How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Kevlar NIJ III?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 14 mm (0.5 inches) into kevlar nij iii.

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 Kevlar NIJ III?

Yes — defeats a 5 mm kevlar nij iii barrier

Penetration depth

14 mm (0.5″)

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 14 mm (0.5 inches) into kevlar nij iii. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Kevlar NIJ III

A soft body-armor panel is roughly 5 mm of layered Kevlar.

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 Kevlar NIJ III .45 ACP vs Kevlar NIJ III .40 S&W vs Kevlar NIJ III .380 ACP vs Kevlar NIJ III .357 Magnum vs Kevlar NIJ III .44 Magnum vs Kevlar NIJ III 10mm Auto vs Kevlar NIJ III .22 LR vs Kevlar NIJ III

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Kevlar NIJ III?

About Kevlar NIJ III

5.56 NATO against other materials

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