Best Alternative to Ballistic Gel?

[intenseaty22]

What do you guys recommend for testing hunting pellet expansion other than Ballistic Gel? Water? Soap? Etc? 

I’m looking to test some pellets soon, but I don’t have the means or time gor ballistic Gel, unless it’s super easy. Guess I should have YouTubed it. Hind sight is a Beach! Still want your thoughts. 

Thanks! 

 

[JimNM]

Ballistic squirrel guts



I would use a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot or Lowe's, filled with water. As long as your testing medium is consistentd, your results will be comparable across the board.

 

[bandg]

Things I've read about but haven't tried-

Zip loc bags with water, Zip loc bags with hand soap, Spam

 

[intenseaty22]

That’s funny. I’ve been giving the squirrels a break recently Jim, so I’m low on guts. I think I want something with enough resistance to be fairly comparable to BG. May just have to test on live targets. 

 

[Yo]

Modeling clay just reuse over and over and over... Yo!

 

[Gerry52]

Yo is always on the money. I bought a 10lb block of modeling clay for $5 a couple years ago & am still using it today. Not as much fun as seeing pellets pass thru ballistic gel but works as good. Hint: keep cardboard box around it as some of it splatters a long way some times. Just open the flaps to expose one surface (if, in fact, it comes in a box) 

 

[TarheelScott]

 

My first brain fart was melted candle wax or wax haha. the clay would be easier to work with though. maybe some walmart play dooh in a zip lock bag haha

Scott in NC

After further investigation on a prior suggestion I retract that as an alternative lol.

 

[qball]

You can always use a thing of chicken, pork or beef. 

 

[bandg]

The modeling clay seems like a good idea. Michaels and WalMart both list it available. And I bet Hobby Lobby or the like would have it as well.

 

[TarheelScott]

As far as cheesy I would just fill milk jugs full of water 3 or 4 deep and then dispose of after the test lol

 

[intenseaty22]

Modeling clay just reuse over and over and over... Yo!

I was hoping to find something that I could use over and over and over and over AND over...., not something that I could only use over and over and over.....

I actually did think about clay, but still wanted to get y’all’s POV. Where does one buy it? Amazon? 

 

[intenseaty22]

Yes! I have a Michael’s not far. Chicken is a good idea. Just hate wasting food, specially these days. But.... I may have some freezer burned meat  

 

[Skydivingmiami]

The modeling clay seems like a good idea. Michaels and WalMart both list it available. And I bet Hobby Lobby or the like would have it as well.

Make sure its not the air dry type otherwise your going to have a brick if you let it dry too long.

 

[Yo]

Anywhere shop for best price per weight that offers FREE SHIPPING that's NOT SHIPPED FROM CHINA. Keep it in a cool dark place as much as possible so it stays soft so you don't gotta keep adding water and bust your fingers having to knead it. Maybe even last a lifetime if properly stored and cared for and best way to keep it happy and content you have to sing to it at least once a month and post that video here. Yo!

 

[oldsparky]

Would Duct seal work? Then you could use it for a target later.

 

[cea1960]

You can thin the modeling clay with mineral spirits. It will soften it, and keep it from drying out.

I bought 6 - 3lb hams on sale at Menards for $1.50 each. The wife won't eat them because she said they taste too much like Spam. I'm thinking they would make a good medium.

I have a friend who is a butcher and hunter. He collects the animal fat, melts it down, cools it, and uses it for balistic testing.

 

[Rodeo]

Maybe salt dough? Just flour, salt and water. Basically 2 parts flour, one part salt, one part water. Made it plenty of times for arts and crafts with the kids but never shot into it. Might have to try it. It does air dry so you have to keep it in a sealed container. Use it outside and any pieces that go flying will wash away in the rain.

 

[intenseaty22]

Lots of great ideas! I think I’m going with the modeling clay. Sounds like a decent clean option. If the opportunity comes up, we may have squirrel on the menu as well. 

 

[Bigragu]

You gotta use the stuff that’s in the insides of a STRETCH ARMSTRONG! In fact, go buy a STRETCH ARMSTRONG action figure, form him into a squirrels position, and do a shoot.

 

[DanielL]

Nothing beats the real deal. This is a 17.5 gr. NSA .22 cal. removed from a squirrel.