"Cop killer" bullets, body armor, myths vs. truths.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

The term "cop killer" bullets has been bandied about in the press
for many years.

Which bullet or style is supposed to be a "cop killer" bullet, designed to
penetrate LEO's vests?

I believe a forum member in a recent post made some kind of statement
that any bullet made since 1890 could be considered a cop killer, and could
defeat body armor.

If this was the case, then body armor would seem to serve no purpose.
IMHO LEO's body armor must be good at stopping most rounds, since many
LEO's have been saved by their vests.

Here's another thing I saw somewhere that seems to be an urban legend:
that .22's, being small, can get through a bullet proof vest better than a more
substantial round.

Then there's the issue of pistol vs. long gun rounds.

The floor is open for comments.

SIA

[AEA]

I think "Cop Killer" bullets are defined by their velocity but I do not know what the velocity value is for it to be a "Cop Killer".

Example: .50 BMG is definitely a "Cop Killer".

[PeteCamp]

Rather than sort through all this forever, let me bring up two points:
1) Don't believe everything you hear and read - particularly on the internet.

2) Go look at this link. Not a lab, but way more factual than most of the "I heard that...." stuff.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot16.htm

[jbirds1210]

The one I wear (IIIA):

(.44 Magnum; Submachine Gun 9mm). This armor protects against .44 Magnum, Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets with nominal masses of 15.55 g (240 gr.) impacting at a velocity of 426 m/s (1,400 ft/s) or less and against 9mm full-metal jacketed bullets with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr.) impacting at a velocity of 426 m/s (1,400 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against most handgun threats as well as the Level I, IIA, and II threats. Level IIIA body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available from concealable body armor and is generally suitable for routine wear in many situations. However, departments located in hot, humid climates may need to evaluate the use of Level IIIA armor carefully.

[bdickens]

Just like "assault weapon," there is no definition of "cop killer" bullets. It is a fabrication - a propagandic phrase that is designed by the antis to sound frightening, but has no real meaning. It is a subversion of language.

[seamusTX]

- "Armor piercing" ammunition is only legally available to law enforcement agencies and to the armed forces....
- When properly wearing the appropriate body armor, not one law enforcement officer has ever been killed by a handgun bullet penetrating their vest.

http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcgvcopk.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Jim

[txmatt]

Thanks Jim, good information in that link

[wheelgun1958]

Just like "assault weapon," there is no definition of "cop killer" bullets. It is a fabrication - a propagandic phrase that is designed by the antis to sound frightening, but has no real meaning. It is a subversion of language.

[jbirds1210]

This is how the Texas penal code defines Armor-peircing ammo:

"Armor-piercing ammunition" means handgun ammunition that is designed
primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor and to be used principally in
pistols and revolvers.

They never mention anything about rifle ammunition :biggrinjester:One can only assume (I know what you get when that word is broken down) that the legislature knows most concealed body armor is useless against rifle fire

[AEA]

Agreed.......

Did I say something about velocity earlier?

[MechAg94]

This is how the Texas penal code defines Armor-peircing ammo:

"Armor-piercing ammunition" means handgun ammunition that is designed
primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor and to be used principally in
pistols and revolvers.

They never mention anything about rifle ammunition :biggrinjester:One can only assume (I know what you get when that word is broken down) that the legislature knows most concealed body armor is useless against rifle fire

The problem always comes in when you realize that there are pistols made to fire most types of rifle ammunition. That tends to make that definition cover everything.

[Keith B]

This is how the Texas penal code defines Armor-peircing ammo:

"Armor-piercing ammunition" means handgun ammunition that is designed
primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor and to be used principally in
pistols and revolvers.They never mention anything about rifle ammunition :biggrinjester:One can only assume (I know what you get when that word is broken down) that the legislature knows most concealed body armor is useless against rifle fire

The problem always comes in when you realize that there are pistols made to fire most types of rifle ammunition. That tends to make that definition cover everything.

Nope, read the red part. .223/5.56 is NOT primarily designed for use in pistols and handguns. .38, .44, .45 is designed for pistols as well as 5.7 x 28 rounds.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

PeteCamp & seamustx:

Thank you for your links gentlemen. Very informative.

SIA

[C-dub]

Not that it was the first time, but it was used in the movie "Lethal Weapon 3" and probably many other movies as well.