Ballistic gelatin test results : .45ACP Hydra-Shok (carbine vs. heavy clothing)

[Brass Fetcher]

Special thanks to J.K. for sponsoring this test in full.

Cartridge : Federal 165gr and 230gr Hydra-Shok JHP

Firearm : Mass-delayed rifle with 16.6" barrel length

Block calibration : All depths corrected (From 9.9cm @ 585 ft/sec)

The gelatin block was faced with 4 layers of 14.1 ounce denim fabric, to simulate the stresses of penetrating heavy winter clothing.

Shot 1 - 165gr Hydra-Shok. Impacted at 1214 ft/sec, penetrated to 9.5" and was recovered at 0.786" average diameter and 156.2gr weight.

Shot 2 - 230gr Hydra-Shok. Impacted at 992 ft/sec, penetrated to 13.4" and was recovered at 0.716" average diameter and 226.0gr weight.

 

[Chem Geek]

Wow, that's some crazy expansion for having gone through denim as well. Cool test!

 

[roscoe]

So much for that theory.

 

[dao]

Very interesting ! ( as usual )

I'm even more a great fan of .45 230gr HS !

 

[JERRY]

WOW, that much longer barrel didnt help with the velocities much at all.....

 

[Slamfire]

Those short and stubby pistol cartridges stop accelerating in 16 inches or so of barrel. The powder stops producing sufficient volume of gas. Probably why the carbine came with a 16.6 inch barrel.

These gelatin tests are so interesting. I am surprised not to see the Hydra Shok center post on any of the expanded bullets. And you can see the expansion cavity in the block just about where it should be .