Since we often scoff at others' test results "i.e. Winchester Silvertips won't go through a leather jacket vs. the same ammo going through a whole deer and then some", why not tell everyone how you would test ammo? What methods and technique and what you'd be trying to determine...can hunting results be extrapolated to people...can gelatin results be useful...what real-world experiences have shaped your choice of combat ammo?
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How would YOU test defensive ammo?
- Thread starter Oleg Volk
- Start date
#1 Issue: reliability of feeding and detonation. I look at that FIRST.
So long as I have a nice meplat and the ammo always goes "bang," I feel like I'm ahead of the game. Expansion is sheer gravy.
Thus, my testing involves firing 50+ rounds through the very pistol that I intend to carry it in. Determine point of impact, adjust sights or aim point as needed.
I do look at penetration tests that others perform. I am more concerned about underpenetration than over-penetration, though. As I don't have "Ballistic Geletin," my testing begins with research on the tests that others have conducted. I then apply that data with cross-reference against my own tests for feeding, accuracy, and, on occasion, velocity. (if the tests said that it would penetrate 12" of ballistic gelatin at 850 fps, and I'm only getting 785 fps, than it's sensible to suspect that I'm not likely to get the same level of either expansion or penetration, one.).
So long as I have a nice meplat and the ammo always goes "bang," I feel like I'm ahead of the game. Expansion is sheer gravy.
Thus, my testing involves firing 50+ rounds through the very pistol that I intend to carry it in. Determine point of impact, adjust sights or aim point as needed.
I do look at penetration tests that others perform. I am more concerned about underpenetration than over-penetration, though. As I don't have "Ballistic Geletin," my testing begins with research on the tests that others have conducted. I then apply that data with cross-reference against my own tests for feeding, accuracy, and, on occasion, velocity. (if the tests said that it would penetrate 12" of ballistic gelatin at 850 fps, and I'm only getting 785 fps, than it's sensible to suspect that I'm not likely to get the same level of either expansion or penetration, one.).
when you Dont have High velocity like a 9mm (for expansion) Or high mass and diameter like a 45 ALL you have is bullet design to guarantee penetration. FMJ penetrates.
Feeding and accuracy should come before voodoo bullets. FMJ feeds well.
Test in similar media (wet phone books or whatever for fun) but you really should be testing your accuracy over and above everything else. Shoot a LOT of bullets.
My biggest complaint about most "test" is that they fire 10 rounds of each type... why not a HUNDRED???
At least gelatine tests are deisgned to make apples to apples comparisons between various bullets in controlled conditions. All YOU can attempt to control is your speed and acurracy.. work on those.
Dr.Rob
Feeding and accuracy should come before voodoo bullets. FMJ feeds well.
Test in similar media (wet phone books or whatever for fun) but you really should be testing your accuracy over and above everything else. Shoot a LOT of bullets.
My biggest complaint about most "test" is that they fire 10 rounds of each type... why not a HUNDRED???
At least gelatine tests are deisgned to make apples to apples comparisons between various bullets in controlled conditions. All YOU can attempt to control is your speed and acurracy.. work on those.
Dr.Rob