I’ve wanted to test my favorite self-defense ammo (147 gr. Speer Gold Dot JHPs) in a block of 10% ordinance gelatin for a while now. At first I had no idea what this stuff was, how to get it or how to prepare and use it properly. After finding and reading Shawn Dodson's instructions on a simplified method for preparing 10% ordinance gelatin, the only thing holding me back now is the cost.
The ordinance gelatin is only available from the manufacturer and you have to buy a minimum of 25 pounds, which costs $275 (plus shipping). Then you have to find or make a mold the right size to get a block of gelatin measuring 18x6x6 inches. Shawn Dodson (of Firearms Tactical Institute ) had a custom, stainless steel mold manufactured by a local sheet metal shop for $60.00. That's over $335 just to get started! At that price I don’t think I’ll be testing my ammo with ordinance gelatin any time soon.
However, this is something I really wanted to do so I did some asking around and this is what I’ve come up with. I’ve figured out that I can put together a kit that would include a rugged, 18x7x6 inch polyethylene gelatin mold and enough ordinance gelatin powder to make a block measuring 18x6x6 inches for a very reasonable price -- if there are enough people who are interested in a kit like this.
In order to do this, though, I have to do it big -- I have to order a lot of gelatin powder at once, pay for the tooling costs for the plastic mold, etc. The up-front investment it will require on my part isn’t small, but I’m willing to do it if there’s enough interest. I figure I can make these kits available to anyone who's interested for about $39.00 each. Don't forget that with proper care and handling (and propionic acid, which is not included in the kit -- see below for a source), the gelatin can be recycled and re-used many times.
Another possible option is to use two .50 caliber ammo cans as molds and lay the two gelatin blocks end to end. This will take about 3 lbs of gelatin powder (this is a little more powder than it takes to make a 18x6x6 inch block). For those who would rather go this route, I could supply the 3 lbs of ordinance gelatin for about $29.00.
Please respond to this post if you would seriously consider participating once I've determined that there's enough interest for me to go ahead with this. Just to clarify: this is only a survey, not a request for orders. Responding to this post in no way obligates you to purchase anything.
Comments, suggestions and questions are all welcome.
*****
NOTE: If you participate in this survey by responding to this post, I will enter your handle in a drawing to give away a free kit (assuming there's enough interest for me to go forward with this little project!)
*****
IMPORTANT! --->
Some important qualifications: you must have a chronograph to properly calibrate the gelatin or the results will not be valid. If you don't have a chronograph or know someone who does, consider getting a ProChrono Pal for about $85 here. The kit also does not include the propionic acid that you will need if you want to recycle the gelatin. Shawn Dodson has a source where it can be purchased. You can find it in his instructions on a simplified method for preparing ordinance gelatin here.
BTW: I strongly recommend that anyone interested in getting and using ordinance gelatin for terminal ballistics testing of handgun ammunition read Shawn’s detailed instructions. He does a great job showing exactly how to prepare and properly use the ordinance gelatin in order to get valid results. Even if you don't get the gelatin to do your own tests, I think you will find it very interesting and informative.
Thanks for your help!
-adad
------------------
If you value your right to keep and bear arms, support Citizens Of America -- they're doing it right!
Wound Ballistics is the study of effects on the body produced by penetrating projectiles.
Great Daily Commentary from a thoughtful Christian perspective.
Some fascinating insights into the current market mania from the Prudent Bear fund.
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 17, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited June 02, 2000).]
The ordinance gelatin is only available from the manufacturer and you have to buy a minimum of 25 pounds, which costs $275 (plus shipping). Then you have to find or make a mold the right size to get a block of gelatin measuring 18x6x6 inches. Shawn Dodson (of Firearms Tactical Institute ) had a custom, stainless steel mold manufactured by a local sheet metal shop for $60.00. That's over $335 just to get started! At that price I don’t think I’ll be testing my ammo with ordinance gelatin any time soon.
However, this is something I really wanted to do so I did some asking around and this is what I’ve come up with. I’ve figured out that I can put together a kit that would include a rugged, 18x7x6 inch polyethylene gelatin mold and enough ordinance gelatin powder to make a block measuring 18x6x6 inches for a very reasonable price -- if there are enough people who are interested in a kit like this.
In order to do this, though, I have to do it big -- I have to order a lot of gelatin powder at once, pay for the tooling costs for the plastic mold, etc. The up-front investment it will require on my part isn’t small, but I’m willing to do it if there’s enough interest. I figure I can make these kits available to anyone who's interested for about $39.00 each. Don't forget that with proper care and handling (and propionic acid, which is not included in the kit -- see below for a source), the gelatin can be recycled and re-used many times.
Another possible option is to use two .50 caliber ammo cans as molds and lay the two gelatin blocks end to end. This will take about 3 lbs of gelatin powder (this is a little more powder than it takes to make a 18x6x6 inch block). For those who would rather go this route, I could supply the 3 lbs of ordinance gelatin for about $29.00.
Please respond to this post if you would seriously consider participating once I've determined that there's enough interest for me to go ahead with this. Just to clarify: this is only a survey, not a request for orders. Responding to this post in no way obligates you to purchase anything.
Comments, suggestions and questions are all welcome.
*****
NOTE: If you participate in this survey by responding to this post, I will enter your handle in a drawing to give away a free kit (assuming there's enough interest for me to go forward with this little project!)
*****
IMPORTANT! --->
Some important qualifications: you must have a chronograph to properly calibrate the gelatin or the results will not be valid. If you don't have a chronograph or know someone who does, consider getting a ProChrono Pal for about $85 here. The kit also does not include the propionic acid that you will need if you want to recycle the gelatin. Shawn Dodson has a source where it can be purchased. You can find it in his instructions on a simplified method for preparing ordinance gelatin here.
BTW: I strongly recommend that anyone interested in getting and using ordinance gelatin for terminal ballistics testing of handgun ammunition read Shawn’s detailed instructions. He does a great job showing exactly how to prepare and properly use the ordinance gelatin in order to get valid results. Even if you don't get the gelatin to do your own tests, I think you will find it very interesting and informative.
Thanks for your help!
-adad
------------------
If you value your right to keep and bear arms, support Citizens Of America -- they're doing it right!
Wound Ballistics is the study of effects on the body produced by penetrating projectiles.
Great Daily Commentary from a thoughtful Christian perspective.
Some fascinating insights into the current market mania from the Prudent Bear fund.
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited May 17, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by adad (edited June 02, 2000).]
), but hopefully more people will find their way out here. Of course, once (if?) we reach critical mass, I'll send out a note to everyone who posts here letting them know when we'll be getting under 'way if they want to participate.
