500 S&W Magnum vs Ceramic Body Armor

Published on November 5, 2016
Duration: 4:57

This video tests the penetration capabilities of a 500 S&W Magnum round against a ceramic SAPI plate. The 700-grain Underwood Ammunition round, while powerful, was stopped by the plate after multiple impacts. The test highlights the plate's ability to absorb significant energy, though it demonstrates that even stopped rounds can transfer substantial force, as evidenced by damage to a watermelon placed behind the plate.

Quick Summary

A ceramic SAPI plate, rated for 7.62x39 and M80 Ball, was tested against a 500 S&W Magnum with a 700-grain lead flat nose projectile. Despite the round's power (approx. 1200 ft/s, 2238 ft-lb energy), the plate stopped multiple impacts without penetration, though significant energy transfer damaged a watermelon behind it.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction of Ceramic SAPI Plate
  2. 00:22Introducing the 500 S&W Magnum Ammunition
  3. 00:45The Test Firearm: 500 S&W Magnum
  4. 01:01Watermelon Behind Plate for Energy Transfer
  5. 01:42First Shot Results: Plate Stops Round
  6. 02:05Damage to Watermelon
  7. 02:14Bulge on Back of Plate
  8. 02:18Continuing Shots to Penetrate Plate
  9. 02:50Seven Shots Fired, Plate Intact
  10. 03:40Nine Shots Fired, Plate Still Intact
  11. 03:55Examining Stopped Bullets in Plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 500 S&W Magnum penetrate a ceramic SAPI plate?

In this test by Kentucky Ballistics, a ceramic SAPI plate rated for 7.62x39 and M80 Ball successfully stopped multiple 700-grain 500 S&W Magnum rounds. After nine shots in the same area, the plate did not penetrate, though significant energy transfer was observed.

What are the ballistics of the 500 S&W Magnum round used in the test?

The 500 S&W Magnum ammunition featured a 700-grain lead flat nose projectile. It was moving at approximately 1200 ft/s and generated around 2238 ft-lb of energy, demonstrating substantial power.

What kind of damage can a 500 S&W Magnum cause even if stopped by body armor?

Even though the ceramic SAPI plate stopped the 700-grain 500 S&W Magnum projectile, significant energy transfer occurred. This was evidenced by severe damage to a watermelon placed behind the plate, indicating potential blunt force trauma to a wearer.

How many 500 S&W Magnum rounds did it take to potentially compromise the SAPI plate?

The ceramic SAPI plate withstood at least nine shots from a 500 S&W Magnum with a 700-grain projectile in the same area without penetration. While the plate held, visible deformation and lodged bullets indicated the immense stress it endured.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Kentucky Ballistics

View all →