How deep does a 5.56 NATO penetrate Steel A36?

At the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load penetrates approximately 14 mm (0.6 inches) into steel a36.

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 Steel A36?

Yes — defeats a 6 mm steel a36 barrier

Penetration depth

14 mm (0.6″)

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 (0.6 inches) into steel a36. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Steel A36

Mild structural steel plate (~6 mm); car bodies are far thinner (~1 mm).

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 AR500	8 mm	0.3″
Aluminum 6061	26 mm	1.0″

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 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 Steel A36 .45 ACP vs Steel A36 .40 S&W vs Steel A36 .380 ACP vs Steel A36 .357 Magnum vs Steel A36 .44 Magnum vs Steel A36 10mm Auto vs Steel A36 .22 LR vs Steel A36

Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Steel A36?

About Steel A36

5.56 NATO against other materials

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