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.