Journal Published Online: 01 May 1988
Volume 33, Issue 3

Comparison of the Terminal Ballistics of Full Metal Jacket 7.62-mm M80 (NATO) and 5.56-mm M193 Military Bullets: A Study in Ornance Gelatin

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Great controversy has surrounded the replacement of the 7.62-mm caliber by the reduced 5.56-mm caliber as the standard U.S. military rifle. Although its relevance to human wounding can be debated, the terminal ballistics of military small arms in ordnance gelatin remains a convenient medium for comparative testing. In the present study, 7- by 10- by 24-in. (18 by 25 by 61 cm) blocks of 20% ordnance gelatin were fired upon from a range of 19 ft (6 m) under high-speed cinemagraphic surveillance. The tendency of the M193 5.56-mm full metal jacket projectile to break up in soft tissue simulant was confirmed as a fundamental difference from the 7.62-mm M80 NATO ball.

Author Information

Ragsdale, BD
Sonora Laboratory Science/ClinPath Associates, P.C., Mesa, AZ
Sohn, SS
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC
Pages: 21
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12476J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12476J