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3/13/2015 1:31:59 AM EDT
Soft armor does not stop 5.56 at the muzzle, but eventually the bullet will slow enough that soft armor will stop it. Has anybody ever tested at which range soft armor will stop 5.56?
3/13/2015 4:08:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Due to the huge variations in barrel length and ammo combinations, I think it would be more constructive to determine at what fps 5.56 gets stopped.

Off the top of my head, it would have to be pretty far(round would have to see a substantial decrease in velocity) to get stopped by soft armor in my opinion.
3/13/2015 8:19:30 AM EDT
[#2]
If I had to guess I would probably say the velocity would have to be down to under 1200fps or so for IIIA to stop it. So maybe at like 600 or 700 yards it might stop .223 out of a 16" barrel. It would be an interesting experiment.
3/13/2015 8:26:22 AM EDT
[#3]
Rough estimate from 30 seconds with google...

IIIA tests go up to 1400+/-50fps.

Muzzle velocity on M193 out of a 20" barrel is 3200fps.
M193 reaches minimum fragmentation velocity (2700fps) at 190 to 200m.

So to get a M193 round close to the velocities that a IIIA vest is tested at...I'm guessing you're talking somewhere around a half mile, but I still wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.
3/13/2015 12:28:17 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Rough estimate from 30 seconds with google...

IIIA tests go up to 1400+/-50fps.

Muzzle velocity on M193 out of a 20" barrel is 3200fps.
M193 reaches minimum fragmentation velocity (2700fps) at 190 to 200m.

So to get a M193 round close to the velocities that a IIIA vest is tested at...I'm guessing you're talking somewhere around a half mile, but I still wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.
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That makes sense. Sounds like soft armor is basically worthless against 5.56.
3/13/2015 12:54:50 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:


That makes sense. Sounds like soft armor is basically worthless against 5.56.
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Rough estimate from 30 seconds with google...

IIIA tests go up to 1400+/-50fps.

Muzzle velocity on M193 out of a 20" barrel is 3200fps.
M193 reaches minimum fragmentation velocity (2700fps) at 190 to 200m.

So to get a M193 round close to the velocities that a IIIA vest is tested at...I'm guessing you're talking somewhere around a half mile, but I still wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.


That makes sense. Sounds like soft armor is basically worthless against 5.56.


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