How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Concrete?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 175 mm (6.9 inches) into concrete.

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 Concrete?

Yes — defeats a 100 mm concrete barrier

Penetration depth

175 mm (6.9″)

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 175 mm (6.9 inches) into concrete. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Concrete

Poured concrete (~100 mm) covers slabs and structural walls.

5.56 NATO against other materials

Material	Depth (mm)	Depth (in)
Red Brick	193 mm	7.6″
Tempered Glass	29 mm	1.1″
Steel A36	14 mm	0.6″
Steel AR500	8 mm	0.3″
Aluminum 6061	26 mm	1.0″

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

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Concrete?

About Concrete

5.56 NATO against other materials

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