Ballistics Gel

In this instructable I will show you how to make Ballistics gel like the FBI and Mythbusters use. 
Ballistics gel is as dense as human flesh. You could go out and get a dead pig to test ballistics on or you could  use ballistics gel instead.

Step 1: Materials

- unflavored gelatin 
-water
-spoon
-measuring cups
-table spoon
-container
-food coloring (optional)
-lavender essential oil (optional)

Step 2: Mixing

My general rule is mixing 1 tbs of unflavored gelatin or 1 unflavored gelatin packet with 1/2 cup of water. Mix your gelatin packets in with warm water. Be sure to mix the water while you pour the gelatin  so it wont get clumpy! You can put 1 to 3 drops of food coloring and 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil per half cup as well.

Step 3: Letting It Set

Pour your ballistics gel into your mold or container and then put it into the fridge to let it set for 10 to 14 hours. Then cut it up into cubes and melt it in the microwave. Be sure to watch it because it melts very quickly. I got the best results when I melted it.

Step 4: Let It Set Again

Now you can let the gel set in the refrigerator  for 12-48 hours before using it.

Step 5: Use It

Now for the fun part! You can use this for all kinds of things: testing guns, BB guns, bows, knives, and all sorts of things!   But be sure you and those around you stay safe when testing ballistics on this. And that's how to make ballistics gel.

Comments

[1tri2god]

just wanted to say thank you for this...I made a sheet of it, put a flesh latex coating on it to help simulate skin, and subdermal fat to run a simulation lab for peri-mortal c-section for my ER residents...worked great!!!

[sgfidlin]

Where do you teach?

[1tri2god]

NYC

[1tri2god]

Hi! Hey, quick question...how long can this gel sit out side of the fridge?? Hours, days???

[sgfidlin]

i still am using the same ballistics gel for about a month all i need to do is re melt it and let it sit in the fridge overnight!

[sgfidlin]

Hi. The longest I let it sit out for is about an hour in room temperature and it didn't lose its shape and it stayed the same consistency.