Level IV Body Armor Vs. Armor Piercing 50 Cal!

Published on September 22, 2021
Duration: 13:09

This video from Mrgunsngear Channel rigorously tests Battle Steel Level IV standalone body armor plates against high-powered threats, including .30-06 AP, 9mm multi-hit, and .50 BMG (XM33 Ball and Black Tip AP, and Hornady AMAX). The reviewer, demonstrating significant expertise, showcases the plates' ability to stop multiple threats, with surprising results against .50 BMG rounds. The test highlights the construction and performance limitations of Level IV armor under extreme stress.

Quick Summary

Battle Steel Level IV standalone body armor plates, constructed with ceramic and UHMWPE, weighing 6.5 lbs and costing around $100, demonstrated the capability to stop .50 BMG rounds (XM33 Ball, AP, AMAX) in a rigorous test by Mrgunsngear, preventing penetration despite significant cosmetic damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00.50 BMG vs. Armor Teaser
  2. 00:10Battle Steel Level IV Plate Overview
  3. 01:21.30-06 AP Test & Results
  4. 02:389mm Multi-Hit Test
  5. 03:159mm Results & 50 Cal Introduction
  6. 03:56.50 BMG (XM33 Ball) Firing
  7. 04:42.50 BMG (XM33 Ball) Analysis
  8. 06:11.50 BMG (Black Tip AP) Firing
  9. 07:00.50 BMG (Black Tip AP) Analysis
  10. 08:41Rig Repair & Hornady AMAX Prep
  11. 09:45Hornady AMAX .50 BMG Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Level IV body armor stop a .50 BMG round?

In a test by Mrgunsngear, Battle Steel Level IV standalone plates demonstrated the ability to stop .50 BMG rounds, including XM33 ball, black tip AP, and Hornady AMAX. While the plates sustained significant cosmetic damage and fragmentation, they prevented penetration, showcasing impressive resilience for their class and price point.

What are the specifications of Battle Steel Level IV body armor?

The Battle Steel Level IV standalone plates tested weigh 6.5 lbs each, feature a multi-curve design, and are constructed from ceramic and UHMWPE. They are priced around $100 and are designed to meet Level IV ballistic protection standards.

How does Level IV armor perform against multiple hits?

The Battle Steel Level IV plates showed good multi-hit capability against 9mm rounds fired from an MP5 A3 in full auto. The UHMWPE backer prevented penetration, although the plate visibly moved with each impact. Against .50 BMG, while each plate stopped a single round, the extreme energy transfer caused significant damage.

What is the difference between .50 BMG ball and AP rounds?

.50 BMG ball rounds, like the XM33, are designed for general-purpose use and can penetrate lightly armored targets. Armor-piercing (AP) .50 BMG rounds, such as the black tip variant, contain a hardened steel or tungsten core designed to penetrate thicker armor more effectively than ball ammunition.

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