BODY ARMOR: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

[Duck Killer]

John going to send a 3s9m to test too? Looking at the shooter plates at 7.2lb for the 4S17M vs. 5.3lb for the 3s9m, that's near 2 pounds per plate or almost 4 pounds in total. Looking at Highcom's "Guardian Threat Chart," the only difference is lack of protection from ".30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (M2 AP)." A lot of weight savings for a rare ammo for civilians so I'm leaning towards the 3s9m, thoughts?

M2 ap isn?t rare. There is literally millions upon millions of rounds of it in the US. It just isn?t shot because it is so expensive. The CMP imported and sold over 2 million rounds of it 15 years ago.

[Buffman]

M2 ap isn?t rare. There is literally millions upon millions of rounds of it in the US. It just isn?t shot because it is so expensive. The CMP imported and sold over 2 million rounds of it 15 years ago.

True, I would say M2AP is very plentiful in the US. Cheap, not so much anymore, but still around. however a majority of it all is surplus and most everyone would shoot it, is going to do so in surplus form, which is an instant handicap of 200 fps + from the rating.

I personally think a majority of folks would be fine with a solid III+ plate capable of stopping M855A1, M855, M193, and M80 ball. John did say he was going to work on sending more plates. Hopefully he can get Highcom to see the value, or at least hopefully he sale some sales from the demo, as I have been asked to test Highcom stuff for a bit.

[Duck Killer]

True, I would say M2AP is very plentiful in the US. Cheap, not so much anymore, but still around. however a majority of it all is surplus and most everyone would shoot it, is going to do so in surplus form, which is an instant handicap of 200 fps + from the rating.

I personally think a majority of folks would be fine with a solid III+ plate capable of stopping M855A1, M855, M193, and M80 ball. John did say he was going to work on sending more plates. Hopefully he can get Highcom to see the value, or at least hopefully he sale some sales from the demo, as I have been asked to test Highcom stuff for a bit.

All the surplus i have seen produces over the original fps spec. I do agree that most people will be good with III+ plates. Additionally I don?t see m2 ap being used at close ranges. I just don?t like the idea that people think M2 ap is rare and isn?t a realistic threat. Either way getting hit by and 30-06 is going to suck.

[Epaphroditus]

Black tip 30-06 in stock

https://allammoshop.com/product/maine-cartridge-company-30-06-ammunition-mcc3006ap-150-grain-m2-armor-piercing-black-tip-50-rounds/

[Duck Killer]

Black tip 30-06 in stock

https://allammoshop.com/product/main...tip-50-rounds/

That is fake m2ap. Really usgi is 163 grains not 150. Basically they are loading 308 ap bullets into 30-06. Two totally different bullets that don?t perform the same.

[Buffman]

That is fake m2ap. Really usgi is 163 grains not 150. Basically they are loading 308 ap bullets into 30-06. Two totally different bullets that don?t perform the same.

The bullet profile looks like m2AP, but you are correct. M61/P80 black tip is 150gr and a different core. You can denote it by it's double cannelure. One with parallel indentations, and the one above it with angled. If the seller seats them low enough it's hard to discern. Some sellers are selling M2AP, but incorrectly list the bullet weight at 155gr. They are typically 163-168gr, give or take. Most of mine are 163-165gr.

[Buffman]

If you're not in the US looking for a solid plate, this Russian 6B43 was pretty darn amazing

[Duck Killer]

Buffman what plate do you think is the best right now l?

[S.A.]

Anyone know why Shotstop is not taking new orders until further notice?
This message pops up on their website

NOTICE
ShotStop is no longer taking orders until further notice.

[sigstroker]

If you're not in the US looking for a solid plate, this Russian 6B43 was pretty darn amazing

You can find the same type of video with chinese plates stopping M855A1.

[sigstroker]

That is fake m2ap. Really usgi is 163 grains not 150. Basically they are loading 308 ap bullets into 30-06. Two totally different bullets that don?t perform the same.

3 bucks per?? Wonder how much I could get for my spam can of the real thing.

[Buffman]

Anyone know why Shotstop is not taking new orders until further notice?
This message pops up on their website

NOTICE
ShotStop is no longer taking orders until further notice.

They are under investigation for possibly falsifying records and lying about country of origin of their plates. It's been long suspected they are Chinese ceramic plates..

[Buffman]

Buffman what plate do you think is the best right now l?

Best I can think of commercially

Level III+
RMA 1092 G2
Militech RF2
Adept Thunder RF (no M855A1)
Hesco 3810
Stealth Armor Systems HEXAR (B4C or Alumina)
Tactical Scorpion Gear III+ Xtreme (foam edge)

Level IV:
RMA 1155
RMA 1165
Hesco 4601
Highcom 4S17M
RMA 1192
Hesco 4800
Adept Colossus
Militech RF3 Black Label
Stealth Armor Systems Dragon Skin or Hexar Solid
Spartan Armor Hercules Xtreme (formally Ares)

[Buffman]

Hesco 4800. Super Light weight, but AP protection is in line with ESAPI

[Buffman]

Hesco 4800LV. Similar performance to the 4800 but with more backface