Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Steel AR500?

No — stops inside steel ar500 (reaches 8 mm of a 10 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
8 mm (0.3″)
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 8 mm (0.3 inches) into steel ar500. It loses its energy before defeating a typical barrier of this material.

About Steel AR500

Hardened AR500 steel (~10 mm) is used for rifle-rated targets and armor.

5.56 NATO against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick193 mm7.6″
Concrete175 mm6.9″
Tempered Glass29 mm1.1″
Steel A3614 mm0.6″
Aluminum 606126 mm1.0″
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