The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Can a small caliber be as powerful as a big one?

stinkeypete · February 14, 2020, 12:22 AM

if we assume the density of the two projectiles can be different, it gets interesting. If we must use lead, not so much interesting.

If we take a .22 bullet and hammer it flat to make a .45 "slug" its gonna be like trying to shoot a foil disk and will just crumple and go "pffft"

if we take a .45 slug and make a .22 bullet out of it, it's gonna be a little arrow of lead and good luck getting that launched. Its too noodle like to fly or handle the torque of the rifling.. it will curly-cue or fall apart in the air.

But.. if we can adjust our density... interesting stuff!

February 14, 2020, 12:22 AM	#23
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,293	if we assume the density of the two projectiles can be different, it gets interesting. If we must use lead, not so much interesting. If we take a .22 bullet and hammer it flat to make a .45 "slug" its gonna be like trying to shoot a foil disk and will just crumple and go "pffft" if we take a .45 slug and make a .22 bullet out of it, it's gonna be a little arrow of lead and good luck getting that launched. Its too noodle like to fly or handle the torque of the rifling.. it will curly-cue or fall apart in the air. But.. if we can adjust our density... interesting stuff!