Evaluating bullet expansion

How would I test the explosion/expansion of, say, a varmint bullet, other than in gel? Thx.

What bullet, what cartridge and what are you planning on shooting with it?

So much info is already out there, it seems a waste of time to test expansion.

Explosiveness?
V-Max and don't bother with anything else.
 
Perfect combination.
If you don't care about keeping the pelts then the V-Max will shut them down even quicker.

55gr is what I would choose unless Nosler makes one heavier now.

Not keeping pelts? Pick the one your rifle likes the best (40, 50, 55gr) and go kill coyotes. All of them will do the job nicely.

No need to overthink it.