7.62x39mm gel test: Winchester 120 gr PDX1 fired from 10.5" & 16" AKs

[AndrewWiggin]

7.62x39mm gel test: Winchester 120 gr PDX1 video link


Winchester 120 gr PDX1 fired from 10.5" Zastava M92 PAP and 16" WASR-10/63 into calibrated 10% gelatin.

BB: 593.5 fps, 3.6"

16" WASR-10/63

Impact velocity: 2,362 fps
Penetration: greater than 22.5"
Retained weight: N/A
Max expansion: N/A
Min expansion: N/A

I shot this portion of the test twice and both times the bullet fragmented dramatically and the remaining portion left the block at an oblique angle.





10.5" M92 PAP

Impact velocity: 2,182 fps
Penetration: 12.9"
Retained weight: 111.4 gr
Max expansion: 1.048"
Min expansion: 0.193"

Please bear in mind that the expansion figures here are not proper. The bullet was completely mangled and there was no real expansion.




I don't often give my opinion in the description but I think this one merits a quick note. It certainly appears that this bullet would be useful for defense. Both tests shown and the one that I omitted indicate that the bullet will meet the minimum penetration requirement while producing substantial stretch cavity and fragmentation. It bothers me that the recovered bullet is so beat up, though. This certainly could be a viable self defense option but I think it bears a lot more testing.

[Mr blasty]

The tip didn't open up at all what so ever

Sent from my SM-T217T using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

[Averageman]

Perhaps the tip didn't need to open up to get the job done.
I think it was filled with media and caused the bullet to tumble and the left over velocity ripped the jacket open.

[PA PATRIOT]

Did you ever have the chance to test the Tula 7.62x39mm 124gr H/P which uses the 8M3 expanding bullet?

[AndrewWiggin]

Perhaps the tip didn't need to open up to get the job done.
I think it was filled with media and caused the bullet to tumble and the left over velocity ripped the jacket open.

Open tip rifle ammo isn't designed to expand like JHP pistol ammunition.

[AndrewWiggin]

Did you ever have the chance to test the Tula 7.62x39mm 124gr H/P which uses the 8M3 expanding bullet?

I bought some Tula124 gr HP and cut it open. It is definitely NOT 8M3. I still plan to test it, though.

[BufordTJustice]

I bought some Tula124 gr HP and cut it open. It is definitely NOT 8M3. I still plan to test it, though.

I have suspected this to be the case for a while.

[sjc3081]

I have some Wolf Military Classic with the 8M3 124 HP, I donate 20 rounds for testing.

[AndrewWiggin]

I'm willing to test it eventually, but I gotta be honest: I'm more interested in testing loads that are currently available. It might be quite some time before I get around to it.

[PA PATRIOT]

I bought some Tula124 gr HP and cut it open. It is definitely NOT 8M3. I still plan to test it, though.

8M3 Jacket marked.jpg
Click on the Picture to see high lighted Notches.

Now I maybe seeing this wrong but is there not a notch and relief groove on that sectioned bullet ? That's all a 8M3 bullet is just three to four (Depending on version) notches and relief grooves which aid in the bullets jacket rupturing on impact promoting expansion.

I believe this is a picture of a 8M3 bullet jacket.