20% Ballistic Gelatin Test .380 9mm .40 S&W & .45acp

Published on March 30, 2022
Duration: 16:22

This video details a ballistic gelatin test comparing .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers using 20% ballistic gelatin. The instructor, Buckeye Ballistics, notes that an accidental over-concentration of gelatin resulted in a firmer block, significantly impacting penetration compared to standard 10% gelatin. The test highlights differences in penetration and wound cavity formation between FMJ and hollow-point ammunition across these calibers.

Quick Summary

A 20% ballistic gelatin test revealed that its increased firmness significantly reduces bullet penetration compared to standard 10% gelatin. This firmer medium can stop rounds like FMJ that would normally pass through, and hollow points show drastically reduced travel distances, with .380 ACP penetrating about 7.5 inches and 9mm around 10.5 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:37Introduction to 20% Gelatin Test
  2. 01:15Accidental 20% Gelatin Creation
  3. 02:40Testing Firmer Gelatin
  4. 04:20First Shots: .380 ACP FMJ
  5. 05:109mm Luger FMJ Results
  6. 06:14.40 S&W FMJ Results
  7. 07:19.45 ACP FMJ Results
  8. 08:46Ammunition Used (FMJ)
  9. 09:22Ammunition Used (Hollow Point)
  10. 10:25Hollow Point Testing Begins
  11. 10:43380 ACP Hollow Point Results
  12. 11:249mm Luger Hollow Point Results
  13. 13:11.40 S&W Hollow Point Results
  14. 13:58Recovered Bullets
  15. 14:39Bullet Diameter Measurements
  16. 15:06Conclusion & Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of using 20% ballistic gelatin instead of the standard 10%?

Using 20% ballistic gelatin creates a significantly firmer block. This increased firmness leads to reduced penetration for all ammunition types compared to 10% gelatin. It also increases the likelihood of stopping rounds that would typically pass through standard gelatin, such as FMJ bullets.

How did the 9mm Luger FMJ perform in the 20% ballistic gelatin test?

The 9mm Luger FMJ round tumbled and yawed within the 20% gelatin block. This instability created a large wound cavity and caused the bullet to stop its penetration, which is a different outcome than typically seen with FMJ rounds in standard 10% gelatin.

What were the penetration depths for hollow-point ammunition in 20% ballistic gelatin?

Hollow-point ammunition showed considerably less penetration in 20% gelatin. .380 ACP hollow points penetrated approximately 7.5 inches, 9mm Luger hollow points penetrated around 10.5 inches, and .40 S&W hollow points were captured just shy of 9 inches.

Did any FMJ rounds pass through the 20% ballistic gelatin blocks?

Yes, .40 S&W and .45 ACP FMJ rounds demonstrated significant penetration. The .40 S&W flat-nose FMJ rounds passed completely through two 11.5-12 inch blocks lined up, totaling approximately 23-24 inches of penetration.

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