this round's performance is mediocre compared to superior 5.56x45mm alternatives.

Why is 5.56x45mm generally considered superior to 5.45x39mm?

5.56x45mm is generally considered superior to 5.45x39mm due to broader Western ammunition support and the availability of a wider range of high-performance rounds that offer more consistent and dramatic expansion and fragmentation, leading to better wounding characteristics.

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