Was reading a post on the failed M855 ban and it reminded me (bullet penetration being the connection here) I wanted to share with you guys/gals some info that could come in handy someday since it is not everyday we get to experiment with shooting at a car. Was shooting with a border patrol buddy last weekend and he had set us up a course (we get to use the LEO range when I'm with him) that incorporated a car to both shoot at targets through and to use as concealment (see picture). We were shooting 9 mm (115 gr, FMJ), .40 (Did not note bullet weight but they were Federal Lawman HP’s), and .45 (Winchester White Box 230 gr FMJ).
I know that there are well established differences in the penetration capabilities between these rounds but what does that translate to in a potential real life combat situation?
Here is a little anecdotal data (this is REAL anecdotal and I’m certain better experiments have been performed but this was special since I saw it with my own eyes):
The 9 mm passed through both car doors and still killed the paper but did not pass through both sides of a truck tire. The .40 passed through both sides of a truck tire but NOT both car doors.
The .45 did not pass through both doors or both sides of the tires and NONE of the calibers would penetrate the dash board when shooting through windshield at a seated target. However, those bullets will skip off the dash and do who knows how much damage to the target.
I know that it is no secret that a 9 mm penetrates better than a .45 but I was SHOCKED at how much better. Of course there is the knock down power aspect too but I do not wish to start a caliber war; just wanted to pass on some cool findings comparing them.
This shooting course kind of fell together at the last minute; if I am better prepared next time, I would like to be a little more scientific about it and I will share what I find!
I know that there are well established differences in the penetration capabilities between these rounds but what does that translate to in a potential real life combat situation?
Here is a little anecdotal data (this is REAL anecdotal and I’m certain better experiments have been performed but this was special since I saw it with my own eyes):
The 9 mm passed through both car doors and still killed the paper but did not pass through both sides of a truck tire. The .40 passed through both sides of a truck tire but NOT both car doors.
The .45 did not pass through both doors or both sides of the tires and NONE of the calibers would penetrate the dash board when shooting through windshield at a seated target. However, those bullets will skip off the dash and do who knows how much damage to the target.
I know that it is no secret that a 9 mm penetrates better than a .45 but I was SHOCKED at how much better. Of course there is the knock down power aspect too but I do not wish to start a caliber war; just wanted to pass on some cool findings comparing them.
This shooting course kind of fell together at the last minute; if I am better prepared next time, I would like to be a little more scientific about it and I will share what I find!
