90 Green Tip Penetrators vs Body Armor

Published on January 5, 2015
Duration: 7:12

This video from DemolitionRanch details an experimental test of an AR500 Armor Level 3 steel plate against 90 rounds of 5.56x45mm M855 'Green Tip' ammunition. Expert Matt Carriker demonstrates the plate's resilience, showing significant surface damage and coating degradation before eventual penetration. The test highlights the extreme abuse body armor can endure and provides practical insights into its performance limits.

Quick Summary

An AR500 Armor Level 3 steel plate was subjected to 90 rounds of 5.56x45mm M855 'Green Tip' ammunition. The plate demonstrated remarkable resilience, stopping 88 rounds before eventual penetration, though its spall-resistant coating was significantly degraded throughout the test.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to Armor Testing
  2. 00:47Gear Overview
  3. 01:39Initial Firing Sequence
  4. 02:3130-Round Assessment
  5. 03:3160-Round Milestone
  6. 04:32Final Stress Test
  7. 05:24Final Inspection and Results

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rounds of M855 Green Tip can an AR500 Level 3 steel plate withstand?

An AR500 Armor Level 3 steel plate, when tested with 5.56x45mm M855 'Green Tip' ammunition, successfully stopped 88 out of 90 rounds before final penetration occurred, demonstrating significant durability.

What is the significance of M855 'Green Tip' ammunition in armor testing?

M855 'Green Tip' ammunition is significant because it contains a steel penetrator core, making it more effective at penetrating certain types of armor compared to standard ball ammunition. This test specifically evaluated the plate's resistance to this threat.

What happens to the spall coating on body armor during heavy fire?

During heavy fire, the spall-resistant coating on body armor can degrade significantly. In this test, the coating on the AR500 Level 3 plate began peeling after 30 rounds and was largely destroyed by the end of the 90-round test, though the steel core remained effective.

Who is Matt Carriker and what is his expertise?

Matt Carriker, host of DemolitionRanch, is recognized as an expert in firearms testing and ballistics demonstrations. His authority is evident in his familiarity with NIJ armor levels, bolt carrier group mechanics, and understanding of spalling and fragmentation.

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