BODY ARMOR: Turns out you can beat it pretty easily...

Published on May 26, 2026
Duration: 6:59

This video from Civilian Tactical tests six methods for defeating Level IV NIJ certified body armor. It examines the effectiveness of special ammunition rounds like 5.56 HEI and 30.06 AP, sustained fire, and the powerful 50 BMG round. The test also explores targeting unprotected areas like the pelvic girdle, the strategic use of buckshot to hit around armor, and the extreme measure of using a flamethrower. The presenter, with apparent expertise in tactical applications, demonstrates the limitations and potential vulnerabilities of high-level body armor under various conditions.

Quick Summary

Level IV NIJ certified body armor can be defeated by specific methods. While it stops standard 5.56 rounds, a WWII era 30.06 AP round fired at closer range penetrated. A 50 BMG round easily defeated it. Other tactics include targeting the pelvic girdle, strategic buckshot use, and extreme measures like flamethrowers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Testing Body Armor Defeat Methods
  2. 00:35Method 1: Special Ammunition (HEI & AP)
  3. 01:17AP 30.06 Penetration Explained
  4. 02:21Method 2: Sustained Fire (Spamming 5.56)
  5. 03:28Method 3: 50 BMG Penetration
  6. 04:29Armor Construction Revealed
  7. 04:49Method 4: Targeting the Pelvic Girdle
  8. 05:32Method 5: Buckshot Strategy
  9. 06:30Method 6: Flamethrower Test
  10. 06:57Conclusion & Sponsor Segment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can standard 5.56 ammunition defeat Level IV body armor?

No, standard 5.56 ammunition, even when fired in sustained bursts (spamming) at the same area, did not fully penetrate Level IV NIJ certified body armor. While it caused damage and deflection, it did not achieve complete penetration.

What special ammunition types were tested against Level IV body armor?

The test included a 5.56 HEI (High Explosive Incendiary) round and a World War II era 30.06 AP (Armor Piercing) round. The AP round, when fired at a closer distance than specified by NIJ standards, was able to penetrate the armor.

Is a 50 BMG round effective against Level IV body armor?

Yes, a 50 BMG round is highly effective against Level IV body armor. The test demonstrated that the 50 BMG round easily penetrated the armor, indicating it's far beyond the armor's rated protection level.

Besides direct penetration, what other methods can defeat body armor?

Other methods include targeting unprotected areas like the pelvic girdle, using buckshot strategically to hit around the armor, and extreme measures like a flamethrower to neutralize an attacker.

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