This invention relates to a polymeric ballistic material comprising a high molecular weight, high density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) and/or composite, and to articles made from this ballistic material suitable for stopping projectiles. The articles may include backstops for firing ranges and home use, armor for vehicles, personnel, and aircraft, training targets, protection for temporary or mobile military and/or police installations, buildings, bunkers, pipelines or any “critical” need equipment that might require protection from ballistic impact, and the like.