Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Cinder Block?

Yes — defeats a 60 mm cinder block barrier
Penetration depth
225 mm (8.9″)
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 225 mm (8.9 inches) into cinder block. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Cinder Block

A hollow concrete block presents ~50–60 mm of actual material across its face shells.

5.56 NATO against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick193 mm7.6″
Concrete175 mm6.9″
Tempered Glass29 mm1.1″
Steel A3614 mm0.6″
Steel AR5008 mm0.3″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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