.223/5.56 vs 7.62x39 Pumpkins

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a 1kg rubber mallet against various calibers of ammunition, from .22 LR to .308 Winchester. The mallet demonstrates significant resistance, absorbing or deflecting most rounds, but is ultimately penetrated by the .308. The test highlights the surprising durability of the rubber mallet against firearm projectiles.

This video from Line45, hosted by Ted, outlines seven critical ammunition calibers Americans should stockpile to prepare for potential ammo shortages, referencing patterns seen in 2020 and anticipating a 2026 crunch. Ted emphasizes the importance of having sufficient defensive and training ammunition for various firearms, detailing why specific calibers disappear first during panic buying and the factors influencing supply chain disruptions. The advice is geared towards intermediate shooters and gun owners concerned with preparedness.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of various calibers against a boulder, culminating with the .50 BMG. While smaller calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP caused minimal damage, larger rounds like 5.56mm and 12 gauge slugs began to chip the rock. The .308 and initial .50 BMG shots caused significant fragmentation but did not penetrate. A second .50 BMG shot successfully penetrated the boulder.

This gel block test compares the terminal ballistics of 5.56x45mm NATO M855 Green Tip and 7.62x39mm Tula ammunition. The 5.56mm round demonstrated significant expansion and tumbling, while the 7.62x39mm round showed similar width expansion but greater length and penetration. The test highlights the distinct terminal effects of these common rifle calibers.

This guide details a performance drill comparing the AK-47 and AR-15 platforms, focusing on speed and reload efficiency. The drill, as demonstrated by retired Navy SEAL Jim Forban, highlights the AR-15's ergonomic advantages and bolt lock-back feature, leading to faster reload times compared to the AK-47. The assessment emphasizes practical combat application and familiarity.

This video from Gun For Hire Range features Rich and Matt conducting a comprehensive caliber comparison test. They fire various calibers (.22, .223, .308, 7.62x39mm, .50 BMG) at multiple targets including paper rolls, ballistic gel, a dead laptop, blast bottles, and tiles. The experiment visually demonstrates the significant differences in power and destructive capability between these common and powerful rounds. The instruction is delivered in an entertaining, expert-led format, showcasing practical application and comparative ballistics.

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.

This video provides a practical, safety-conscious comparison of common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) against concrete blocks. The host, demonstrating high authority and expertise, details the testing methodology and results, emphasizing the risks of ricochet. None of the tested pistol calibers fully penetrated the concrete block's second wall, suggesting their limitations for certain penetration scenarios.

This review of the Taurus TX22 .22 LR pistol details its features, including a 16+1 capacity and excellent trigger. While initial testing with CCI Mini-Mags was flawless, subsequent tests with various ammunition types revealed cycling issues and culminated in a catastrophic failure. The failure was attributed to a squib load followed by a second shot, causing a barrel bulge and ruptured casing, highlighting potential ammunition inconsistencies. The review provides a detailed look at disassembly and damage assessment.

This video from Buckeye Ballistics provides an experimental comparison of three popular rimfire calibers: .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR, using cantaloupes as ballistic mediums. The host, an experienced shooter, demonstrates the distinct terminal ballistics of each round, highlighting how bullet construction and velocity affect target interaction. The comparison offers practical insights into the performance differences between these rimfire cartridges on soft tissue simulants.