Has anyone got personal experience with Corbin's SIM-TEST ballistic media ?

http://www.corbins.com/sim-test.htm

Talked directly to Dave Corbin today about his SIM-TEST ballistic media.

SIM-TEST material can be diluted by any amount desired, but that is not recommended for comparison purposes to other labs' results. NATO, FBI, and other folks use it "as is". They have lots of data comparing it as delivered.

Preparation involves heating it to 160 degrees F for melting and pouring into molds. Figure a one hour cycle between completing shooting it and observing results to then remelt, pour new blocks, and shoot again. Normally keep two sets going so that one was remelting while another was being used for tests. Asked about waiting a day or two for material stabilization, Corbin said that while waiting would be good, it is definitely not necessary or normal use. By the time it solidifies in the pan it has cooled to 100 degrees. It is normally used at ambient room temperature that is attained by the time the material blocks are set and shooting resumes. Quick recycling and a broad range of ambient use conditions seem to be major strong points.

Kept in a styrofoam ice chest, some users have been recycling the same material for over five years.

A correlation between SIM-TEST and 10% ballistic gelatin can be made similar to a correlation between Fahrenheit and centigrade. However, just like the temperature correlation, the numbers won't be the same. SIM-TEST is tougher than 10% ballistic gelatin. The bullets will penetrate less and expand more in SIM-TEST. SIM-TEST more closely compares to tough animal muscle tissue (elk, bear) while 10% ballistic gelatin compares closer to human tissue. 10% ballistic gelatin is better for photographic purposes.

SIM-TEST material is edible, but not necessarily tasty (Corbin compared it to vanilla-flavored cappuccino). It does have a natural anti-bacteria additive that can be replenished when the material is melted if one wanted to. Without the anti-bacteria additive, this same stuff is used to feed bacteria in medical labs. It is similar to bookbinder's glue but is not the exact same.

Price is $98 per 60 pound carton plus shipping. Two cartons is a typical non-commercial order. Six cartons is a pallet with some price break.

Hammer