How should I test this new armor?

[chopinbloc]

Spoiler: It's armor. You don't really have to watch the video. I got some plates from The Target Man / Spartan Armor systems and I want to know what you think I should shoot it with. This plate is a brand new product from them and I have only seen one video on YouTube testing this particular plate (same guy did two videos, but one was just pistol ammo). Lots of tests of their earlier products, of course, but not much for this one so I want to hear what you want to see. They call it a "level 3+" plate. Now, level III is a NIJ rating and typically a "III+" plate from another manufacturer would be a level III plate that has been independently certified to meet that standard and additionally protect against special threats. My personal opinion is that the base level that a plate should meet to be considered III+ is that it stops M193 from at least a 16" barrel at close range so I will probably shoot it with M193 from a 20" barrel. Based on the testing that you've seen from myself and The Wound Channel, what else do you think I should use to test it? Bear in mind that there really isn't any question that it will do fine against lesser threats like pistol or 7.62x39mm.



Here is the listing for that plate on their website: clicky

 

[Zardaia]

M193 should be stopped by lvl III I'd imagine even if the NIJ rating doesn't specify, rated for M80 ball ought to stop 55gr. As for the M855, been a few years and it might have been for a 20" M16, but isn't 855 velocity 3200fps book answer, not 3k as on the site? I don't see anything really special in their description to call it a "+" plate really. Try a couple it's rated for then throw an 0'6, 7mag etc at it. Something not AP or really big, but a bit more than standard 7.62x51 ball.

My "personal opinion" is anything claiming a + rating should stop 855 (which is NOT AP) from point blank. Basically anything roughly .308 or less and not true AP.

 

[chopinbloc]

M855 is actually easier for steel to stop than M193 because M193 is faster. M193 will perforate a Level III plate at close range.



The whole ".308 or less" line of reasoning is what tripped you up. It's natural to view M193 as lesser than M80 and in many ways it is, but velocity is what defeats steel armor.

 

[strambo]

I like the idea of M193 from a 20" barrel. How about 5.45 7N6 and just 'cause, 7.62 AP loaded to .308 velocity (Level IV threat).

 

[Sunray]

Why would you think you need to test armour?
7.62x39mm is not a lesser threat than .223.

 

[chopinbloc]

The fact that you believe 7.62x39mm to be a greater threat in regard to steel armor answers the question of why I need to post videos of armor tests.

 

[MErl]

Can you get hold of a .17 rem? Give it an extreme velocity test.

 

[chopinbloc]

No. A friend has a .17 HMR, but that's well below the velocity that these players tend to fail at.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Can you get hold of a .17 rem? Give it an extreme velocity test.

I was just about to say something along these lines. Maybe ask around your local range to see if someone has a rifle in 223 WSSM (or similar overbore round) you could shoot the plate with. That would be really interesting, maybe even with some lightweight 40gr bullets.

 

[jeepnik]

50 BMG. But I like putting holes in things from afar.

 

[benEzra]

Hmmm....hot 40gr .223 out of a 20" barrel (3600+ ft/sec, but with a very fragile bullet) would be interesting. Hot .243 varmint loads also (e.g. Hornady 58gr VMAX at 3900+ ft/sec, or whatever). A softpoint deer load out (150gr .30-06, etc.) would be interesting also, as would .17 Rem.

Also interested in how a very hot 12ga slug would affect the plate. I'm sure it would stop it, but I wonder how much backface deformation would occur.

 

[jerkface11]

405 gr soft point out of a .45-70 loaded for a ruger number 1.

 

[chopinbloc]

Don't have a .45-70, but a friend has a .450 Marlin.

 

[LKLive13]

Who made the knife you opened the box with and where can i get one? That thing is BA

 

[chopinbloc]

Nikolay Yermolenko. His knives are completely handmade and he will custom make one exactly the way you want. His prices will probably surprise you and he is usually open to barter suggestions. His contact info is in the description on the YouTube watch page.

 

[jerkface11]

.450 marlin is close enough.

 

[chopinbloc]

Did you see my .450 Marlin gel test?

 

[jerkface11]

No I didn't. Got a link?

 

[chopinbloc]

[YouTube]OaIl9_CnYGQ[/YouTube]

 

[Deaf Smith]

A wise person ALWAY test their equipment, armor included.

Deaf