458 Socom vs Body Armor

Published on December 2, 2016
Duration: 10:03

This test evaluates the .458 SOCOM caliber's effectiveness against AR500 Armor Level 3+ steel body armor. Initial tests with lightweight PolyCase ARX rounds showed no penetration, only surface damage. However, after approximately 50 rounds of heavier, solid brass .458 SOCOM ammunition, the steel plate eventually fractured due to cumulative energy, demonstrating that while individual rounds may not penetrate, sustained fire can defeat the armor.

Quick Summary

The .458 SOCOM caliber can defeat AR500 Armor Level 3+ steel plates, but not necessarily with single shots. Lightweight rounds failed, but cumulative impacts from heavier 300-grain rounds eventually caused the steel plate to shatter after approximately 50 shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: .458 SOCOM vs Body Armor Test Setup
  2. 01:38Ammunition Analysis: PolyCase ARX Rounds
  3. 03:06Initial Impact Results: PolyCase vs Steel Plate
  4. 05:57Testing Heavier Rounds: Solid Brass & Ballistic Tips
  5. 07:19Final Results: Armor Plate Shatters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can .458 SOCOM penetrate AR500 Armor Level 3+ steel?

Yes, but not easily with standard rounds. Lightweight PolyCase ARX rounds failed to penetrate. However, after approximately 50 cumulative impacts from heavier 300-grain .458 SOCOM rounds, the steel plate eventually fractured, indicating defeat through sustained energy transfer.

What type of .458 SOCOM ammunition was tested against body armor?

The test included lightweight PolyCase ARX rounds, which are designed for fragmentation, and heavier 300-grain solid brass rounds, including both round nose and hollow point variants, to assess penetration capabilities.

How did the .458 SOCOM rounds affect the AR500 Armor Level 3+ steel plate?

Initially, the lightweight rounds only stripped the protective coating without significant damage. After sustained fire with heavier rounds, the cumulative energy caused the steel plate to eventually shatter, demonstrating its failure point under repeated high-energy impacts.

What rifle was used to test the .458 SOCOM caliber against body armor?

The rifle used in the test was the CMMG Anvil, specifically chambered in the .458 SOCOM caliber. This rifle platform was chosen to showcase the ballistic performance of this large-caliber round.

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