Since a few folks appreciated the FBI Test Protocal having been posted, I thought that I'd post another of the popular protocals:
See here for details:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/iwba.htm
The following meets the IWBA Handgun Ammunition Specification.
A two part test:
1. Shooting bullets into bare ordnance gelatin. This test provides the most common performance measurement. It tests overall bullet design and reveals bullet flaws such as over-expansion and fragmentation. Bullet designs that do not fragment in bare gelatin are unlikely to break apart in soft tissue.
2. Shooting bullets into ordnance gelatin that's covered by four layers of heavy (14.5 - 16 ounce) cotton denim cloth. This test allows an examination of bullet expansion and penetration performance when a soft barrier, such as clothing, is encountered. This test event is not intended to represent a duplication or simulation of any specific apparel.
From 10 feet, shoot 10 rounds of each ammunition to be evaluated. Measure projectile velocity by chronograph placed directly in front of the gelatin block.
Firearms Tactical recommends the following criteria, criteria in line with industry (SD/LEO market) recommendations:
Unsatisfactory - average bullet penetration is less than 9-inches.
Marginal - average bullet penetration is between 9- and 12- inches.
Optimal - average bullet penetration is between 12- and 16-inches.
Satisfactory - average bullet penetration is greater than 16-inches.
Couple it with measuring for weight retention and expansion as applicable and you've got a frequently cited measure of performance.
Erik's note: I accept that "satisfactory" means "uber optimal" to some. I'm good with that. ;-)
See here for details:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/iwba.htm
The following meets the IWBA Handgun Ammunition Specification.
A two part test:
1. Shooting bullets into bare ordnance gelatin. This test provides the most common performance measurement. It tests overall bullet design and reveals bullet flaws such as over-expansion and fragmentation. Bullet designs that do not fragment in bare gelatin are unlikely to break apart in soft tissue.
2. Shooting bullets into ordnance gelatin that's covered by four layers of heavy (14.5 - 16 ounce) cotton denim cloth. This test allows an examination of bullet expansion and penetration performance when a soft barrier, such as clothing, is encountered. This test event is not intended to represent a duplication or simulation of any specific apparel.
From 10 feet, shoot 10 rounds of each ammunition to be evaluated. Measure projectile velocity by chronograph placed directly in front of the gelatin block.
Firearms Tactical recommends the following criteria, criteria in line with industry (SD/LEO market) recommendations:
Unsatisfactory - average bullet penetration is less than 9-inches.
Marginal - average bullet penetration is between 9- and 12- inches.
Optimal - average bullet penetration is between 12- and 16-inches.
Satisfactory - average bullet penetration is greater than 16-inches.
Couple it with measuring for weight retention and expansion as applicable and you've got a frequently cited measure of performance.
Erik's note: I accept that "satisfactory" means "uber optimal" to some. I'm good with that. ;-)
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