Q&A for How to Make Ballistics Gel

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Will the gel melt back into a liquid state after several hours, or will it stay gelled forever?

Community Answer

After several hours out of the fridge, the gel will melt back into liquid form.

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Question

Once the gelatin has melted, can it be re-used if I remove any bullet fragments?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use it over and over again.

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Question

Can the gel be remelted and used again?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. Remove all the bullet fragments from it first before you melt it.

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Question

Why do I have to let it set then remelt it and reset it again?

Community Answer

To reuse it for another weapon without buying more gelatin. Just like reloading old cases.

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Question

Can I add clear glycerin soap to make it thicker?

Community Answer

Chemically, it seems viable. Soap shouldn't make it any less clear, either. You could try it in a smaller container first, maybe 6 in x 6 in x 6 in and 1.5 gal of water and 19.5 oz of gel and add maybe just a couple spoonfuls of soap to it. If you are wanting to test ballistics on this however, you shouldn't want it any thicker as it will lessen the impact of the rounds.

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Question

What does ballistics gel do for a spy?

Community Answer

Ballistics gel can be used by spies as building bricks for sniper hides, or to make a vest that will show them how much worse a bullet wound could have been once they've been shot. They would have to keep in mind, though that if it gets too hot it will liquefy. In a sniper hide, this really creates a difficult cleanup while covering their tracks, so they should make sure they bring plenty of ice and a fan to cool it back down for an easier cleanup. When used as a vest, the melt could make them appear to be nervous and blow their cover.

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Question

Can I store ballistic gel for a long amount of time?

Community Answer

Not this one. It is still only gelatine, and as such, it will mold after some time. Up to a week should be fine, though. If you really need to, replace half of the water with isopropyl alcohol and glycerin in equal amounts; that should give you up to one year, under perfect conditions.

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