How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Oak Wood?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 213 mm (8.4 inches) into oak wood.

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 Oak Wood?

Yes — defeats a 40 mm oak wood barrier

Penetration depth

213 mm (8.4″)

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 213 mm (8.4 inches) into oak wood. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Oak Wood

Oak hardwood (~40 mm), denser than construction softwood.

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″

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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 Kevlar NIJ III 9mm Luger vs Oak Wood .45 ACP vs Oak Wood .40 S&W vs Oak Wood .380 ACP vs Oak Wood .357 Magnum vs Oak Wood .44 Magnum vs Oak Wood 10mm Auto vs Oak Wood .22 LR vs Oak Wood

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Oak Wood?

About Oak Wood

5.56 NATO against other materials

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