Level IIIA Soft Armor Vs. The "Bear Load"

Published on April 6, 2018
Duration: 6:53

This video demonstrates the ballistic resistance of Level IIIA soft armor, specifically 12 layers of Kevlar, against a powerful .45 Colt 'Bear Load' round. The test, conducted for a senior engineering design project creating a portable shield for EMS personnel, shows the Kevlar successfully stopping the projectile, though with significant deformation and energy transfer. The instructor emphasizes that while penetration is prevented, the concussive force can still be dangerous.

Quick Summary

Level IIIA soft body armor, often made with Kevlar, is rated to stop handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. In a test with a .45 Colt 'Bear Load' (+P, 325-grain slug, ~930 ft-lbs energy), 12 layers of Kevlar prevented penetration but showed significant deformation, highlighting the energy transfer that can still cause injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Senior Design Project
  2. 00:41What is Kevlar? Level IIIA Armor Explained
  3. 01:43Testing the HSM Bear Load .45 Colt
  4. 02:24First Shot Impact on Exposed Kevlar
  5. 03:13Testing Kevlar Without Backing Board
  6. 04:24Testing the Portable Shield Proof of Concept
  7. 05:20First Shot on Shield: Deformation and No Pass-Through
  8. 05:55Second Shot on Shield: Results and Analysis
  9. 06:14Conclusion: Level IIIA Armor Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Level IIIA soft body armor rated to stop?

Level IIIA soft body armor is designed to stop handgun rounds up to the power of a .44 Magnum. This typically includes common handgun calibers and some more powerful loads, but it is not rated for rifle rounds.

How does Level IIIA Kevlar armor perform against a .45 Colt 'Bear Load'?

In this test, 12 layers of Kevlar successfully stopped a .45 Colt 'Bear Load' (+P, 325-grain slug, ~930 ft-lbs energy). While there was no penetration, significant deformation and energy transfer occurred, indicating potential for blunt force trauma.

What is the HSM Bear Load .45 Colt ammunition?

The HSM Bear Load is a powerful .45 Colt +P ammunition. It features a heavy 325-grain slug and is designed to deliver significant energy, comparable to some .44 Magnum loads, making it suitable for large game or self-defense against dangerous animals.

Can Level IIIA armor protect against rifle rounds?

No, Level IIIA soft body armor is not designed to stop rifle rounds. To defeat rifle threats, hard body armor plates, such as those made of ceramic or steel, are typically required in conjunction with or instead of soft armor.

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