Earlier today, we looked at DIY ballistic glass, so we decided to look into DIY ballistic gel as well. Anyone who watches Mythbusters is probably already well familiar with their extensive use of this wonderful gel. Turns out the stuff is beyond easy to create at home. With some gelatin molds (and firepower) you could have a lot of fun with it.
To get started, pick up a box of gelatin powder from your local supermarket. Using 8 oz. of the powder and 2 quarts of cold water, stir together until the consistency is thick and all powder moist. Then, place the mixture in the fridge to chill for two hours. You will then need to heat the mixture until melted; be sure the liquid does not exceed 130 degrees. Finally, apply a layer of nonstick spray to your favorite mold or tupperware, and pour the mixture in. Allow to set in the fridge for 36 hours before use.
If you want even more DIY ballistics, check out this nice guide to creating your own chronograph, for measuring bullet velocity. After the break are videos on making and, of course, shooting the final product.
The chronograph link didn’t work, I think this is the right link http://www.geocities.com/pest3125/chrono/chrono.htm
Is that 130 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?
Chris, the original link was cached, but I swapped it out so maybe it will work now.
well, the water wasn’t boiling, so I assume fahrenheit
You could also just watch the MythBusters episode on how they make ballistics gel that aired years ago.
What’s the link
ooh guns pretty… nice post will do all of these in the next week
And tomorrow we get DIY ballistic fabric, like kevlar pants etc.? That would be awesome…
– Unomi –
BTW, What PSI does a bullet need to penetrate the skull?
and:
@3: Pure water can’t get hotter than 100 deg. C
ever heard of a presure cooker? any idea how cold water boils in nepal… BIG diference. water can get to 130deg.c with out much trouble if its in the right place. wrong place and goodluck going over 70deg.c
ballistic fabric request +1
True, but in general water boils at 100 celsius. I doubt anyone would try to tell someone to boil water at 130 celsius without specifying special equipment.
Anyway, I think that I’m going to have to find a reason to make
ballistic gel… just because it’s so awesome. ;)
dude water’s boiling point changes with altitude above or below sea level
also ballistic gel is some amazing stuff i just wish they had tried it on different blocks so we could see the real difference
does anyone know how I can make a ballistic gel hand but with the bone structure in it?
hey rachel heres a link to a vid clip on how to make baliatic gel hand. http://www.indymogul.com/backyard-fx/episode/BFX_20070820