Subsonic .300 Black Out vs. Kevlar Body Armor

Published on April 21, 2018
Duration: 16:02

This test compares subsonic .300 Blackout and .45 ACP rounds against NIJ Level II body armor. While .45 ACP failed to penetrate, subsonic .300 Blackout FMJ rounds successfully defeated the armor. However, expanding subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition was stopped by the same armor, highlighting the critical role of ammunition selection in tactical scenarios.

Quick Summary

Subsonic .300 Blackout FMJ ammunition can penetrate NIJ Level II soft body armor, while .45 ACP ammunition does not. Expanding subsonic .300 Blackout rounds may be stopped by Level II armor, highlighting the critical importance of ammunition selection for tactical effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Why .300 Blackout for SWAT?
  2. 01:25Test Rifles: .300 BLK vs .45 ACP
  3. 04:26Test Setup: Body Armor & Clay
  4. 05:29Test 1: .45 ACP vs Level 2 Armor
  5. 07:12Test 2: Subsonic .300 BLK FMJ vs Armor
  6. 10:17Test 3: Subsonic .300 BLK Expanding vs Armor
  7. 13:25Conclusion: Ammo Selection Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can subsonic .300 Blackout penetrate Level 2 body armor?

Yes, subsonic .300 Blackout FMJ ammunition was shown to penetrate NIJ Level II soft body armor in this test. However, expanding subsonic .300 Blackout rounds were stopped by the same armor level, indicating ammunition type is crucial.

Does .45 ACP penetrate Level 2 body armor?

In this test, .45 ACP ammunition fired from an 8-inch barreled CMMG Guard with a suppressor was successfully stopped by NIJ Level II soft body armor. Significant backface deformation occurred, but there was no penetration.

What is backface deformation in body armor testing?

Backface deformation is the inward displacement of the armor's rear surface when struck by a projectile. Excessive deformation, over approximately 2 inches, can cause lethal blunt force trauma even if the projectile is stopped by the vest.

Why is .300 Blackout considered for law enforcement SWAT teams?

.300 Blackout is considered for SWAT teams due to its potential to defeat certain levels of body armor, which .45 ACP failed to do in this scenario. Additionally, its subsonic variants offer a low muzzle flash signature, beneficial for operations in environments with combustible materials.

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