Understanding What Caliber Body Armor Can Stop

When considering the effectiveness of different body armor options, it is crucial to understand the specific calibers each level is rated to stop. Different levels of body armor are designed to provide varying levels of protection against a range of threats. This ensures that individuals can choose the appropriate level based on their needs and the type of potential threats they might face.

NIJ Ratings and Marketed Terms

Body armor in the United States is typically categorized based on the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ratings. These ratings are widely recognized and provide a standardized framework for evaluating body armor performance. Additionally, there are some market terms that are not officially recognized by the NIJ but are used for marketing purposes.

Natutal Subhead

Level I: The earliest form of bullet-proof vests that are now considered outdated. Level II: Designed to stop handgun rounds, specifically 9mm and .40 SW. Level IIIA: Capable of stopping larger handgun and magnum pistol rounds. Level III: Designed to protect against non-armor-piercing rifle rounds like intermediate rounds, but not steel-core rifle rounds. Level IV: The highest current certification, capable of stopping a .308 armor-piercing round.

Intermediate Ratings

There are some unofficial intermediate ratings beyond the official IV rating, such as:

Level IIIA: Sometimes used to market body armor that handles civil defense scenarios like 9mm, 5.7mm, and some shotgun rounds. Non-Official Level III: May protect against steel-core intermediate rifle rounds.

Material and Thickness Considerations

The choice of material and thickness is a significant factor in determining the level of protection offered by body armor. Soft body armor is typically made from ballistic fibers like Kevlar, Spectra Shield, Gold Flex, etc., and is designed to protect against handgun rounds up to the .44 Magnum and various 12 gauge shotgun rounds. However, it is important to note that these do not provide protection against rifle rounds.

Hard plates, made from materials such as steel, titanium alloys, ceramics, or polyethylene, offer higher levels of protection. These plates can be rated from very thin Level IIIA to Level IV, which can stop rounds up to 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, and even 30.06 armor-piercing rounds. These are currently the highest levels of protection available.

Conclusion

Understanding the specific calibers body armor can stop is essential for selecting the right level of protection. Whether you need Level II for basic protection or Level IV for higher-risk scenarios, knowing the differences and ratings can help you make an informed decision. It is always recommended to consult the NIJ ratings and any additional market terms when choosing body armor.