Is There Any Type of Ammunition for Handguns That Can Penetrate Bulletproof Vests?

The effectiveness of ammunition against bulletproof vests depends on the type of vest, as well as the caliber and design of the ammunition. In this article, we will explore the factors that determine whether a handgun round can penetrate a vest and provide insights into specific cartridges designed to achieve this.

Understanding Bulletproof Vests

It's important to note that there is no such thing as a completely 'bulletproof' vest. Instead, body armor is rated as 'bullet resistant.' Vests are generally designed to stop certain types of bullets, but they cannot protect against all threats. For example, police-grade body armor, specifically level IIIA, is capable of stopping common handgun rounds but may not be able to withstand multiple shots from heavier calibers like the .454 Casull or .500 Magnum. Older IIA vests provide even less protection against such powerful rounds.

Common Handgun Rounds and Their Effectiveness

Various rifle rounds that have been adapted to handgun use, such as 7.62x39, .223, 30-30, and .300 Blackout, can also easily penetrate level IIIA body armor. These rounds are less common but can be found in certain markets.

Specific Ammunition Designed for Piercing Body Armor

There are certain cartridges specifically designed to pierce body armor, including vests and helmets used by military personnel. While this is more common in European nations, some relevant examples include:

5.7x28mm cartridge for the FN P90 Personal Defense Weapon: This round is engineered to compromise body armor. .224 Boz: A 10mm Automatic cartridge that has been necked down to 5.56mm, launching a 45 or 50 grain Spitzer type rifle bullet at 2,500 feet per second, which achieves rifle velocity from a pistol barrel.

It's worth noting that the specific type of gun mentioned in any report does not rule out the possibility that a rifle might have been used. Most rifle ammunition available in US gun, hunting, and outdoors stores is designed to penetrate body armor. Rifles are built to take down large megafauna like deer, and a person with an extra layer of fabric (such as a vest) would stand no chance against such rounds.

Limited Effective Handgun Ammunition

While there are specialized rounds designed to pierce body armor, the options for handgun ammunition that can do so are limited. Some examples include the 5.7x28mm, which is used in the FN P90, and the 7.62 Tokarev. These rounds are very uncommon and are not readily available in most stores.

Conclusion

When it comes to handgun ammunition and its effectiveness against bulletproof vests, the situation is nuanced. Vests are rated to stop specific types of rounds, and certain handgun rounds can indeed penetrate them. However, the vast majority of common handgun rounds will not pose a significant threat to a properly rated vest. Specialized rounds do exist, but they are rare and limited in availability.

For more detailed information on handgun ammunition, body armor ratings, and specific scenarios, refer to reliable sources and always prioritize safety and security when handling firearms.