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Can Level 4 Plates Stop .308? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, a Level 4 body armor plate can stop a .308 Winchester round. However, the devil’s always in the details. While Level 4 armor is designed to defeat armor-piercing rifle rounds, including a specified .30-06 AP round, understanding the nuances of ammunition types, the testing standards, and the plate’s condition is critical for comprehending its true protective capabilities against a .308.

Understanding NIJ Standards

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor in the United States. A Level 4 plate must, according to NIJ Standard 0101.06, be able to defeat at least one hit of a .30-06 M2 AP bullet, which has a specified weight (166 grains) and velocity (2,880 ft/s). This standard serves as the benchmark, and if a plate meets this requirement, it’s certified as Level 4.

What This Means For .308

The .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) is a common rifle cartridge. While the NIJ standard doesn’t specifically test against .308, the fact that a Level 4 plate stops a .30-06 AP round suggests it should stop most common .308 loads. Why? Because the .30-06 AP is typically considered more powerful and has better penetrating capabilities than standard .308 rounds.

Caveats to Consider

Ammunition Type: Not all .308 rounds are created equal. Standard .308 FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds are generally stopped by Level 4 armor. However, specialized armor-piercing (AP) .308 rounds, especially those hand-loaded or designed for maximum penetration, might defeat a Level 4 plate. The quality of the materials used to manufacture these specialty rounds may increase the penetrating capabilities of the ammunition beyond the typical .30-06 M2 AP round.
Plate Condition: Body armor degrades over time and with use. Cracks, impacts, or improper storage can compromise its integrity. A damaged Level 4 plate may not perform to its rated standard.
Multi-Hit Capability: The NIJ standard only requires the plate to stop one round. While a Level 4 plate might withstand multiple hits, its ability to do so decreases with each subsequent impact, particularly in the same area.
Shot Placement: Obviously, the plate needs to be in the path of the bullet to do its job. A shot to an unarmored area is going to be bad news, regardless of how well the plate performs.

Choosing The Right Plate

Given the variables, choosing the right Level 4 plate is essential. Look for plates that are NIJ-certified by reputable manufacturers. Pay attention to the plate’s weight, thickness, and construction materials. Some plates use a combination of materials like ceramics and polyethylene to achieve a balance of protection and weight. Polyethylene plates are ultra-lightweight and can stop rifle bullets up to and including 7.62mm/. 308 caliber. By adding a ceramic face, polyethylene plates can be certified to Level IV.

Legal Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that the legality of owning and wearing body armor varies by location. As a citizen of the United States you have the legal right to purchase and wear body armor for personal or professional use.

Additional Resources

For more information on armor and personal safety, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find information at the intersection of learning, simulations, and real-world skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about body armor and its ability to stop .308 rounds:

1. Will Level 3 armor stop a .308?

Generally, Level 3 armor is designed to stop 7.62x51mm NATO rounds, which are very similar to .308 Winchester. However, similar to Level 4 armor, there are caveats to what armor will stop hand-loaded ammo. Level III can defeat handgun rounds, but is specifically designed to stop larger caliber rifle rounds such as 7.62×51 (M80 BALL also known commonly as . 308).

2. Can armor-piercing .308 defeat Level 4 plates?

Potentially, yes. Highly specialized armor-piercing .308 ammunition could defeat a Level 4 plate, especially if the plate is already weakened or not of the highest quality. To have any hope of stopping ANY . 308 round, you will want at least NIJ level III armor.

3. What other rounds will a Level 4 plate stop?

A Level 4 plate will stop all smaller rounds, including armor piercing 308, all pistol rounds (including Five-Seven, 500 magnum, and 50 Action Express), and shotgun slugs. Any level 4 plate that has been certified by NIJ should also stop one strike from any round less powerful than M2AP such as 5.56mm, 7.62X39mm, . 308 WIN/7.62 NATO, and all handgun rounds like 9X19mm, . 40S&W, and . 45 ACP.

4. Is Level 4 body armor legal to own?

It is legal in all 50 states for law abiding civilians to purchase body armor.

5. How long do Level 4 plates last?

Armor plates don’t expire due to time alone, but for reasons of use or abuse. Warranty expiration and the material expiration are ideas that are commonly confused. Most manufacturers warranty their products for five years against defects in materials and workmanship.

6. Can a Level 4 plate stop multiple rounds?

Level IV is designed to stop the penetration of at least one . 30-06 M2 AP round. Level 4 plates can, however, stop multiple hits depending on the condition of the plate.

7. Are Level 4 plates worth the weight and cost?

Always remember, if you’re ever going into a gunfight, there is no better armor in the world to wear than Level IV plates. Level IV plates are the optimal balance of weight, threat level, and cost for most people.

8. Does the military use .308 rifles?

The .308 Winchester is a smokeless powder rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge widely used for hunting, target shooting, police, military, and personal protection applications globally.

9. What are the limitations of Level 4 armor?

Level IV armor may be vulnerable to high velocity or specialized armor piercing rounds. Further . 338 Lapua Magnum and . 50 BMG are generally capable of penetrating level IV. Absolutely not! Unfortunately a 50 caliber BMG is just too fast and powerful for the human body to stop.

10. What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4 armor?

NIJ Level III body armor plate will stop a 7.62 x 51mm bullet from penetration. Level IV adds lots of protection that isn’t used most of the time, but the weight penalty is permanent.

11. Will Level 4 armor stop a 5.56 green tip (M855) round?

This level plate will also stop M855 (62gr 5.56×45) green tip, but that round is not part of the NIJ test.

12. How should I store my Level 4 body armor?

Store your armor in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep it flat or upright to avoid warping.

13. Is Level 4 armor too heavy for everyday use?

Level III hard armor plates are the optimal balance of weight, threat level, and cost for most people. Level IV adds lots of protection that isn’t used most of the time, but the weight penalty is permanent.

14. Can soft body armor stop a .308?

Most soft armor is only rated for handgun rounds up to a . 44 magnum.

15. What is the effective range of a .308 rifle?

With a verified sniper kill of 1,250 meters (1,367 yards) using the 7.62×51/. 308 Winchester cartridge, the majority of military sniper schools will place the maximum effective range of the 7.62×51/. 308 at between 850 and 1,000 yards.

In conclusion, while a Level 4 plate should stop most .308 rounds, understanding the nuances and choosing high-quality, well-maintained armor is essential for reliable protection.

Can Level 4 plates stop 308?