What if they had had to use the .223 at close range without any plates, such as on the sides or rear?

This is the .223 at 7 yards.

Note the piece of brass in the air.

An ugly exit from the third vest.

I opened up the hole and recovered a small piece of the bullet.

Lessons learned:
1. A SWAT Sniper needs to know a lot of facts, even before the shot might be taken. My friend said that he was very concerned about shooting against 3 vests and plates, but if the bad guy was running, he might have had to take such a shot.

Good thing that he didn't have to take it. It doesn't look like it would have penetrated 3 vests and 3 plates. Who'd have thought it?

They also stopped the .223 TAP round.

2. What about 3 vests at close range without the plates? They stopped the .40 S&W with no problem.

But the .223 went right through.

I've said it before.....rifles are rifles and pistols are pistols.

I never cease to learn things at the range. Besides, shooting stuff is fun.

Thanks to Tman for the photo help and for the use of the Truck O' Truth.