Blast Off Mondays: Level IIIa+ Vest Vs. 9mm, .40, and Buckshot/Slug

Published on April 18, 2022
Duration: 6:50

This video from Tactical Hyve tests a Level IIIa+ ballistic vest against 9mm, .40 S&W, buckshot, and a slug round from 20 yards. The vest successfully stopped birdshot, 9mm, and .40 S&W rounds, with visible deformation but no penetration. However, a slug round from a Winchester PDX load penetrated the vest, creating a large hole and impacting the steel target behind it.

Quick Summary

A Level IIIa+ ballistic vest was tested against 9mm, .40 S&W, buckshot, and a slug round from 20 yards. The vest successfully stopped 9mm, .40 S&W, and buckshot, but a slug round from Winchester PDX ammunition penetrated the vest.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 01:31Birdshot Test
  3. 02:229mm Test
  4. 02:52.40 Caliber Test
  5. 03:20Post 9mm & .40 Caliber Vest Inspection
  6. 04:53Slug & Buckshot (PDX) Test
  7. 05:27Post Slug & Buckshot Vest Inspection
  8. 06:14Final Vest Assessment & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Level IIIa+ vest stop a 9mm round?

Yes, a Level IIIa+ rated ballistic vest successfully stopped a 9mm round fired from 20 yards in this test. The vest showed deformation but no penetration, retaining the projectile.

What is the penetration capability of a Level IIIa+ vest against a slug round?

A Level IIIa+ vest is NOT rated to stop a slug round at 20 yards. In this test, a slug from a Winchester PDX load penetrated the vest, creating a large hole and impacting the steel target behind it.

Does birdshot penetrate a Level IIIa+ ballistic vest?

No, birdshot fired from a Mossberg 930 at 20 yards did not penetrate a Level IIIa+ vest. While it caused superficial damage to the outer material, the projectiles did not pass through.

What calibers were tested against the Level IIIa+ vest?

The Level IIIa+ vest was tested against birdshot, 9mm (Novax +P Polymer), .40 S&W (124gr JHP), and a slug/buckshot combination (Winchester PDX) from a distance of 20 yards.

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