how much ice does it take to stop a bullet?

Published on May 26, 2016
Duration: 3:23

This guide details an experiment to determine how much ice is required to stop a 9mm bullet. It outlines the setup, ammunition used, firing procedure, and analysis of results, emphasizing safe firearm handling and the use of protective gear. The experiment, conducted by firearms content creator Edwin Sarkissian, provides practical insight into projectile energy transfer and stopping power.

Quick Summary

A 9mm 115-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet was stopped by approximately 6 to 7.5 inches of ice during a ballistics test. The experiment involved firing a single round into a series of ice blocks, demonstrating projectile energy transfer and the importance of material thickness in stopping power.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Experiment Introduction
  2. 00:26Equipment and Setup
  3. 00:51The Shot
  4. 01:21Results Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ammunition was used in the ice block test?

The experiment used 9mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition with a 115-grain bullet weight. This type of ammunition is common for target shooting and training due to its reliability and consistent performance.

How thick was the ice required to stop the 9mm bullet?

Approximately 6 to 7.5 inches of ice was sufficient to stop the 9mm bullet. This was determined by observing that the projectile was halted by the third ice block in the sequence, with each block being 2 to 2.5 inches thick.

What safety precautions were taken during the ice ballistics test?

The shooter, Edwin Sarkissian, demonstrated proper firearm safety by wearing hearing and eye protection. He also ensured safe firearm handling procedures were followed, including clearing the weapon after firing.

What does this experiment reveal about projectile stopping power?

The test shows that materials like ice can absorb significant kinetic energy from a projectile. The effectiveness depends on the projectile's characteristics (like FMJ type) and the material's thickness and density.

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