Shooting a Pool with a .44 Magnum and AK-47

Published on November 1, 2019
Duration: 6:14

This video demonstrates the ballistic performance of a .44 Magnum and an AK-47 when fired into a pool of water. The .44 Magnum, using Mag-Tech 240-grain soft point ammunition, penetrated further into the water than the AK-47's full metal jacket rounds. The instructor notes that faster, harder rounds can sometimes have less penetration due to energy dispersal upon impact, while slower rounds may penetrate further. Bullet recovery was performed for both firearms.

Quick Summary

When fired into water, faster and harder projectiles can experience less penetration due to rapid energy dispersal upon impact. The .44 Magnum with soft point ammo penetrated further than the AK-47 with FMJ rounds, which tended to yaw sideways, limiting their depth.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Poll Results
  2. 00:29.44 Magnum Ammunition Details
  3. 00:37Camera Setup for Testing
  4. 00:59.44 Magnum Firing Sequence
  5. 02:00AK-47 Firing Sequence
  6. 02:48Initial Observations on AK-47 Impact
  7. 03:31GoPro Footage Issue
  8. 03:40Bullet Recovery - .44 Magnum
  9. 04:12Bullet Recovery - AK-47
  10. 04:36Analysis of AK-47 Bullet Yaw
  11. 04:51Ballistics Explanation: Speed vs. Penetration
  12. 05:50Ammunition Performance Conclusion
  13. 06:05Final Thoughts and Viewer Blame

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bullet speed affect penetration in water?

Faster, harder projectiles can sometimes have less penetration in water because they disperse their energy more rapidly upon impact, akin to hitting a brick wall. Slower projectiles may penetrate further.

What was the performance difference between a .44 Magnum and an AK-47 in water?

The .44 Magnum with soft point ammunition penetrated further than the AK-47 with full metal jacket rounds. The AK-47 bullets tended to yaw sideways upon impact, limiting their depth.

Did the .44 Magnum ammunition expand in water?

No, the Mag-Tech 240-grain soft point .44 Magnum ammunition used in the test did not significantly expand or mushroom upon impact with the water.

What are the implications of a bullet yawing in water?

When a bullet yaws (goes sideways) upon impact, its aerodynamic profile changes drastically, increasing drag and significantly reducing its penetration depth and forward momentum.

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