Will it stop a bullet? | Military Canteen

Published on September 4, 2016
Duration: 6:25

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a military canteen filled with water. Using .22 LR, 9mm, and 7.62x39mm rounds, the experiment demonstrates that a canteen alone, even when full of water, is not sufficient to stop rifle rounds and may only partially impede handgun rounds. The presence of a metal buckle on the canteen offered some additional resistance against a 9mm round.

Quick Summary

A water-filled military canteen is not designed to stop bullets. Ballistic tests show that .22 LR rounds can penetrate the canteen, and 9mm rounds can also pass through, especially if hitting less reinforced areas. Rifle calibers like 7.62x39mm will easily penetrate the canteen and backing materials.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Will it Stop a Bullet?
  2. 00:08Testing Setup: Military Canteen & Backing
  3. 00:31Ammunition Selection: .22 LR, 9mm, 7.62x39mm
  4. 00:53.22 LR Test on Canteen Cap
  5. 01:19.22 LR Penetration Results
  6. 02:029mm Test on Canteen Body
  7. 02:309mm Test on Metal Buckle
  8. 03:019mm Test on Canteen Side
  9. 03:459mm Test on Metal Buckle & Aluminum
  10. 04:079mm Test on Canteen Cap
  11. 04:527.62x39mm Test on Canteen
  12. 05:35Recap: Canteen Ballistic Resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a water-filled military canteen stop a bullet?

Based on ballistic testing, a water-filled military canteen cannot reliably stop bullets. While it may cause some deviation or minor damage to lighter rounds like .22 LR, it offers little resistance to 9mm handgun rounds and is completely penetrated by 7.62x39mm rifle rounds.

What happens when a 9mm bullet hits a military canteen?

A 9mm bullet can penetrate the plastic cap and aluminum body of a water-filled military canteen. The bullet may deviate sideways, and while the canteen's structure and water can absorb some energy, it is not guaranteed to stop the round, especially if it hits a less reinforced area.

Does the metal buckle on a military canteen improve its bullet resistance?

The metal buckle on a military canteen can offer some additional resistance against a 9mm round, potentially causing the bullet to deflect or lodge within the canteen. However, it does not guarantee the canteen will stop the bullet, and it offers no significant protection against rifle calibers like 7.62x39mm.

How much energy does a bullet retain after passing through a canteen and pine boards?

After penetrating a water-filled canteen and one 2cm pine board, a .22 LR or 9mm round still has enough energy to lodge in a second pine board. A 7.62x39mm round will pass through both pine boards, shattering them, indicating significant retained energy sufficient to be lethal.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Polenar Tactical

View all →