Tom Gresham's Gun Talk - 03.23.14 Part A

Published on March 29, 2014
Duration: 44:45

This episode of Gun Talk features extensive testing on projectile penetration through various wall materials and water jugs, offering insights into home defense ammunition effectiveness. Host Tom Gresham, along with guest Chris Serino, discusses surprising results from calibers like .22 Rimfire and .223 Remington, as well as the performance of 9mm FMJ versus expanding bullets in water. The segment provides practical data for understanding over-penetration concerns in self-defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

Gun Talk tested projectile penetration through various wall materials and water jugs. Surprising results included .22 Rimfire penetrating multiple sheetrock walls and a 77-grain .223 Remington bullet fragmenting and penetrating sideways. 9mm FMJ over-penetrated water jugs, while Barnes PDX expanded effectively.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Sponsor Message
  2. 00:21Show Overview & Topics
  3. 01:00Tom Gresham Introduces Testing
  4. 01:21Shooting Through Walls Test Setup
  5. 02:03Initial Test Results & Surprises
  6. 02:21Birdshot for Home Defense Debate
  7. 03:03Testing Ammunition Effectiveness
  8. 03:34Listener Call: Connecticut Gun Laws
  9. 06:11Listener Call: Steel Case Ammo Concerns
  10. 08:53Sponsor: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard
  11. 09:16Resource: Where2Shoot.org
  12. 09:43Training: Fighting with the 1911 DVD
  13. 10:47Sponsor: Console Vault
  14. 11:29Listener Call: Steel Case Ammo User
  15. 12:20Listener Call: Rick on Steel Case Ammo
  16. 14:31Listener Call: Marlin Rust Restoration
  17. 17:41Listener Call: Reloading Steel Cases
  18. 19:47Detailed Wall Penetration Test Explanation
  19. 20:55Test Results: .22 Rimfire Penetration
  20. 21:24Test Results: .327 Federal Magnum
  21. 21:41Test Results: .410 Shotgun (Birdshot vs. PDX)
  22. 22:01Preview: Reloading Shotgun Shells
  23. 22:43Guest: Sean Wnuk from MEC Reloaders
  24. 23:16MEC Reloaders Product Overview
  25. 23:50Clay Target Throwers
  26. 25:38Reloading Cost Savings
  27. 26:09Cost to Start Reloading Shotgun Shells
  28. 28:42MEC Progressive Loaders
  29. 30:11MEC Website Update
  30. 30:57Preview: Wall Penetration & Water Jug Tests
  31. 31:09Sponsor: Alien Gear Holsters
  32. 31:39Sponsor: Timney Triggers
  33. 32:09Environmental Issue: Vanishing Paradise
  34. 33:11MEC Reloaders Ad
  35. 33:51Gun Talk Poll
  36. 34:03Guest: Chris Serino Joins
  37. 34:34Chris Serino on Testing Fun
  38. 35:05Water Jug Test: 9mm FMJ vs. Barnes PDX
  39. 36:31Water Jug Test: .223 Remington
  40. 37:40Wall Test: 12 Gauge Shotgun
  41. 38:10Water Test: 12 Gauge Shotgun
  42. 39:47Anecdote: Tattoo vs. Gun Call
  43. 40:41Discussion: Police Response to 'Man with Gun' Calls
  44. 41:24Listener Call: NYC Magazine Capacity Laws
  45. 41:47Listener Call: Savage Model 42 & Optics
  46. 44:05Closing Remarks & Next Segment Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the surprising results of the wall penetration tests on Gun Talk?

Surprisingly, standard .22 Rimfire ammunition penetrated through multiple sheetrock walls and siding. Also, a 77-grain .223 Remington bullet, expected to penetrate deeply, broke apart and penetrated sideways through the walls.

How did different 9mm ammunition types perform in water jug tests?

A 9mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet penetrated six water jugs with minimal deformation. In contrast, a Barnes PDX 9mm expanding bullet achieved optimal expansion after penetrating three jugs, indicating better terminal performance for self-defense.

Is steel case ammunition safe for modern firearms?

Yes, steel case ammunition is generally safe for modern firearms. The lifespan of a barrel is the primary wear factor, not the steel case itself. Concerns about steel cases damaging chambers are largely unfounded for typical usage.

What are the benefits of reloading shotgun shells with lighter shot charges?

Using lighter shot charges in 12-gauge shotgun shells reduces recoil, making shooting more comfortable, especially for new or smaller shooters. This can also lead to improved target breaking and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

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