Can body armor stop a 50 CAL? Could You survive if it did?

Published on October 9, 2022
Duration: 14:53

This video tests the limits of Level 4 body armor against a .50 caliber round. While stacking multiple plates could stop a standard FMJ round, the impact force was likely lethal. Specialized Raufoss rounds, with their explosive and incendiary properties, completely defeated even stacked armor, destroying the test dummy.

Quick Summary

Modern body armor, even multiple Level 4 plates stacked, struggles against a .50 caliber round. While a standard FMJ round might be stopped, the resulting blunt force trauma is likely lethal. Specialized Raufoss rounds easily defeat stacked armor due to their explosive and incendiary properties.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Can Armor Stop a 50 CAL?
  2. 01:33Experimental Setup: Armor & Dummy
  3. 03:22Weapon & Ammunition: Steyr HS .50 M1
  4. 04:14Test 1: Single Plate vs .50 BMG FMJ
  5. 05:25Test 2: Stacked Plates vs .50 BMG FMJ
  6. 09:37Test 3: Stacked Plates vs Raufoss Round
  7. 12:06Conclusion: Armor Limits & Survival

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Level 4 body armor stop a .50 caliber round?

A single Level 4 plate cannot stop a .50 BMG FMJ round. While stacking six plates could stop the projectile, the extreme blunt force trauma would likely be lethal. Specialized rounds like Raufoss are impossible to stop with standard plates.

What is a Raufoss round?

A Raufoss round is a specialized .50 BMG projectile designed for military applications. It combines Armor Piercing (AP), High Explosive (HE), and Incendiary (I) capabilities, making it extremely destructive and capable of defeating advanced armor.

What are the risks of surviving a .50 caliber hit even if the armor stops it?

Even if body armor successfully stops a .50 caliber round, the immense kinetic energy transfer causes severe blunt force trauma. This can result in broken ribs, internal injuries, and potentially fatal damage, making survival highly unlikely.

What rifle was used to test the .50 caliber rounds?

The video utilized a Steyr HS .50 M1 bolt-action rifle for the .50 caliber ballistic tests. This rifle is chambered in .50 BMG and is known for its accuracy and power.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Garand Thumb

View all →