AFTE Store - Terminal Ballistics of High Angled Shots with Full Brass Hollow Point Bullets

The flight behaviour and terminal ballistics of 9mm Luger solid brass hollow point bullets, fired at high elevation angles, were studied. When fired at elevation angles below 66°, the bullets descended in a stable, nose down flight. Based on the calculated energy density of the returning bullets, perforation of unprotected human skin is likely. At elevation angles above 66°, the bullets descended in a stable, base down flight. Based on the energy density, perforation of human skin by these bullets is very unlikely. No bullets were recorded to descend in an unstabilized, tumbling condition. Some other interesting aspects of distant shots with handguns were noted as well.