As rifle calibers, ballistics, and performance advanced throughout the years, so did the effective performance and construction of armored plates.  Bulletproof vests and plate carriers evolved in design, composition, features, and durability. As Hard plate armor became more advanced and prevalent on the modern battlefield and patrol area, armored plates advancements evolved into lighter weights that wearer has to deal with carrying; as well as, higher levels of protection from the different calibers of rifle ammunition currently available. Such levels of protection when it comes to hard armor include Level IV body armor, which is defined by the NIJ governing body which sets standards for such products as being able to protect against threats up to .30 caliber armor piercing.

The base level currently offered in a hard armor plate, excluding the hard trauma-level plate, is the Level IIIA pistol hard plate;  this level hard plate is rated up to .44 Magnum round and has some inherent anti-stab properties- although not officially rated as stab-resistant.  Level III Stand Alone plates are considered the first line defense from rifle ammunition including .223, 7.62, and .308 ball.  The lighter and thinner Level III ICW is similar to the stand alone hard body armor plates in that it requires a soft armor level IIIA backing in order to stop rifle rounds.  Next is the Level III+ ceramic hard armor, although not officially recognized as a rifle plate rating, it is offered as a special threat protective plate in the armor industry.