5.56mm against 1/2" mild steel

Combat Diver

Combat Diver

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Did some steel penetration tests using 1/2" mild steel target. Ammo 5.56mm NATO M885A1 Ball (steel tipped) and M995 Armor Piercing. 3 different uppers at 15 m. Barrel lengths were 10.3", 14.5" and 20" as these are standard USGI. These are the two best rounds for steel penetration.

Correction: M995 did penetrate from all 3 barrel lengths.

Rifle barrel lengths
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Ammo, Left M995 Armor Piercing, Center M855A1 Ball and Right M885 Ball for comparison
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1/2" steel target
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CD
 
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That's quite interesting. Wonder if the close range and high velocity caused the penetrator to shatter?

1/8" of steel could be all the difference, and mild varies. I've sent reloaded SS109 pulls thru 3/8" at longer distances, tiny penetrator wasn't very impressive.
 
Velocity at 24m is listed at 3,324fps for the 52 gr M995 which has a tungsten core. Steel was a bit bowed and could have been more then 0 degree obliquity on impact. Should have penetrated as it is listed 1/2" at 109 yds (100m). Then again steel could have been harder than I thought. For lower velocities ie longer range then you had impacts from shorter barrels which would duplicate longer ranges.

CD
 
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I’ve got several 1/2” mild plates. They’re all bent in the middle. If you hit near another impact spot with the green tips on the plates I’ve got, it’ll go through
 
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