Where can I buy ballistic gelatin?

Chad Young

New member
Well, that topic is very clear, I hope. I want to do my own ammunition testing and I have no idea where to acquire bulk quantities of this stuff. Help!
 
It is made by Kind & Knox. check and see if they have a web site, for a don't remember where they are. I'll see if I can find an address or phone #.
 
Oddly enough, I found the answer to this from another source. Here is a clipping that I found on a guy's web site in TX:

<Begin quote here>

The technical term is "250 Type A Ordnance Gelatin" which you can order from:
Kind & Knox Gelatin
P.O. Box 927
Sioux City IA 51102-0927

Phone (702)-943-5516
Fax (712)-943-3372
Local Contact: Lanette in Sales

Minimum Amount 25 pounds at 10.41 per pound Plus Shipping
$260.25 + Shipping

In order to remain "calibrated" it must be kept at and used at 4-degrees Celsus. (Got a frige at your range? :-)

Follow the instructions that come with the gelatin carefully.

<end quote>

I had no idea it was that expensive!
 
How many "blocks" will 25 lbs make I wonder? Obviously this depends on size, but there must be a standard size for pistol ammunition.

regards
 
The FBI casts gelatin blocks that are 6x6x16 inches in dimension. This is the volume of gelatin solution that's produced by a mixture of 9 liters of water to 1 kilogram of ordnance gelatin powder. A kilogram is equivalent to 2.21 pounds. An FBI size block of gelatin weighs approximately 22 lbs.

All the ordnance gelatin preparation procedures I've seen on the Internet are overly cumbersome and obsolete. We'll considering publishing our entire procedure for gelatin preparation and calibration, which is far more simpler. Our procedure will include all the materials and equipment required along with a list of suppliers where these items can be obtained.

In addition, we'll probably publish our procedure for recycling used gelatin blocks. This practice substantially reduces the costs of ordnance gelatin. However, the biggest hurdle is start-up costs. We spent a lot of money to obtain laboratory grade ordnance gelatin testing capabilities (including refrigerator, chronograph, custom molds). We can cast gelatin blocks in the following sizes:

6x6x16 inches (standard FBI size using one batch of gelatin solution)

6x10x18 inches (two batches of gelatin solution)

10x10x18 inches (three batches of gelatin solution; the largest -- and heaviest -- in the industry that I'm aware of)

The gelatin blocks can be transported to the range in an insulated ice chest.

Triton Ammo Company was considering putting together a less expensive do-it-yourself kit that consisted of enough pre-measured gelatin powder to cast 2-3 blocks using .50 caliber ammo cans as molds. I don't know if they're still considering this, though.

------------------
/s/ Shawn Dodson
Firearms Tactical Institute
http://www.firearmstactical.com
 
WOW!!! Who's paying for all the test reports that use that stuff???

A hunting license is relativly cheap. Get yourself a small furry and put it to good use.
 
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