How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Dyneema UHMWPE?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 18 mm (0.7 inches) into dyneema uhmwpe.

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.

BALLISTICENGINE

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Dyneema UHMWPE?

Yes — defeats a 6 mm dyneema uhmwpe barrier

Penetration depth

18 mm (0.7″)

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 18 mm (0.7 inches) into dyneema uhmwpe. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Dyneema UHMWPE

UHMWPE armor (~6 mm), a modern lightweight ballistic laminate.

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 Aluminum 6061 5.56 NATO vs Pine Wood 5.56 NATO vs Oak Wood 9mm Luger vs Dyneema UHMWPE .45 ACP vs Dyneema UHMWPE .40 S&W vs Dyneema UHMWPE .380 ACP vs Dyneema UHMWPE .357 Magnum vs Dyneema UHMWPE .44 Magnum vs Dyneema UHMWPE 10mm Auto vs Dyneema UHMWPE .22 LR vs Dyneema UHMWPE

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Dyneema UHMWPE?

About Dyneema UHMWPE

5.56 NATO against other materials

Related