What Is the Best Caliber for Exploding Watermelons?

Published on December 31, 2018
Duration: 14:54

This video from hickok45 presents a 'scientific' experiment to determine the best calibers for exploding watermelons, offering a practical demonstration of ballistic effects. The test compares various handgun, rifle, and shotgun calibers, highlighting that projectile velocity is the key factor in achieving a dramatic 'explosion.' hickok45, a renowned firearms educator, uses his extensive experience to showcase how different rounds interact with targets, providing valuable insights into terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

The primary factor for exploding watermelons is projectile velocity. High-velocity rifle rounds like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm cause targets to vaporize, while full-power rounds such as .30-06 Springfield and 12 Gauge slugs completely obliterate them, demonstrating superior destructive power over handgun calibers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Watermelon Experiment
  2. 01:00Firearm and Caliber Lineup
  3. 01:38Handgun Testing: 9mm, .40, .45
  4. 04:00Magnum Handgun Testing
  5. 06:16Rifle Testing: 5.56 and 7.62x39
  6. 08:00Full-Power Rifle and Shotgun
  7. 09:14.357 Mag Rifle Velocity Comparison
  8. 11:36Conclusion: Velocity is Key

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary factor determining a caliber's effectiveness at exploding watermelons?

According to the test conducted by hickok45, projectile velocity is the key factor. Higher velocity rounds transfer more energy more rapidly, leading to a more dramatic 'explosion' and fragmentation of the target.

Which calibers were tested for exploding watermelons?

The test included common handgun calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum. Rifle calibers tested were 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, and .30-06 Springfield, along with 12 Gauge slugs.

Do rifle calibers perform better than handgun calibers for exploding watermelons?

Yes, rifle calibers, especially high-velocity ones like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm, demonstrated significantly more destructive effects, causing targets to vaporize into small fragments compared to most handgun rounds.

What was the most effective caliber for exploding watermelons in the test?

The .30-06 Springfield and 12 Gauge slugs provided the most dramatic results, completely obliterating the watermelon targets. This indicates that full-power rifle and shotgun rounds are most effective for this purpose.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from hickok45

View all →