Relative Armor Penetration of Jacketed Lead, Solid Copper, Solid Brass, and Steel Core Bullets

Abstract : The relative armor penetration ability of different kinds of projectiles is of general interest from both offensive and defensive viewpoints in law enforcement and military applications. This paper presents data on armor penetration of four different projectile types (all in 5.56mm NATO) on both 6.35mm thick steel plate (A36) and proprietary glass/aramid composite armor. The bullet penetrating steel plate most readily was the M855 bullet which has a steel penetrator core. This bullet had a V50 of 1992 ft/s. The second best penetrating bullet in steel plate was the jacketed lead core M193 bullet with a V50 of 2240 ft/s. The solid copper bullet had a much higher V50 in the steel plate at 2514 ft/s. The solid brass bullet was the worst penetrator in the group with a V50 of 2612 ft/s in the steel plate. The relative penetration ability was different in the composite armor. The best penetrator was once again the M855 bullet with a V50 of 1945 ft/s. However, the second best penetrator was the solid brass bullet with a V50 of 2868 ft/s. The third best penetrator was the solid copper bullet with a V50 of 2960 ft/s. The worst penetrating bullet in the composite armor was the jacketed lead core M193 bullet with a V50 of 3049 ft/s.