There's no such thing as a 'bullet-proof' vest. Any vest hit enough times, or by a high-velocity penetrating round, will fail. To help you determine how much stopping power you need against various weapons and bullets, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) developed its Threat Level Matrix (see chart below).
THREAT LEVEL I Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps Velocity mps
.22 Cal. 40 Grain LR 6 1050 320
.25 Cal. Auto 50 Grain FMC 2 810 247
.32 Cal. Auto 71 Grain FMC 4 905 276
.380 Cal. Auto 88 Grain JHP 4 990 302
.28 Cal. Special Lead 158 Grain 6 850 259
.38 Cal. Special 158 Grain SWC 6 850 259
THREAT LEVEL II-A Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps Velocity mps
.22 Mag. 40 Grain Solid Point 6 � 1180 360
.38 Cal. Special 125 Grain SJHP+P 6 1028 314
.38 Cal. Special 158 Grain Lead +P 6 1090 332
.38 Cal. Special 110 Grain JHP+P 6 1235 377
.45 Cal. Auto 230 Grain M.C. 5 810 247
.357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP 4 1250 381
.357 Mag. 158 Grain Lead 4 1250 381
.357 Mag.158 Grain Lead SWC 4 1253 382
.41 Mag. 210 Grain Lead 8 3/8 1080 329
9MM 95 Grain JSP 4 1250 381
9MM 100 Grain JSP 4 1250 381
9MM 124 Grain FMJ 4 1090 332
9MM 115 Grain JHP 4 1160 354
9MM 147 Grain Subsonic JCE 5 1050 319
9MM 147 Grain JHP 5 1050 319
10MM 170 Grain JHP 5 1172 357
10MM 200 Grain Full Jacket TC 5 1072 327
THREAT LEVEL II Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps Velocity mps
.41 Mag. 210 Grain SP 4 1300 397
.44 Mag. 240 Grain SJSP 4 1180 360
.44 Mag. 240 Grain Lead 4 1200 366
.357 Mag. 125 Grain JHP 4 1450 442
.357 Mag. 110 Grain JHP 4 1550 473
.357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP 6 1395 425
.357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP-Hornady 6 1445 441
.357 Mag. 158 Grain Lead 8 3/8 1410 430
9MM 124 Grain FMJ 5 1175 358
9MM Lapua 123 Grain FMC 4 1200 366
9MM Norma 116 Grain FMJ 4 1150 351
9MM Geco 123 Grain GMC 4 1200 366
9MM Canadian 116 5 1250 381
9MM Israli 4 1200 366
9MM Cavim-FMJ 4 1110 339
THREAT LEVEL III-A Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps Velocity mps
.44 Mag. 240 Gr. SWC (Gas Checked) 6 1400 427
9MM 124 Grain FMJ 9 � 1400 427
9MM Canadian 116 Grain FMJ 16 1400 427
9MM Norma 116 Grain FMJ 16 1325 404
9MM Geco 123 Grain FMC 16 1310 400
9MM Lapua 123 Grain FMC 16 1445 441
9MM Israeli 16 1300 397
THREAT LEVEL III Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps
7.62 NATO Ball 150 Grain FMJ (308) 28 2750
30.06 PSP 180 Grain 24 2700
.30 Carbine 110 Grain FMJ 18 1950
12 Gauge Rifled Slug 18 1550
.223 55 Grain FMJ (5.56 MM) 20 3075
7.62 x 39 150 Grain FMJ 22 2400
THREAT LEVEL IV Barrel Length (inches) Velocity fps
30.06 A.P. 166 Grain 26 2850
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N.I.J. Standards
The most widely recognized federal certification test for body armor has been established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Nearly all domestic law enforcement agencies require that the body armor they are going to purchase meet or exceed "NIJ STANDARDS." The test requires the vest model being considered, to successfully stop a sequenced pattern of six bullets shot, (Soft Armor) at specific velocities. Additionally, the vest model being tested cannot exceed the maximum allowable backface of 44mm. This portion of the test has been instituted to help reduce the possible incapacitation and/or injury from the impact force of the bullet to the body, Known as "blunt trauma." Copies of the entire testing procedure can be obtained by contacting the technology assessment program information center (NLETC) located in Rockville, MD. (800) 248-2742.
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