Can Body Armor Stop Military Caliber Bullets?

Published on April 26, 2024
Duration: 27:40

This video from Classic Firearms features a ballistic test of various body armor plates against common military calibers. Instructors Ka and Jason test Level III, Level IV, and Level IV+ GardDog ballistic plates against 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm (including steel core), 5.56x45mm (55gr, 62gr M855 green tip, 77gr OTM), and .308 Winchester rounds. They assess penetration and back face deformation, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of each armor level.

Quick Summary

Level III body armor can stop some common rounds like 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm, but it's vulnerable to M855 green tip and 5.45x39mm steel core. Level IV armor offers better protection against armor-piercing rounds, and Level IV+ can even stop .50 BMG. Back face deformation is crucial, as significant indentation can cause serious blunt force trauma.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Disclaimer
  2. 00:30Testing Body Armor: Defeating and Stopping Rounds
  3. 01:12Caliber Overview: 7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm
  4. 02:235.45x39mm Steel Core Ammunition Details
  5. 03:29Body Armor Plate Types: Level III, IV, and IV+
  6. 04:325.56x45mm Ammunition Variants (55gr, 62gr, 77gr)
  7. 05:00Predictions: Which Plates Stop Which Rounds?
  8. 06:20Testing Level III Plate: 7.62x39mm
  9. 07:35Testing Level III Plate: 5.56x45mm (55gr & 62gr Green Tip)
  10. 10:29Testing Level III Plate: 5.56x45mm (77gr OTM)
  11. 11:47Testing Level III Plate: 5.45x39mm (Regular & Steel Core)
  12. 16:52Testing Level IV Plate: 7.62x39mm & M855 Green Tip
  13. 18:36Testing Level IV Plate: 5.45x39mm Steel Core
  14. 21:26Testing Level IV Plate: Uncompromised Ceramic Area
  15. 23:15Testing Level III Plate: .308 Winchester
  16. 25:24Testing Level IV+ Plate: .50 BMG
  17. 27:10Cutting Open the Level IV+ Plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Level III body armor plate stop military-grade rounds like 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm?

A Level III plate can stop some common rounds like 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm (55gr, 77gr OTM). However, it was penetrated by the 62-grain M855 green tip and struggled with the 5.45x39mm steel core, showing significant bulging and cracking.

What is the difference between Level IV and Level IV+ body armor?

Level IV armor is rated to stop armor-piercing .308 rounds. Level IV+ armor typically features more polyethylene and ceramic material, offering enhanced protection, as demonstrated by its ability to stop a .50 BMG round in testing.

What is back face deformation (BFD) in body armor, and why is it important?

Back face deformation is the amount a ballistic plate indents on the wearer's side when struck by a projectile. Even if a plate stops penetration, significant BFD can cause severe blunt force trauma, potentially leading to serious injury or incapacitation.

Can a Level IV plate stop a .50 BMG round?

While not typically rated for it, a GardDog Level IV+ plate in this test successfully stopped a .50 BMG full metal jacket round, indicating exceptional performance beyond its standard specifications.

What happens when ceramic ballistic plates are repeatedly hit?

Ceramic plates are designed to absorb initial impacts. However, repeated shots in the same area can compromise the ceramic, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential penetration by rounds that would otherwise be stopped.

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