BUT So Can 9MM!...5.7x28 VS Level 3A Armor!

Published on March 22, 2025
Duration: 25:35

This video provides a detailed ballistic test comparing 5.7x28mm and 9mm ammunition against various Level 3A armor panels. The instructor demonstrates that while some 5.7x28mm rounds can penetrate soft aramid fiber Level 3A, higher quality UHMWPE panels effectively stop both 5.7x28mm and 9mm rounds. The test suggests that for general purposes, 9mm may offer comparable or superior performance to 5.7x28mm against common armor types.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic test comparing 5.7x28mm and 9mm against Level 3A armor, both calibers demonstrated the ability to penetrate soft aramid fiber panels. However, against more robust UHMWPE Level 3A panels, both 5.7x28mm and 9mm ammunition were effectively stopped, suggesting 9mm is a comparable or superior choice for general use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:195.7x28mm Gel Test Setup
  3. 00:34Barrier Setup: Denim & Armor Panels
  4. 01:04Ammunition Overview: 5.7x28mm & 9mm
  5. 01:345.7x28mm vs Level 3A Claims
  6. 02:189mm Control Ammunition
  7. 03:05Firearms Used: PSA Rock & Glock 17
  8. 03:23Level 3A Panel Types Explained
  9. 03:57Aramid Fiber Panel Details
  10. 04:37UHMWPE Panel Details
  11. 05:38Heavier Level 3A Panel Details
  12. 06:33Projectile Recap
  13. 07:01First Shot: Vanguard Dragon Fang (5.7x28mm) vs Aramid Fiber
  14. 07:39Vanguard Dragon Fang Results
  15. 08:02Second Shot: Hornady Critical Defense (5.7x28mm) vs Aramid Fiber
  16. 08:34Hornady Critical Defense Results
  17. 08:45Third Shot: M1152 9mm Ball vs Aramid Fiber (Attempt 1)
  18. 09:12M1152 9mm Ball vs Aramid Fiber (Attempt 2 - Messed Up)
  19. 10:07M1152 9mm Ball vs Aramid Fiber (Attempt 3 - Control)
  20. 10:38Instructor's Frustration with Armor Testing
  21. 11:13M1152 9mm Ball vs Aramid Fiber (Attempt 4 - Closer to Center)
  22. 11:57Fifth Shot: Pilgrim 9mm vs Aramid Fiber
  23. 12:24Pilgrim 9mm Results
  24. 12:47Test Against UHMWPE Panel: Vanguard Dragon Fang (5.7x28mm)
  25. 13:33Vanguard Dragon Fang vs UHMWPE Results
  26. 13:54Test Against UHMWPE Panel: Pilgrim 9mm
  27. 14:30Pilgrim 9mm vs UHMWPE Results
  28. 15:11Summary of Soft Aramid Fiber Results
  29. 16:07Detailed Gel Penetration Depths
  30. 18:19Projectile Close-ups
  31. 19:10Panel Damage Analysis
  32. 22:07Final UHMWPE Panel Analysis
  33. 23:22Conclusion & Final Thoughts
  34. 23:355.7x28 vs 9mm Debate
  35. 24:35Instructor's View on Armor Testing Practicality
  36. 24:57Call to Action & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 5.7x28mm ammunition penetrate Level 3A armor?

Yes, 5.7x28mm ammunition, such as the Vanguard Dragon Fang and Hornady Critical Defense tested, can penetrate soft aramid fiber Level 3A armor. However, against more robust UHMWPE Level 3A panels, it was stopped.

How does 9mm ammunition perform against Level 3A armor compared to 5.7x28mm?

In this test, 9mm ammunition showed comparable performance to 5.7x28mm against soft aramid fiber Level 3A, with some rounds penetrating. Against UHMWPE Level 3A, 9mm was also stopped, suggesting 9mm is a viable alternative to 5.7x28mm for this threat level.

What are the different types of Level 3A armor tested?

The video tests two main types of Level 3A armor: soft aramid fiber (similar to Kevlar) and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). The UHMWPE panels proved significantly more resistant to penetration.

Which ammunition performed best against Level 3A armor in the test?

Neither 5.7x28mm nor 9mm consistently defeated the UHMWPE Level 3A panels. Both were stopped. Against the softer aramid fiber panels, both calibers showed penetration, with the instructor questioning the effectiveness of that armor type.

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