Can a 5cm Thick Book Stop a 45 ACP JSP Pistol Bullet?: An In-Depth Analysis
Many have wondered if common books, particularly those on thick, about 5 cm (approximately 2 inches), could offer sufficient protection from high-velocity handgun rounds, such as the 45 ACP JSP (jacketed soft point) bullet. This article delves into the physics and realistic scenarios of such a situation, presenting expert insights and historical data to answer this intriguing question.
Introduction
The idea of using a book to stop a bullet, often seen in fictional or comedic scenarios, has sparked curiosity and even attempts on social media platforms. However, the reality is far more nuanced. This article examines the feasibility of a standard 5cm book stopping a 45 ACP JSP bullet and provides a comprehensive analysis based on modern ballistics and historical testing methods.
The Physics of Bullet Penetration
The effectiveness of a 5cm thick book in stopping a 45 ACP JSP bullet depends on several factors, including the bullet's penetration characteristics, the book's construction, and the impact conditions.
The 45 ACP JSP bullet is known for its expanded and flattened shape upon impact, which significantly increases its diameter. This mushrooming effect requires more energy to push the projectile through a barrier, making it more likely to penetrate.
Bullet Penetration Characteristics
A 45 ACP full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet, weighing about 230 grains, has a better chance of penetrating than a JSP bullet. This is due to the JSP's softer jacket material, which can expand more upon impact, increasing the initial diameter and thus requiring more energy to push through a barrier.
Book Construction and Impact Conditions
The thickness and material of the book are critical factors in determining its effectiveness in stopping a bullet. A typical 5cm book, made of standard paper and binding materials, would not provide substantial resistance against a 45 ACP JSP bullet. Similarly, even if the books are fixed tightly in place, the JSP's mushrooming effect makes penetration more likely.
Historical Testing and Comparisons
Historically, ballistics tests against telephone books have provided valuable insights. A standard 45 ACP bullet has been known to penetrate multiple telephone books, which are about the same thickness as a standard 5cm book. These tests have shown that a 45 ACP bullet, even with its high-energy nature, can still penetrate a barrier of similar thickness to a 5cm book.
Penetration Against Telephone Books
Years ago, the author's father and the author themselves tested the penetration of 45 ACP bullets against telephone books. Results showed that a single 45 ACP bullet could penetrate through two telephone books, and occasionally damage a third. Given that a telephone book is more robust and made of heavier, more compact material than a regular paper book, the outcome further confirms the difficulty of stopping a 45 ACP JSP bullet with a 5cm book.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the idea of using a book to stop a 45 ACP JSP bullet is appealing for dramatic or comedic purposes, the reality is that a standard 5cm thick book, regardless of its construction, is unlikely to offer adequate protection against this high-velocity handgun round. For real-world scenarios involving significant ballistics threats, specialized and heavily reinforced materials are necessary.
Fake News and Safety Concerns
It's important to note that attempting to test or post such experiments on social media can lead to serious safety risks and is not recommended. The misconception of a book stopping a bullet can be dangerous and misleading.