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Lead Balls to Smart Bullets: The Evolution of Firepower (S9, E29) | Modern Marvels | Full Episode

2025-08-30 Entertainment
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HISTORY
HISTORY
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The Evolution and Future of Bullet Technology

Discover the 800-year journey of the bullet, from simple lead balls to intelligent projectiles programmed to hit targets around corners. Learn how historical conflicts and modern material science are redefining stopping power and lethality.

Short Summary

  • Address key vulnerabilities from airport security risks to outdated police ordnance using specialized projectile designs.
  • Understand the four major 19th-century developments—rifling, conical shape, self-contained cartridges, and smokeless powder—that created the modern round.
  • Explore specialized applications, including environmentally friendly lead replacements and "smart" bullets that use microchips to target obstacles or self-destruct.

This segment explains the major phases of bullet development, covering mechanics, materials, and smart targeting. Understanding terminal ballistics—what the bullet does on impact—is crucial for matching the right projectile to the user's need, whether for military penetration or humane incapacitation.

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Description

From "safe" bullets that stop hijackers but leave aircraft unscathed to bullets that chain-saw through steel and "smart" bullets computer-programmed to hit a target, this explosive hour examines the evolution of bullets from origin in the 1300s--stones and round lead balls shot from iron and bamboo tubes. Season 9, Episode 29, "Bullets." Love Modern Marvels? Stay up to date on all of your favorite The HISTORY Channel shows at http://history.com/schedule. #ModernMarvels Subscribe for more from Modern Marvels and other great The HISTORY Channel shows: http://histv.co/SubscribeHistoryYT Find out more about the show on our site: https://www.history.com/shows/modern-marvels Check out exclusive The HISTORY Channel content: History Newsletter - https://histv.co/newsletter Website - https://histv.co/History Facebook - https://histv.co/Facebook Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/history TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@history "Modern Marvels" goes beyond the basics to provide insight and history into things we wonder about and that impact our lives. The HISTORY® Channel, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events, to a signature slate of industry leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY® Channel serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY® channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. For additional press materials visit the A+E Networks Press Center at http://press.aenetworks.com.

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