How to Make FBI Ballistics Gel

FBI ballistics gel is a gelatin used by law enforcement officials, including the FBI, to represent the consistency of the human body for the testing of ammunition. Create it by mixing a 10 percent solution of a specialized ordnance gelatin and water, pouring it into a mold, and then chilling the gel to a specific temperature. Once prepared, you'll have a block of ballistics gel that will give you the same results as those achieved on FBI testing ranges.

Things You'll Need

  • Scale
  • Ordnance gelatin powder
  • Stainless steel mixing bowl
  • Thermometer
  • Measuring cup
  • 5-gallon plastic bucket
  • Electric drill with paint stirrer attachment
  • Large spoon
  • Ballistic mold
  • Mold-release spray
  • Aluminum foil
  • Refrigerator
  • Ice water
  • Plastic bag
  • Ice chest
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a scale to measure out exactly 1 kilogram of ordnance gelatin powder. Pour the powder into the mixing bowl. To get the same results as the FBI gel, use Vyse Professional Ballistic & Ordnance Gelatin.

    • 2

      Turn on the hot faucet of a sink and wait for the water to reach between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure the temperature with a thermometer. Pour 6 liters of the water into a 5-gallon plastic bucket.

    • 3

      Add the gelatin slowly to the bucket of hot water, pouring it in about one-third at a time. Stir using an electric drill with a paint stirrer attachment until the gelatin dissolves into the water before adding the next third.

    • 4

      Add another 3 liters of hot water to the bucket. Stir the mixture on low speed for three to five minutes. Make certain that you mix any clumps of undissolved gelatin left in the bucket thoroughly into the rest of the mix.

    • 5

      Remove any foam that develops on the top of the gelatin mixture with a spoon and dispose of by washing it down the sink's drain with running hot water.

    • 6

      Spray your ballistic mold with a mold-release spray to keep the gelatin from sticking to the mold after forming. Pour the gelatin mix into the mold from one corner of the mold, allowing the gelatin to spread throughout the mold through its own motion.

    • 7

      Cover the mold with aluminum foil to protect it from contaminants. Leave the mold to sit for four hours to let it begin setting. Remove the aluminum foil and place the mold in a refrigerator set to 39 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours.

    • 8

      Remove the mold from the refrigerator. Pour ice-cold water over the surface of the gelatin and into the space between the gelatin and the mold sides. Overturn the mold onto a flat surface and lift the mold away from the set ballistics gel block.

    • 9

      Place the gel in a plastic bag and then place it back in the refrigerator for 24 hours to stabilize the gel's temperature. Pull it from the refrigerator and place it in an ice chest to maintain its temperature for transportation. For best results, use the gel within 20 minutes after removing it from the ice chest to avoid having it warm too much to provide accurate results.