What is a ballistic gelatin block made of?
Gelatin is made from pig-skin collagen. This collagen has amino acids present to form protein chains. This is REAL ANIMAL TISSUE in its purest, most refined form.

How long will the gelatin block last?
If the gelled block is used in cool conditions or in a refrigerated area it should last up to 72 hours. Typically, after 72 hours the block will begin to dry out.

If the gelled block is used outside or in ambient temperatures of 70° it should last approximately 90 minutes. Reliable testing time decreases as the temperature increases.

We recommend transporting your gelled gelatin block, if necessary, wrapped in plastic and packed in a cooler with sealed ice packs. Do not expose your gelled block to water.

Where do you shoot into the block and how many test shots can be taken?
For best results we recommend one shot per block. This shot should enter the center of the small end of the block and travel the length. Additional shots may be taken but visibility may be obstructed.

What are the dimensions of a standard ballistic test block?
Standard test block size is 6.25” x 6.25” x 16”. This size finished block weight is 20lbs.

Will this stop a bullet?
Ballistic gelatin is designed to simulate animal tissue in order to show how a particular caliber or type of bullet will respond upon impact of the muscle tissue. So, if animal tissue will not stop the bullet you are shooting, then ballistic gelatin will not either.

Is the gelatin transparent?
Practically, clarity is less than 25ntu. Vyse® professional grade Ballistic Gelatin holds the strictest specification for clarity in the industry.

Can the block be reused?
No, for reliable test results the block should be discarded after each use. Animal tissue is comprised of proteins. The protein amino acids form long chains, much like netting. This is what gives the muscle strength, in the same way ballistic gelatin has the same amino acid chains present. While invisible in solution they are present in very high numbers and extremely strong. This is what makes professional strength ballistic gelatin so much like the real thing. When heated, these chains are broken and diminish in size and strength. While it will reform a gel that may look exactly the same, it in fact is MUCH weaker in its ability to resist. This is why ballistic gelatin should never be reused.