Tactical Products Articles

Orange County Sheriff Ballistic Test of Frangible Ammunition Penetration

8/13/02

 

Conducted by:                                                                    Weapons:

Pat Dooley                                                                               9mm Beretta 92F

Dooley Enterprises, Inc.                                                      Smith & Wesson SW99-40

 

Ballistic Material Supplied by:

Steve Armellino
U.S. Armor Corporation

 

Test #1 – Gold Flex/Spectra Flex, Vest model GSF3a-7 Threat Level IIIa  (28 layers)

 

Round                               Velocity (fps)                Penetration

 

1) 9mm 85gr. +P frangible                  1474                            3 layers ballistic material

2) 40cal 115gr. frangible                       1256                            2 layers ballistic material

3) 9mm 127gr. +P+ SXT                     1250                            8 layers ballistic material

                                                                                                                                               

 

Test #2 – Gold Flex/Spectra Flex,  Vest model GSF2a Threat Level IIa  (18 layers)   

 

Round                               Velocity (fps)                Penetration

 

1) 9mm 85gr. +P frangible                  1471                            2 layers ballistic material

2) 40cal 115gr. frangible                       1302                            1 layer ballistic material

                                                                                                                                               

 

Test #3 – Gold Flex/Kevlar/Spectra Shield+,  Vest model TV2a-12 Threat Level IIa

                                                                                                                            (19 layers)

Round                               Velocity (fps)                Penetration

 

1) 9mm 85gr. +P frangible                  1451                            8 layers ballistic material

2) 40cal 115gr. Frangible                      1437                            no penetration

3) 9mm 147gr. SXT                             962                              3 layers ballistic material

                                                                                                                                               

 

Test #4 – Kevlar,  Vest model USA2a Threat Level IIa   (20 layers)

 

Round                               Velocity (fps)                Penetration

 

1) 9mm 85gr. +P frangible                  1451                            no penetration

2) 40cal 115gr. Frangible                      1308                            4 layers ballistic material

 

 

CONCLUSION: No total penetration of any of the ballistic vests with frangible or

                             non-frangible ammunition.