Experimental Model and Simulant for Studying Tissue Injury in the Near Human Porcine Equivalent by the 380-ACP Projectile

Abstract

Hypothesis: The 380 ACP projectile will not have sufficient penetration to reach vital organs under all circumstances, especially to reach lethal penetration in the complex extended tissue model. Methods: Five different projectiles were evaluated; Federal 380 ACP Full Metal Jacket, Federal Jacketed Hollow point, G9 Defensive external hollow point, Underwood Xtreme Defender and Buffalo Bore +P. These were fired through a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard model 2 into 3 porcine specimens, a chest model bone model and a combination of the 2 models. Velocity, depth of penetration and residual projectile construction were measured. Results: The G9 external hollow point caused the largest cavitation and tissue damage. The G9 and Federal Jacketed hollow point did not penetrate the chest model in the combined construction. The Federal Full Metal Jacket, Underwood Extreme Defender and Buffalo Bore all penetrated through bone in the combined model. Buffalo Bore penetrated the deepest. Conclusion: With the projectiles tested, caution should be used by relying on the jacketed hollow point and G9 external hollow point to penetrate under all circumstances, since both failed to reach the vitals after bone contact.