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Testing the Byrna Max Projectiles
In this demonstration, DK Spencer and Ballistic Joel set out to test the impact of Byrna Max projectiles using the Byrna CL launcher. The goal: to see if the rounds could effectively incapacitate a target.
From the very first shots, the effects were immediate and intense. Within seconds, Joel struggled to keep his eyes open, coughing and wincing as the chemical irritant took hold. “It’s brutal,” he admitted, acknowledging that while he could still move forward, the projectile’s effects severely limited what he could do once he got there.
The test revealed several key points:
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Vision impairment: Even a partial hit to the eyes made it nearly impossible to keep them open for more than a second.
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Respiratory distress: The chemical cloud caused coughing, gagging, and short-lived but significant breathing discomfort.
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Lingering effects: Attempts to rinse the eyes often worsened the burning sensation, spreading it further instead of providing relief.
Interestingly, one detail stood out: Joel braced himself by holding his breath and closing his eyes before impact. In a real-world scenario, an attacker wouldn’t have the benefit of preparation. Without those precautions, the incapacitating effects would set in much faster and with greater severity.
By the end of the test, nearly everyone present was affected—even those not directly hit. The irritant spread widely enough to make three out of four participants visibly sick. Despite the discomfort, the results spoke volumes: the Byrna Max projectiles proved highly effective in reducing vision, mobility, and overall ability to continue forward.
The final takeaway is clear. These rounds deliver powerful deterrence, buying valuable time to escape or gain control of a dangerous situation.
