AFTE Store - Terminal Ballistics for 22 LR and 38 SPL Calibers Tested in Different Conditions

This study aimed to address the transfer of kinetic energy (KE), the depth of penetration, and the fragmentation of projectiles produced by 22 Long Rifle (LR) and 38 Special (SPL) caliber bullets, using different firearms in 10% and 20% ballistic gelatin blocks (Clear Ballistics Gel®, South Carolina, USA). The results showed that long-barreled firearms reached higher velocities, KE, and greater projectile fragmentation than short-barreled firearms. Among the tested ammunition, the lead round nose (LRN) projectile obtained a greater penetration depth, perforating the target in some shots. The hollow point +P+ (Gold Hex) expansive projectile reached a lower penetration depth due to its expansion and fragmentation, transferring a large part of the projectile’s KE to the target. The hollow point +P expansive projectile expanded without fragmenting, generating an intermediate penetrating power. The 20% ballistic gelatin allowed a lower depth of penetration, given its higher resistance to applied forces. As such, it is concluded that when the variables of the projectile and caliber are maintained, the long-barreled firearms reach higher speed and, consequently, greater KE, resulting in more significant ballistic gel damage. More dense targets, such as 20% gelatin, have a higher resistance to applied forces, allowing a lesser penetration depth than the 10% gelatin. Both 38 SPL hollow point +P and 38 SPL hollow point +P+ (Gold Hex – Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos – CBC) projectiles demonstrated expansion during the experiment. Premature expansion was also observed in Gold Hex ammunition shots.