How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Aluminum 6061?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 26 mm (1.0 inches) into aluminum 6061.

What is the impact energy of a 5.56 NATO?

This 5.56 NATO load carries about 1693 joules (1249 ft-lb) at the muzzle.

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Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Aluminum 6061?

Yes — defeats a 6 mm aluminum 6061 barrier

Penetration depth

26 mm (1.0″)

Impact velocity

920 m/s (3018 fps)

Muzzle energy

1693 J (1249 ft-lb)

Bullet behaviour

Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load (4 g, FMJ, 920 m/s) reaches roughly 26 mm (1.0 inches) into aluminum 6061. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Aluminum 6061

Aluminum plate (~6 mm), as found in light vehicle and aircraft skins.

5.56 NATO against other materials

Material	Depth (mm)	Depth (in)
Red Brick	193 mm	7.6″
Concrete	175 mm	6.9″
Tempered Glass	29 mm	1.1″
Steel A36	14 mm	0.6″
Steel AR500	8 mm	0.3″

Run your own numbers in the calculator →

5.56 NATO vs Red Brick 5.56 NATO vs Concrete 5.56 NATO vs Tempered Glass 5.56 NATO vs Steel A36 5.56 NATO vs Steel AR500 5.56 NATO vs Pine Wood 5.56 NATO vs Oak Wood 5.56 NATO vs Kevlar NIJ III 9mm Luger vs Aluminum 6061 .45 ACP vs Aluminum 6061 .40 S&W vs Aluminum 6061 .380 ACP vs Aluminum 6061 .357 Magnum vs Aluminum 6061 .44 Magnum vs Aluminum 6061 10mm Auto vs Aluminum 6061 .22 LR vs Aluminum 6061

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Aluminum 6061?

About Aluminum 6061

5.56 NATO against other materials

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