For non-ceramic level 3 plates I have been doing some reading and youtube watching.
It seems without enhancement plates that pass the basic level 3 NJ rating: 55 grain M193 from a 20 inch barrel will punch through a steel plate, but the slower 62 grain penetrator M855 will be stopped. Use a Plastic UHMWPE rated to level 3 and it is the opposite. The penetrator 62 grain passes through and the faster M193 is stopped by the laminated plastic.
There is a very cheap chinese made level IV (Not sure of where it was rated) composite ceramic UHMWPE that weighs 5.5 lbs making the youtube circuit that stops both. The back deformation is not too bad from a single hit with 5.56. Start pounding it with multiple hits, especially from .308 and while it is not immediately penetrated I suspect the wearer will feel like a very strong man is pounding him with large hammer.
Do any of the forum members here have any thoughts or insight relative to these vests and what have their solutions or choices been?
It seems without enhancement plates that pass the basic level 3 NJ rating: 55 grain M193 from a 20 inch barrel will punch through a steel plate, but the slower 62 grain penetrator M855 will be stopped. Use a Plastic UHMWPE rated to level 3 and it is the opposite. The penetrator 62 grain passes through and the faster M193 is stopped by the laminated plastic.
There is a very cheap chinese made level IV (Not sure of where it was rated) composite ceramic UHMWPE that weighs 5.5 lbs making the youtube circuit that stops both. The back deformation is not too bad from a single hit with 5.56. Start pounding it with multiple hits, especially from .308 and while it is not immediately penetrated I suspect the wearer will feel like a very strong man is pounding him with large hammer.
Do any of the forum members here have any thoughts or insight relative to these vests and what have their solutions or choices been?