What are the different levels of ballistic vests?

The threat levels for ballistic vests are set by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice). There are currently five levels in use – Level IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV – and each covers a different caliber of bullet.

What does an NIJ rating mean?

NIJ stands for National Institute of Justice, the governing body that oversees performance standards and testing for ballistic armor. NIJ is the standard by which all commercially available body armor is judged for safety and ballistic stopping power. Not all ballistic armor is created equal.

What are the ratings for body armor?

There are five protection levels (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV). Level I armor exists but no longer meets NIJ standards.

What are the ballistic ratings?

UL 752 and NIJ I-IV

Rating	Ammunition	Weight (grains)
Level IIA	.357 mag. jacketed soft point	158
Level IIA	9mm full metal jacket	124
Level III	7.62mm (.308 Winchester) full metal jacket	150
Level IIIA	.44 mag. lead semi-wadcutter gas checked	240

What does NIJ level IIIA mean?

According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Level/Type IIIA body armor is designed to defeat a . 357 Sig FMJ Flat Nose (FN) weighing less than 8.1 grams or 125 grain. The muzzle velocity must be under 1,470 ft/per second at this weight for a Level IIIA to stop the bullet.

What is the highest level of ballistic protection?

level IV
The highest level of the NIJ ratings, level IV, can withstand the impact of up to a . 30 armor-piercing rifle. Level IV armor is most ballistic protection offered in current day, and is what is issued to soldiers in the military.

Can body armor stop a 5.56 round?

Level/Type III Body Armor Level III will stop the majority of all 5.56mm and 7.62mm bullets, but will not defeat military-grade armor-piercing ammo.