Do books in book bags help slow down 9mm bullets?

Published on October 1, 2023
Duration: 4:50

This video demonstrates a ballistics test to determine if books within a backpack can slow down or stop 9mm jacketed hollow-point (JHP) rounds. The instructor fires Winchester 9mm JHP ammunition from a CZ P10 into a backpack containing books, then examines the penetration and recovers the bullets. The test shows that while books can impede bullets, they do not always stop them completely, with some rounds penetrating through multiple books.

Quick Summary

In a ballistics test, books placed inside a backpack were shown to significantly impede 9mm JHP rounds. While some bullets penetrated multiple books, one was stopped by the final book, demonstrating their potential to slow projectiles but not guarantee complete stoppage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:05Ammunition and Firearm Used
  3. 00:16Safety Briefing
  4. 00:29Firing the Shot
  5. 00:39Clearing the Firearm
  6. 00:42Assessing Impact Zone
  7. 00:51Examining Backpack Penetration
  8. 01:05First Bullet Hole Analysis
  9. 01:13Bullet Path Through Books
  10. 01:31Confirmation of Penetration
  11. 02:06First Bullet Recovery Location
  12. 02:13First Bullet Retrieved
  13. 02:35Discussion on Ballistics Experts
  14. 02:40Examining Bullet Striations
  15. 03:02Searching for Second Bullet
  16. 03:09Second Bullet Path Analysis
  17. 03:34Second Bullet Stopped by Last Book
  18. 03:43Second Bullet Retrieved
  19. 03:48Checking the Backstop Panel
  20. 03:55Panel Unaffected
  21. 04:15Searching for Fragments
  22. 04:18Book Purchase Information
  23. 04:48Concluding Remarks and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can books in a backpack stop a 9mm bullet?

In this test, books inside a backpack significantly slowed down 9mm JHP rounds, but did not always prevent full penetration. One bullet went through multiple books, while another was stopped by the last book in the backpack.

What type of 9mm ammunition was used in the test?

The test utilized Winchester 9mm jacketed hollow-point (JHP) ammunition. These rounds are designed to expand upon impact, which can affect their penetration characteristics.

How can you identify which firearm a bullet was fired from?

Firearm barrels have imperfections and rifling that impart unique striations, or indentations, onto a bullet as it travels. These markings are like a fingerprint and can be used to match a bullet to a specific barrel.

Where can I purchase the books used in this ballistics test?

The books featured in this ballistics test, which were also available in Spanish, can be purchased online at the website mikebrownsbooks.com.

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