Originally Posted by GatorFarmer

Eh. Another old thread I'd missed. Keep your M4, Sig 556, or whatever loaded with M955 (not M855) black tip AP ammo if you can get it. It used to only show up on the SAW belts, but is more common. It isn't sold commercially, at all, to my knowledge. Goes right through Level III rifle plates, and is hard for even many level IV plates to stop. It's the real reason for the prevalence of Level IV+ multi hit plates these days among those... who have reason to purchase such. Lots of PDs, and most BGs, don't have the budget for that.

Failing that, you want a big game rifle loaded with solids, an M1 with M2AP (black tip) OR use M193 rounds. Yes, don't use M855, the older M193 is better at going through some rifle plates, particularly low bid ones.

No rifle plates or areas without plates, and helmets, are only going to be Level IIIA armor max, proof against 9mm SMG velocity rounds and possibly the M1 carbine (as well as all shotgun projectiles), but rifle bullets are going right through.

You'll also want to keep hearing protection and a gas mask handy and make sure that you can shoot with your mask on. Gas isn't fun stuff, nor are flash bangs, but if whoever is hitting you relies on them too much, they can get sloppy.

Doors can be reinforced so that a battering ram isn't going to take them down easily.

If you don't have a decent AP option, aim for the pelvis and or the head, though there might be varying amounts of armor protection even there.

It's a good idea to have armor of your own handy with rifle plates, the best you can afford, at least an Izzy vest. Unless you're getting hit by real professionals, it is quite problematic to dig one person who's well armed and armored out. If you've got a whole family... Eh. They'll get you eventually, but it won't be pretty.

Shrug.