Detail of three fired copper bullets, about 2002, XX.5661, XX.5662, XX.5663. Royal Armouries, CC BY 4.0

 

These three bullets, made by the American company Barnes Bullets in 2002, are 'test' ammunition. They were fired into water tanks to examine their ballistic characteristics, to see how they would work in the real world.

 

This image is part of our Up Close online exhibition, which was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to use digital to enable our audiences to explore our collection in new and exciting ways.