I believe they're the only two recommended steels for this use. There may be other, proprietary steels out there, but none that I can recall. The difference with AR steel is how it's cut, and if it's welded. Waterjet is the best way to cut it. Maintains it's hardness across the entire plate. Saw cut or plasma cut will weaken the hardness around the cut area. Same with a weld. Waterjet is expensive, so waterjet cut plates cost more.
Thanks. My education in steels continues ... Here's an interesting debate about proper use of AR500. Tonight, I want to read up on water jets. Never heard of that. I've watched lasers (a fine example from optics of a self-organizing, far from equilibrium system) cut through 1" plate, but never even considered cutting with water (unless I'm misinterpretting that concept). By the way, is that rooster still marauding? If so, how about a water jet? ETA: putting this here for reading later ....
Correct, a waterjet cutter cuts material with a jetstream of water. They're especially good for materials that work harden (get hard as they heat up from friction, like brass or titanium) because it leaves the materials cold. My dad's work has a waterjet and they use it to cut through thick granite slabs.
@Stone the best steel for shooting, last I heard, was ESEE 1095.. you face the blade towards you and, if you do it right, it'll cut the bullets in half! Below is the link for the front plate going in my plate carrier. A measly .26" thick plate defeats multiple rounds of .308 (7.62x51) armor piercing ammunition. At 10lbs I'd say it's worth it's weight in gold if I ever need it. AR500 is some badass material. http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-arm...0-armor-11-x-14-asc-level-iii-body-armor.html
lol ... gonna let someone else test that hypothesis. Will check out your link in a minute ... pre-dinner snack first ...
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there a fine abrasive introduced to the water stream to enhance the cutting ability of the water? Or is that dependent on what is being cut?
Level IIIA armor (basically protects against handgun rounds) is significantly lighter than level III+ (up to .308 armor piercing). The cut of the plate and flat or curved effect both price and comfort while wearing. Also, when you get a plate carrier, make sure it will hold the size of plate you want it to carry. Many carriers will hold a 10 inch by 12 inch, but not an 11 inch by 14 inch. Then there are side plates to consider, plates to protect your lower abdomen, coating that catch the spalls (when a bullet hits steel it fragments and could inflict wounds on you neck, your arms, face, eyes, back of the head if you are shot in the back). AR500 offers a coating that is designed to catch the fragments after they hit the steel under the coating. These are some of the options.
From what I'm reading, some H20-jets do indeed have abrasives -- I guess especially those cutting harder materials (e.g., steel). But others are designated "pure water" or water only.
Thank God mine takes the 11x14 and accepts side plates Also ordering the plates with the LineX coating.
I think that depends on what's being cut. At least for granite and mild steel, my dad's shop only used water.
You laugh but I once shot an ESEE outside of Bogota, Colombia. I think Jeff still has the pieces. Or maybe Mike has them.
