Why You Need Level IV Body Armor For SHTF | LVL III & IV vs M193 & M855

Published on August 23, 2022
Duration: 19:51

This video provides a comparative analysis of Level IV ceramic body armor versus Level III steel body armor, focusing on their effectiveness against common rifle and handgun threats in a SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenario. The presenter demonstrates the penetration capabilities of M193 and M855 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, as well as a powerful .460 S&W Magnum load, against both armor types. The key takeaway is that Level IV ceramic armor offers superior protection against a wider range of threats, particularly M193, which can defeat Level III steel plates.

Quick Summary

Level IV body armor is recommended for SHTF scenarios because it offers superior protection against higher-velocity threats, including .30-06 armor-piercing rounds. Testing shows Level IV ceramic plates stop common rounds like M193 5.56x45mm NATO, which can penetrate Level III steel plates, making Level IV a more reliable choice for critical situations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Why Level IV Armor?
  2. 00:25MIRA Safety Level IV Ceramic Plate Overview
  3. 00:57Level III Steel Plate vs. Level IV Ceramic
  4. 01:14Testing Ammunition: M193 & M855
  5. 01:41Test Setup: AR-15 & 10-Yard Distance
  6. 02:49M193 Test on Level IV Plate
  7. 03:55M855 Test on Level IV Plate
  8. 05:56Level IV Plate After 5.56 Impacts
  9. 07:08Level III Steel Plate Test: M193
  10. 08:13M193 Penetrates Level III Steel Plate
  11. 08:32Level III Steel Plate Test: M855
  12. 09:33Level III Steel Plate After 5.56 Impacts
  13. 10:36Findings: Level IV vs. Level III Performance
  14. 12:41Testing .460 S&W Magnum on Level IV Plate
  15. 14:05Level IV Plate After .460 S&W Impact
  16. 16:26Testing .460 S&W Magnum on Level III Steel Plate
  17. 16:58Level III Steel Plate After .460 S&W Impact
  18. 18:01Final Comparison and Recommendations
  19. 19:35Conclusion: Why Level IV is Essential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of Level IV body armor over Level III for SHTF scenarios?

Level IV body armor is rated to stop higher-velocity and more powerful threats, specifically up to a .30-06 armor-piercing round. This offers superior protection against common rifle rounds like M193 5.56x45mm NATO, which can penetrate Level III steel plates, making Level IV a more reliable choice for critical situations.

Can Level III steel body armor stop 5.56x45mm NATO rounds like M193 and M855?

In testing, Level III steel body armor was penetrated by M193 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. While it did stop M855 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, the vulnerability to M193, a common ammunition type, suggests it may not provide adequate protection against all common threats in a SHTF scenario.

What are the weight differences between Level IV ceramic and Level III steel body armor plates?

Level IV ceramic plates are significantly lighter for comparable protection. A 10x12 inch MIRA Safety Level IV ceramic plate weighs approximately 5.9 pounds, whereas a 10x12 inch Level III steel plate typically weighs between 8 to 10 pounds, making ceramic a more practical choice for extended wear.

How does a .460 S&W Magnum round perform against Level IV and Level III body armor?

A powerful .460 S&W Magnum round fired from a 20-inch rifle barrel caused significant backface deformation on a Level IV ceramic plate but did not penetrate. The same round also impacted a Level III steel plate, causing substantial deformation but no penetration, demonstrating the stopping power of both armor types against this handgun caliber.

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