Ballistics? question

[whodat2710]

Looking through my ammo I noticed I have about 8 different kinds of JHP ammo. Out of curiosity (and boredom) I would like to compare how each "flowers" compared to the other. I don't want to waste cash on Ballistics Gel, so I was wondering about how many 1 gallon milk jugs a 9mm will penetrate before stopping?

 

[fuhr52]

Check out The Box O' Truth - Ammo Penetration Testing

 

[wolf_fire]

Looking through my ammo I noticed I have about 8 different kinds of JHP ammo. Out of curiosity (and boredom) I would like to compare how each "flowers" compared to the other. I don't want to waste cash on Ballistics Gel, so I was wondering about how many 1 gallon milk jugs a 9mm will penetrate before stopping?

Set up 10 of them and then tell us how many they go through.

 

[tony60203]

Phone books taped together works well

 

[whodat2710]

Set up 10 of them and then tell us how many they go through.

I just want to have roughly enough milk jugs before I head out to the woods. I'm not so worried about "testing" as I am being able to find the rounds and compare the expansion. Might even do something "artsy" with 'em. For 8 different rounds, the difference would be 24 milk jugs if the 3rd one will stop it, but if it took 5...
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Also, do you think it would penetrate farther with full jugs? some air at the top? Lid on or off?

 

[Mobuck]

Most of the 9mm I've shot into milk jugs stopped in the 3rd one. I used loosely tied newspaper as a backer to catch bullets that made it through 3 or were deflected. FYI all this will do is compare how the individual bullets perform in water filled milk jugs and has little actual bearing on how they perform in flesh. What it does is give you a hands on idea of the relative expansion among the tested bullets. You'll know which ones are more likely to expand quicker or penetrate further.
I found that water logged newsprint gave a better idea of the wound cavity produced. Careful shooting gives 4-5 shots per bundle of paper.
It makes no difference about being absolutely full since it usually blows the cap off.

 

[wolf_fire]

I just want to have roughly enough milk jugs before I head out to the woods. I'm not so worried about "testing" as I am being able to find the rounds and compare the expansion. Might even do something "artsy" with 'em. For 8 different rounds, the difference would be 24 milk jugs if the 3rd one will stop it, but if it took 5...
-
Also, do you think it would penetrate farther with full jugs? some air at the top? Lid on or off?

Some of the different tests I've read actually said between 4 and 5. I'd be safe and bring 6 for each round you want to try. If you have left over jugs, then shoot more.

Sounds like you'll need 48 of them. Or you could reuse jugs if you have a water source and duct tape the entry/exit holes of the jugs.

 

[Stengun]

Howdy,

I always fill the jugs with shredded newspaper then top off with water and tape the cap in place. I usually let them sit for a couple of weeks before I use them.

I usually shoot into a layer of newspaper in front of the first water jug, 6 jugs deep, and I replace the ones that get shot. Sometimes the plastic will "plug" the cavity of the hollow point and it will not expand.

I use a couple of concert blocks and a 1"x8" board as a test stand.

Paul

 

[dogshawred]

From what I've read, the penetration in water jugs is about the same as in ballistic jell. With a 9MM, 3 jugs will probably be enough so I would go with 4 jugs just to be safe. Depending on how many test you are planning on running and using 4 jugs for each type of round they will add up to quite a few. Good luck on your research.

 

[whodat2710]

Good luck on your research.

HA! Research...cool. I just want proof that the extra money I spend on the hollow point isn't a sham. :sarcastic:

 

[dogshawred]

HA! Research...cool. I just want proof that the extra money I spend on the hollow point isn't a sham. :sarcastic:

I'm sorry, was just trying to provide a little legitimacy to your project so you could apply for some government research monies to prove your hypothesis of the mushroomingness of a particular set of hollow point ammunition.

 

[protias]

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