The Multiple Impact Bullet: A “Bolo Round” for Handguns
OutdoorHub Reporters 01.10.14
Information about Colorado-based Advanced Ballistic Concepts‘ (ABC) Multiple Impact Bullet (Mi-Bullet) has been making the rounds on the internet over the past several days. While the name may be intimidating, ABC’s novel ammo might be readily compared to “bolo” shotgun shells. In a traditional bolo round, two or more slugs are connected by steel wire. After leaving a gun’s muzzle, the bolo slugs separate and “carry” the steel wire between them, forming a kind of flying blade. Bolo rounds can cut allegedly off limbs, or otherwise be extremely lethal.
ABC’s Mi-Bullets apply the same principle to .45 ACP and 9mm rounds, in addition to a conventional 12 gauge bolo shell. Mi-Bullets consist of a center slug attached to three tethers and three high-density fragments. As the round travels through the air, it separates into a rotating, fan-like projectile that has a wide impact area. These rounds are designed to be high-damage “one-shot” rounds for defensive use. According to the company, the Mi-Bullet achieves this without sacrificing penetrating power or accuracy.
“According to national law enforcement statistics, more than 90 percent of shots fired in life and death situations miss their mark,” said ABC President Todd Kuchman. “Our research shows that these missed shots are the result of ‘last second twitch’ which occurs to some extent whenever a gun is fired, particularly in highly stressful situations. Because every Mi3 bullet offers a wide shot profile, it compensates for marksman’s error which significantly increases hit probability.”
You can see how the pistol-caliber version of the Mi-Bullet works in the video below:
The version designed for 12 gauge shells is very similiar:
ABC also claims that the Mi-Bullet has been approved for civilian use by the ATF, with certain “high-performance” variants being designed for military or law enforcement use. ABC also touts “semi-lethal” and less-than-lethal versions of their 12 gauge and .45 ACP ammunition. Using lower-density materials and traveling at a lower velocity, these variants are designed to stop targets non-lethally.
The bolo round’s effectiveness, however, is questioned by many shooters. The design’s alleged damage potential has led it to being banned in certain states, but some gun owners doubt the bolo round’s accuracy and power. Time will only tell if the Mi-Bullet falls into the same novelty category, or if it turns out to be a reliable alternative to traditional ammo.
ABC’s website lists a 10 pack of 12 gauge Mi-Bullets for $70 retail and a 10 pack of .45 ACP rounds for $60. The company is also planning on releasing 9mm ammunition in the near future.
