Steel Armor Spalling Myth? @thearmoredrepublic

Published on July 10, 2025
Duration: 0:48

This video features Shortshot Tony, a tactical gear reviewer, conducting live-fire ballistic testing on AR500 steel plates to assess the effectiveness of spall coatings. The experiment demonstrates that while uncoated plates can produce significant spalling, a spall-resistant coating, especially when used within a plate carrier, effectively contains fragmentation.

Quick Summary

AR500 steel armor can spall, or fragment, upon impact. Testing shows that spall-resistant coatings are effective at containing this fragmentation. Furthermore, using AR500 plates within a plate carrier significantly enhances spalling containment, making the armor system more effective against secondary projectiles from rounds like M855.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Spalling Myth?
  2. 00:04Uncoated Plate Test & Spalling
  3. 00:09Uncoated Plate in Carrier
  4. 00:17Coated Plate in Carrier Test
  5. 00:39Conclusion: Coating Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AR500 steel armor spall?

Yes, AR500 steel armor can spall, meaning it can fragment upon impact. The extent of spalling depends on the material's properties, the ammunition used, and whether a spall-resistant coating is applied.

Is AR500 spall coating effective?

Based on testing, AR500 spall coatings are effective at containing fragmentation. When combined with a plate carrier, the containment of spalling is significantly enhanced, reducing the risk of secondary projectiles.

What ammunition was used to test the AR500 plates?

The AR500 steel plates were tested using M855 (Green Tip) ammunition, which is a common type of 5.56x45mm rifle round often used in ballistic testing scenarios.

How does a plate carrier affect spalling?

A plate carrier acts as a crucial layer of containment. It helps to catch and hold fragments that might otherwise ricochet, significantly improving the overall safety and effectiveness of the armor system.

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