Can Wax Stop A Bullet? 🐝

Published on December 30, 2020
Duration: 8:01

This video from Kentucky Ballistics demonstrates a unique test of bullet penetration using paraffin wax blocks as a medium. Expertly conducted by Scott, the experiment showcases how different handgun calibers, from .22 LR to .500 S&W Magnum, interact with wax, highlighting its surprising effectiveness at stopping rounds despite its tendency to shatter. The test provides valuable insights into projectile performance in a non-standard medium.

Quick Summary

Kentucky Ballistics conducted an experiment testing if paraffin wax can stop handgun bullets. Using 16-inch wax blocks, they fired calibers from .22 LR to .500 S&W Magnum. While the wax effectively stopped all rounds, it tended to shatter dramatically upon impact, especially with larger calibers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Experiment Introduction
  2. 01:14Sponsor Segment: LAS Concealment
  3. 01:43.22 LR Testing
  4. 02:189mm Testing
  5. 03:40.45 ACP Testing
  6. 04:38.500 S&W Magnum Testing
  7. 06:31Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What material was used to test bullet penetration in the Kentucky Ballistics video?

The experiment utilized 18-pound blocks of paraffin wax, prepared by melting and cooling them in ballistic gel molds to achieve 16-inch lengths for testing bullet stopping power and penetration characteristics.

Which handgun calibers were tested against the wax blocks?

The video tested several handgun calibers, including .22 LR from a Ruger LCR, 9mm +P Jacketed Hollow Points, .45 ACP Full Metal Jacket rounds from a Smith & Wesson 1911 TA, and a powerful .500 S&W Magnum round from a Magnum Research BFR.

Did the paraffin wax successfully stop the bullets?

Yes, the paraffin wax blocks were effective at stopping all the handgun rounds tested. However, the impact often caused the brittle wax to shatter dramatically, especially with larger calibers like the .500 S&W Magnum.

What was the outcome of the .500 S&W Magnum test against the wax?

The .500 S&W Magnum round fired from a Magnum Research BFR resulted in a massive explosion of the wax block, scattering pieces significant distances, demonstrating its immense power even against a stopping medium.

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