Abstract The tribological events taking place when a high-velocity projectile hits a SiC particulate reinforced AA 5083 composite material was examined under real conditions. The samples were cast in a disc shape by squeeze casting method. Different volume fractions of SiC particles were used. They were solidified under 180 MPa in a steel mould with a 650–700 °C temperature range. SiC particles with the size of 250–500 μm, and 30% and 45% in volume fraction were incorporated into the matrix material. The composites were machined to ensure a smooth surface and to obtain samples without burrs. The samples had a diameter and thickness of 140 and 20 mm, respectively. The terminal ballistic tests were carried out in an army zone under standard test conditions. An AP 7.62 mm armour piercing projectile with a speed of 710 m/s was used for testing the composite. The frictional characteristics and wear mechanisms caused by high-velocity impacts to the composite were determined by SE microscopy studies. The evaluations of the tribological events on both the hole and projectile tip surfaces resulting from high-velocity friction were carried on. As the projectile moved thorough the composite, some material broke from the matrix body and conglomerated along the path followed by the missile. Then these conglomerated blocks yielded and slided along the hole surface. There were also scratching and local melting on the hole surface. Similarly, some ploughing took place on the hole, some SiC particles were removed from the matrix body by the friction effect of projectile and these particles were conglomareted on the tip surface of the projectile. Thus, the nature of wear mechanism on the projectile surface was predominantly abrasive while those of the friction surfaces of the composites were predominantly abrasion and melt wear.