Ammunition Ballistics Testing

[Lumber_Jack]

So what is the best way to test for things like bullet expansion and penetration. I am specifically talking about my 41 magnum revolver. I have several brands of hunting ammo with different weight bullets and was looking to test one to another for accuracy, expansion and penetration. Anyone have a method for doing this?

[Dolomite_supafly]

As far as accuracy set up targets at 50 yards and shoot. I normally shoot 10 shots and then take out the worst three to remove "me" from the equation. This should give you a good representation of what brand shoots the best for you. Also, I have read that with revolvers accuracy varies between cylinders as well. I saw an article where a tester shot the rounds for each syvlinder into their own target and the groups were substantially smaller than out of all the cylinders into one target.

As far as expansion I normally just shoot into water. I use a large trash can, put a bag in it and fill it with water. I stand above the trash can and shoot down into the water. Since the body is mostly water this would give a good representaion for cheap. Ballistics gel would be better but considering the cost involved most don't use it. If you happen to go through the can just use another bag but most handguns aren't going to penetrate the full length of a water filled trash can.

For penetration newpaper that has been schreaded and soaked for a few days is a good alternative. By all accounts it gives similar penetration results a balistic gelatin but it isn't as precise. Normally it is precise enough to give an indication of penetration. I have watched dozens of videos using this method and all the results were within and inch or two of the advertised penetration in gel. Take the newspaper and shread it. Then place it in 1 gallon milk jugs. Fill them with water and let them set for 2-3 days. This will allow the paper to soften and swell making it more flesh like. Then line the jugs and line them up one behind the other and shoot them. You could also use just water. It sometimes give decent expansion results as well but I trust pure water to give better indications of how a bullet is going to expand.

Dolomite

[Lumber_Jack]

great info thanks