Videos tagged with Level IIIA Body Armor

This video explores the capability of common carry calibers, particularly when loaded with specialized ammunition, to defeat Level IIIA soft body armor. The instructor highlights specific ammunition brands like Civil Liberty Defense, showcasing their high velocities and foot-pound energy figures for calibers such as .357 SIG, 9mm, and .45 ACP. The discussion emphasizes that certain rounds possess the power to penetrate body armor, a critical consideration for self-defense scenarios.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of a 357 Magnum round, specifically Norma 80-grain NXD projectiles traveling over 2000 fps, against Level IIIA body armor. The test demonstrates that while the armor sustained significant damage, including ripping the backing material, it successfully stopped the projectile. The test was repeated with a lever-action rifle, yielding similar results.

This video tests the effectiveness of Level IIIa body armor against a .44 Magnum +P+ Hardcast round fired from a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. The armor successfully stopped the projectile, though it created a significant dent in the backing material. The recovered bullet shows deformation, indicating the energy transfer.

This review of the BulletSafe VP3 Level IIIA vest highlights its concealability and resistance to common pistol calibers, including .44 Magnum. The presenter demonstrates its effectiveness against various rounds and discusses its suitability for low-profile personal defense scenarios, particularly for 'get home' bags or vehicle kits. While it stops most tested threats, including some unconventional rounds and a 20-gauge slug, it is vulnerable to sharp blades.

This review tests Universal Armor's Level IIIA lightweight body armor, highlighting its exceptionally low weight (19 oz per plate) and integrated stab protection. The armor features a curved, 10x12 shooter's cut design inspired by tank armor for potential ricochet mitigation. Testing included 357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, 12 gauge buckshot, and surprisingly, 460 S&W Magnum, all of which were stopped without penetration, though 300 Blackout subsonic did penetrate.

This video provides a comprehensive test of the RTS Tactical HERO Level IIIA vest, demonstrating its performance against various pistol calibers including .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, and the high-powered .75 FK. The instructor highlights the vest's ability to stop rounds up to a .44 Magnum and shows the impact of different barrel lengths on 9mm velocity. The test concludes by pushing the vest's limits with the .75 FK, confirming it exceeds the vest's rated protection level.

This video tests the ballistic performance of the TacticalXMen UTA Level IIIA Ultralightweight Body Armor. The armor is subjected to various handgun rounds, buckshot, and a subsonic 300 Blackout round. While it successfully stops all rounds it's rated for, it fails against the subsonic 300 Blackout. The review also covers the accompanying Universal Armor plate carrier.

This video demonstrates a 'fun test' of a Level IIIA body armor plate against a Desert Eagle chambered in .50 AE, firing a 325-grain Freedom Munitions round. While not a scientific test, the armor successfully stopped the projectile, though it sustained significant damage and the wearer would likely experience severe blunt force trauma, such as broken ribs. The test highlights the impressive stopping power of the .50 AE round and the resilience of Level IIIA armor against it, despite the caliber not being officially rated for this armor level.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of the 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum and 458 SOCOM against Level IIIA body armor. The 500 Magnum, with a 350-grain load from Freedom Munitions at approximately 1500 fps, failed to penetrate the vest. The 458 SOCOM, using a 300-grain bullet from Freedom Munitions at around 1800 fps, successfully penetrated the vest. The test highlights the significant difference in terminal performance between these powerful calibers against soft body armor.

This expert guide details a ballistic test comparing 7.62x25mm Tokarev ammunition against Spartan Armor Systems Level IIIA body armor. The test, conducted by a knowledgeable host, reveals that while the armor stops a single 7.62x25mm round, a second shot to the same spot penetrates. The test also demonstrates the armor's vulnerability to standard 5.56x45mm rifle rounds fired from an AR-15 pistol.