Improving Slug Expansion and Stopping Power with This Simple Trick

[orion]

Hi all,

I've just released this video where I show how with a simple trick you get big change on how a hollow point will expand, it can be used on pellets and slugs. Hope you will enjoy the video

https://youtu.be/4MKn9T1nA08

 

[douger]

wonder what it does for long range accuracy that's what counts 

 

[orion]

yes, I also want to test accuracy, even at short range! One thing is that by filling the cavity we might even improve the aerodynamics, so it's possible that the BC decreases, but again, just a test will tell. The amount of silicone is minimal. When I did the FX Hybrid, I noticed the cavity is huge on those slugs, so they use more silicone, and the more you use the more variability on everything you can have. But those NSA 26 gr, they just got a little bit, less than a drop! I'll need to test accuracy next 

 

[Swish]

We did a ton of ballistic testing on slugs last year using ballistic gel and super slowmo video. I used the term "accelerants" for filling the cavity with different materials. It allows the slugs to open faster on impact because there isn't a pocket of air to compress before expansion. 

When I was shooting them at 200-400 yards the filled ones always hit higher for me. I'm guessing you gain a little BC if anything. Other than that accuracy was identical. 

 

[JamesD.]

Ladradar showed, believe it or not a 36% increase by adding a ballistic spire tip to one slug Griffin was testing. The one cut in half is the 1st 39 grain HRBT w/ LDC Core. Low Density Core. These are longer, thus higher Stability Factor. And BC of .133 at average of 1032fps is good. 


I'm personally dying to try 32 grain RBT .25's in direct comparison of 32 grain .22 RBT's. I prefer .22 slugs, .25 JSB 25.43 Kings & 33.95 Originals from Sumatra along with everything from 16.54 GTO, to 43 grain Eun Jins.

I'm jumping straight to .257 with several twists and barrel lengths so I can send everything from 62 grain to 120 ULD from 1:14 & 1:10 at over 1000fps. Hopefully 1070 for 120's tethered and we will see. 

 

[orion]

Very interesting results and data! My test was more hands on and just comparing the results. Pretty impressive!

 

[nervoustrig]

My suspicion is that something as viscous as silicone will cause pockets of air to be trapped as it moves through the tiny opening to fill a larger void underneath. Being that it is much less dense than lead, I’d only be guessing as to whether the randomness of the position of these air pockets will have a meaningful effect on its gyroscopic stability. That said, these pockets are certainly not optimal. Also, whatever air is trapped represents a small amount of compressible volume, and that is counter to the central goal.

If there is a suitable water-thin material that could be used instead, that would allow the air bubbles to rise to the top and dissipate. I suspect that would yield better results both in terms of accuracy and expansion.

Alternatively, fill it with a thin silicone oil (30W or less) and cap it with a small silicone plug.

 

[bandg]

I wouldn't think that any possible variation in silicone used to fill the cavity could meaningfully effect overall stability. As stated above, only guessing but I can't see that happening due to the volume/weight involved. I would think shape difference would be more of a concern in this case. In any event, side by side accuracy testing (filled vs non-filled) should determine that definitively.

 

[Rocko]

The ultimate test would be to shoot some critters & see if there's any practical advantage.