Defensive Firearms – Understanding Terminal Ballistics

January 25, 2022. When evaluating a firearm to be used for self-defense, there are three main factors to consider: Reliability (sights trigger, ergonomics), and effectiveness (ability halt/neutralize potential threats). You must consider what happens when projectiles from your firearm hit the target. This includes penetration and terminal ballistics. A 12ga shotgun is much more effective within 20 yards than a centerfire rifle.
You have probably heard the term “Terminal Ballistics”. Do you know what this means? “Terminal Ballistics” is the behavior of a projectile when it strikes, enters, or penetrates a target. Terminal Ballistics can then be used to describe projectile behavior within a target, including the transfer and storage of kinetic energy. This is in contrast to “External Ballistics”, which generally describes and predicts the flight path of projectiles. This can be viewed in two ways. One, External Ballistics describes bullet behavior before impact and the other, Terminal Ballistics describes how projectiles travel in flight. Two, Terminal Ballistics can predict how pellets or bullets will perform on game. This NRA Firearm Science video explains the basics of Terminal Ballistics, including key terms like Impact Crater and Temporary Cavity. The behavior of a non-powered projectile during flight is called External Ballistics. A sub-field within ballistics is Terminal Ballistics. It studies the behavior and effects of projectiles when they hit their target. *This Shooting Illustrated article explains over-penetration risks for a variety of cartridge types. A bullet that passes through a threat while continuing to cause unintentional damage or injury to an object or bystander is commonly referred to as over-penetration. “Similar Posts”:Tags: CCW. Concealed Carry. Hunting. Permanent Cavity. Pistol. Self-Defense. Shotgun. Temporary Cavity. Terminal Ballistics.