Steel Plate Penetration Tests: 7.62mm, 5.56mm

Published on April 25, 2013
Duration: 12:35

This video demonstrates a practical steel plate penetration test comparing 5.56 FMJ, .308 FMJ, and 9mm FMJ ammunition. The tests highlight the significant differences in penetration capabilities between rifle and pistol calibers against various thicknesses of mild steel. The findings emphasize that even substantial steel can be penetrated by common rifle rounds, offering insights into ballistic performance and the effectiveness of different calibers against cover.

Quick Summary

In steel plate penetration tests, 5.56 FMJ cleanly pierced 1/4 inch mild steel, while .308 FMJ easily penetrated 1/4 and 1/2 inch steel, and significantly deformed 3/4 inch steel. 9mm FMJ showed no penetration capability against any tested steel thickness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Steel Plate Penetration Tests
  2. 00:11Steel Plate Setup (1/4", 1/2", 3/4")
  3. 00:245.56 FMJ Testing Begins
  4. 00:495.56 FMJ Impacts and Plate Reactions
  5. 01:03Function Check of RFB Rifle
  6. 01:33RFB Malfunction and Frustration
  7. 02:025.56 FMJ Penetration on 1/4" Steel
  8. 02:11Analysis of 1/4" Steel Penetration
  9. 02:25Implications for Cover and Concealment
  10. 02:543/4" Steel Plate Testing with .308 FMJ
  11. 03:071/2" Steel Plate Testing
  12. 03:365.56mm vs Barrel Length Discussion
  13. 03:539mm Handgun Testing
  14. 04:009mm Impacts on Steel Plates
  15. 04:199mm vs 5.56mm Penetration Comparison
  16. 04:43Final Thoughts on 9mm Performance
  17. 04:50Testing with Short Barrel RFB
  18. 05:21RFB Impacts and Splash
  19. 05:45More RFB Shots and Trigger Feel
  20. 06:10.308 FMJ Melting 1/4" Steel
  21. 06:17Steel Thickness vs. Cover Discussion
  22. 06:45Potential for AP Rounds
  23. 06:56Summary of 1/2" Steel Plate Results
  24. 07:18Overall Conclusion and Safety Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 5.56 FMJ penetrate steel plates?

Yes, 5.56 FMJ ammunition can penetrate 1/4 inch mild steel cleanly. However, it struggles against thicker steel like 3/4 inch, showing deformation rather than full penetration.

How does .308 FMJ perform against steel plates?

.308 FMJ ammunition is highly effective against steel plates, penetrating 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch steel easily. It also causes significant deformation on 3/4 inch steel, indicating it's a much more potent round for steel penetration.

Does 9mm ammunition penetrate steel plates?

No, 9mm FMJ ammunition shows virtually no penetration capability against mild steel plates of any tested thickness (1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch). The impacts are minimal, often described as 'tink tink' sounds.

What thickness of steel is needed for cover against rifle rounds?

For effective cover against common rifle rounds like 5.56mm and .308, steel plates of 3/4 inch thickness or greater are recommended. Thinner steel, such as 1/4 inch, is easily penetrated by these calibers.

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