Will 2000+ fps 357 MAG Penetrate IIIA Body Armor? #shorts #357 #bodyarmor

Published on March 19, 2025
Duration: 1:22

This video tests the penetration capabilities of a 357 Magnum round, specifically Norma 80-grain NXD projectiles traveling over 2000 fps, against Level IIIA body armor. The test demonstrates that while the armor sustained significant damage, including ripping the backing material, it successfully stopped the projectile. The test was repeated with a lever-action rifle, yielding similar results.

Quick Summary

Testing shows that 357 Magnum rounds, even when exceeding 2000 fps with Norma 80-grain NXD projectiles, do not penetrate Level IIIA body armor. While the armor's backing sustained damage, the projectile was stopped and fragmented.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 357 Magnum and Body Armor Test
  2. 00:06Projectile and Velocity Specs
  3. 00:10Level IIIA Body Armor Introduction
  4. 00:17First Test: 357 Magnum vs. Body Armor
  5. 00:22Bullet Entry Hole Observation
  6. 00:30Armor Damage Assessment
  7. 00:48Second Test: Lever Action Rifle
  8. 00:50Lever Action Bullet Entry Hole
  9. 00:54Lever Action Impact Damage
  10. 01:05Armor Stop Confirmation
  11. 01:11Bullet Fragmentation
  12. 01:15Conclusion: No Penetration of Level IIIA Armor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 357 Magnum rounds with over 2000 fps velocity penetrate Level IIIA body armor?

In this test, 357 Magnum rounds, specifically Norma 80-grain NXD projectiles exceeding 2000 fps, did not penetrate Level IIIA body armor. While the armor sustained significant damage to its backing material, it successfully stopped the projectile.

What kind of damage did the 357 Magnum round cause to the Level IIIA body armor?

The impact of the 357 Magnum round caused a visible entry hole and significantly ripped the backing material of the Level IIIA body armor. However, the projectile itself did not pass through the panel.

Does firing a 357 Magnum from a lever-action rifle affect its ability to penetrate Level IIIA body armor?

The test indicated that firing the same high-velocity 357 Magnum ammunition from a lever-action rifle also failed to penetrate Level IIIA body armor. The results were consistent with handgun-fired rounds in terms of stopping power against this armor rating.

What happened to the 357 Magnum projectile after impacting the Level IIIA body armor?

Upon impacting the Level IIIA body armor, the Norma 80-grain NXD projectile fragmented. This indicates that the projectile broke apart due to the forces of impact, rather than passing through the armor intact.

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