GUNTALK S5: Black Hills Cowboys, Pt 4

Published on October 10, 2015
Duration: 4:40

This video details a ballistic gel test comparing the .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. The .44 Magnum, using a 240-grain Hornady XTP hollow point at 1,200 fps, penetrated 20 inches and created a cavity. The .44 Special, with a 250-grain Keith-style cast bullet at 700 fps, achieved greater penetration due to its non-expanding, shape-retaining design, demonstrating how bullet construction and velocity impact terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

In ballistic gel tests, the .44 Magnum (240gr XTP at 1,200 fps) penetrated 20 inches and expanded. The .44 Special (250gr Keith cast at 700 fps) achieved greater penetration due to its non-expanding, shape-retaining design, demonstrating how bullet construction impacts terminal ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Sponsors
  2. 00:20Comparing .44 Magnum and .44 Special Bullets
  3. 00:27.44 Magnum Bullet Specs
  4. 00:37.44 Special Bullet Specs
  5. 00:48Elmer Keith Bullet Design
  6. 01:03Gelatin Preparation
  7. 01:15Gelatin Calibration Process
  8. 02:36Test Results: .44 Magnum vs .44 Special
  9. 02:47.44 Magnum Gelatin Results
  10. 03:08.44 Special Gelatin Results
  11. 03:18Hard Cast Bullet Performance
  12. 03:40Pushing Hard Cast Bullets Faster
  13. 04:11Importance of Ballistic Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in performance between .44 Magnum and .44 Special in ballistic gel?

The .44 Magnum, with a Hornady XTP hollow point at 1,200 fps, penetrated 20 inches and expanded. The .44 Special, using a 250-grain Keith cast bullet at 700 fps, achieved greater penetration because its non-expanding design maintained shape and minimized drag.

How does bullet construction affect penetration in ballistic gel tests?

Hard cast bullets, like the Keith-style used in the .44 Special, maintain their shape and dimensions. This prevents expansion, reduces frontal area drag, and allows the bullet to use its momentum and velocity for deeper penetration compared to expanding hollow points.

What is the purpose of calibrating ballistic gel with a BB?

Calibrating ballistic gel with a BB ensures its density is consistent. The BB must travel within a narrow velocity window and penetrate to a specific depth, confirming the gel's uniformity for reliable and replicable test results.

When would a hard cast bullet be a preferred choice over a hollow point?

A hard cast bullet is preferred when maximum penetration is desired, such as for hunting large game like elk or for bear protection. Pushing these bullets at higher velocities further enhances their deep-penetrating capabilities.

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