[hiredhand]

Yep. I've got a set here that stops 7.62x51. Before we acquired it, we got to shoot one up and we KNEW exactly what it would stop, and what it wouldn't. We also got the ceramic plates that install into pockets on the front and back (makes it HEAVY) that are reported to stop AP. We tested a couple of borderline-serviceable plates with 5.56mm NATO AP and it stopped them well enough.

My buddy in the business tells me that there are issues of strength over time, and care during use is IMPORTANT. He said that this is a HUGE factor in stopping ability over time. :-)

[DainBramage]

Water effects the strength too I believe. Not the plates but the material itself.