Level 4 armour plates are specifically designed to protect against armour piercing rounds without pass through. This is the most advanced type of personal protection we have, and it’s important we understand the technologies behind it, especially in CQB and urban warfare environments.

It is currently able to withstand a M80A1 and m2AP bullet pushed to >3000 fps in a 300 winmag cartridge. The M80A1 round is a non-lead round that’s normally pushed to 2600 fps in a 308 cartridge. The M2AP contains a steel penetrator. But because the bullet diameters are the same, this YouTuber loaded it in a 300 winmag to give it even more energy and velocity.

https~://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KHFJ5Gdmy8s

What has been proven to work is a tungsten carbide penetrator seen in the M993 round. Penetration is seen when reaching 2600 fps on some plates and 3000 fps on other plates.

https~://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_edfr1i6LMU

https~://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yH8Sls4hxoo

The US has fielded a new rifle shooting a new caliber, the 6.8x51. As the video shows, it is able to defeat level 4 armour in two shots without AP rounds, with standard non-lead ammo.

https~://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BGL9wP8_-LI

Using a steel-backed casing, it’s able to use a fast burning powder to push a 140 gr bullet to 2900 fps in a 13” barrel. Higher velocities and longer effective range against armour can be achieved with a longer barrel.

To be continued.