Ballistic protection potential of 30rd AK mag?

Always wondered what if any ballistic protection an AK mag would produced. Has anyone ever done a study? Here are some configuarations for example:

1) 1 empty mag L or R side facing outward
2) 2 empty mags stacked on top of each other with L or R side facing outward
3) 1 empty mag front or back side facing outward

I believe any of the above configs would mearly slow the projectile but not stop it. Pistol caliber shot from a substantial distance may be stopped.

The below configs is where I believe it would get interesting.

4) 1 full mag L or R side facing outward
5) 2 full mags stacked on top of each other with L or R side facing outward
6) 1 full mag front or back side facing outward

Configs 5 and 6 I believe would have the greatest probabilty of producing any ballistic protection.

I had planned on doing a thorough study on this years ago. I estimated it would take about 25 magazines and 200rds of ammo to complete the tests. Back then it would have cost me about $100 in destroyed mags and ammo. Today $375!

Also what if 4,5 or 6 is over top of a III-A vest. Could it be enough to stop a rifle bullet?

Thoughts anyone?

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot9.htm

He only tested one loaded mag from the side, two stacked mags might offer some protection. Even if it isn't much, pentrating a mag will slow a bullet down. Might do less damage.

Also, range plays a role. I see the MythBusters doing their "bulletproof objects" testing at point blank range and determining Grandpa Smith's story of his pocket Bible or Zippo stopping a round in WWII is "busted". Only problem is I seriously doubt Grandpa Fritz on the bullet launcher was standing 10 feet away when he fired. That round could have been travelling very slow after ricocheting or long range travel.

Most helmets won't stop a direct hit from a full power rifle cartridge but they can save your scull from a deflected projectile. About the only magazine that has a chance of stopping a bullet is the Soviet steel slab-side AK magazine. The good thing about using steel magazines and steel case ammo is it is easier to remove fragments from the body with a magnet. Aluminum might show up in an x-ray but plastic doesn't stand much chance of being seen with an x-ray. Stock up on the smooth slab-side steel AK magazines, not the thinner ribbed steel magazines.

I will tell you that they provide zero protection from 7.62X51 the mags where stacked flat with two in each cell in a chicom chest pouch. I hope this anwers your question.

full mag could be nasty. mags have been known to provide secondary fun to out of battery fire, i imagine the rounds i/s could react the same to bullet impact.

i know it's not the same thing but, cammenga ar15 mags will stop close range 12g buckshot. they have a torture test video showing how tuff the mag is. i was impressed. in fact i was so impressed i found them at cdnn on sale for 21.95 and bought five. they slide open and load very easily. i'm not gonna chuck my gi mags by no means. but i will use these at the range as they are so easy to load. if you got an ar check them out....

Send me all your mags. I'll take 'em down to the range, shoot at 'em, and write up a report on the results.

I've seen a few NVA who were pretty dead after a burst from a 5.56 through chest rigs.
Ruined the mags as well.
7.62 would be even more effective.

Send me all your mags. I'll take 'em down to the range, shoot at 'em, and write up a report on the results.
ill join you!