Further to The Gel Test Slow-Mo Penetration:

Rod ( gundoc@xtra.co.nz ) responded to our slow-mo jelly wobbles as follows:

"Hi Marty,

Your ballistic gel tests have highlighted a significant fact; all projectiles have a 'sweet' velocity at which they penetrate to their greatest extent. The velocity varies with the construction of the projectile but basically boils down to the highest speed which will NOT cause too much deformation of the bullet.

Obviously the .22 rim-fires were about right but the .223 and the .44 would have penetrated much more at lower velocities. The old FMJ Mk VII .303 could penetrate more than double the amount of earth or dry sand at 600 yards than it could at 100 yards.

Of course it is the high velocity that generates the hydraulic shock wave, coupled with bullet deformation, that gives the high velocity rifle its stopping power.

At the rifles 'sweet' penetrating velocity, the wound would be deep but not usually life-threatening unless a vital organ was hit. Usually people hit in the body with a .22 rim-fire almost always die from the wound, often many days later.

Cheers "

- Very interesting Grasshopper.

- Good to see that you are 'out there' Rod - and keeping an eye out for me and the boys.

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- A couple of late notes: First I need to commend Mark I for operating his tripod mounted camera focussed on the gel block - not least of his demonstrated skills was the sprinting back behind the firing line each time after starting the camera mechanism and calling 'fire' as he crossed the line - very sprightly!

- I spotted that some of the discarded gel block seemed to be melting in the bright sunlight as the day progressed - this might indicate that ambient temperature may well be a factor in comparative testing.

- Also interesting that we had an increased number of  'A' Cat classed AR15s out for the day - these modern(ish) light-weights appeal visually and have a wide range of clip-on accessories - resulting in them being called "Mens Barbie".

Life is good,

Marty K.