🔘 Ballistic Performance by Thickness –
✅ 6 mm Plate
Stops:
9mm, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum (no problem)
5.56 NATO / .223 Remington — no dent
7.62x39mm (AK-47) — stops with shallow dent
7.62x51mm NATO (.308 / R1) — stops with noticeable dent at close range

Shot durability:

50–150 shots depending on caliber and distance

AK/R1 may eventually cause slight bowing or cracking near bolt holes if mounted tight

Recommended range: 20+ meters minimum for rifles

✅ 8 mm Plate
Improved resistance vs 6mm; handles:

AK-47: less denting

R1: shallow dent only, not punch-through

Shot durability:

Up to 200–300 rounds

Minimal deformation unless multiple high-caliber hits are in the same spot

Best for mixed-caliber range use

✅ 10 mm Plate
Stops comfortably:

All common rifles: AK-47, R1 (.308), .223, .30-06, 7.62x54R

Slugs and buckshot at close range

Shot durability:

Easily 500+ rifle shots

Little to no deformation unless at under 10m with heavy rifles

Recommended for long-term tactical and military-grade use

✅ 12 mm Plate
Overkill for civilian calibers

Stops:

Everything listed above + magnum rifle rounds (e.g. .300 Win Mag)

Light armor-piercing rounds