CATI Level 3 Armor vs Lehigh Controlled Chaos

Published on November 20, 2017
Duration: 3:46

This video tests the effectiveness of Lehigh's 45-grain Controlled Chaos ammunition against a CATI Level 3 coated steel plate. Contrary to expectations, the armor successfully stopped the high-velocity rounds, which the instructor found surprising given previous tests with lead core varmint ammunition. The test highlights potential variables in armor performance and bullet construction.

Quick Summary

In an armor test, Lehigh's 45-grain Controlled Chaos ammunition, traveling at approximately 3,300 feet per second, was fired at a CATI Level 3 coated steel plate. Contrary to expectations, the armor successfully stopped the rounds, leaving only a significant dent on the backside. This result was surprising to the instructor, who had previously seen similar velocity lead core ammunition penetrate other Level 3 plates.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Armor Test
  2. 00:06Lehigh Controlled Chaos Ammunition
  3. 00:16Level 3 Steel Plate Penetration Factors
  4. 00:37Testing Against CATI Level 3 Plate
  5. 00:43Firearm Used: AR-15.com Upper
  6. 01:04Test Results: Armor Stops Bullet
  7. 01:13Observation: Dent on Backside
  8. 01:38Instructor's Surprise and Expectations
  9. 01:51Comparison to Lead Core Varmint Ammo
  10. 02:11Future Test Considerations
  11. 02:20Level 3 vs Level 3 Plus Armor
  12. 02:31Speculation on Physics and Variables
  13. 03:09Bullet Construction Differences
  14. 03:16Seeking Viewer Input

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Lehigh Controlled Chaos ammunition penetrate the CATI Level 3 armor plate?

No, surprisingly, the CATI Level 3 coated steel plate successfully stopped the Lehigh 45-grain Controlled Chaos ammunition. While a significant dent was visible on the backside, the bullet did not penetrate the armor.

What firearm was used to test the Lehigh Controlled Chaos ammunition against the armor?

The test was conducted using an AR-15.com 18-inch upper receiver with a 1 in 7 twist rate. This setup was chosen to fire the high-velocity ammunition at the armor plate.

Why was the instructor surprised by the armor stopping the Lehigh Controlled Chaos rounds?

The instructor was surprised because previous tests with lead core varmint ammunition at similar high velocities (around 3,300 fps) had easily penetrated other Level 3 plates. The Controlled Chaos, which is a solid brass bullet, stopping was unexpected.

What factors might explain why the CATI Level 3 plate stopped the Lehigh Controlled Chaos ammo?

Possible explanations include the plate being near its V50 rating, variations in manufacturing between different Level 3 plates, or inherent differences in how solid brass bullets (like Controlled Chaos) perform against steel compared to lead core bullets at extreme velocities.

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