How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Polycarbonate?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 134 mm (5.3 inches) into polycarbonate.

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 Polycarbonate?

Yes — defeats a 12 mm polycarbonate barrier

Penetration depth

134 mm (5.3″)

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 134 mm (5.3 inches) into polycarbonate. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Polycarbonate

A polycarbonate pane (~12 mm); true bullet-resistant glass is far thicker and layered.

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

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Polycarbonate?

About Polycarbonate

5.56 NATO against other materials

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