The analysis of the structure of ballistic materials was carried out and the optimal mechanical properties necessary to ensure the best bullet resistance and durability of armored steel were selected. A study of 45X2NMFBA armor steel was carried out under various heat treatment modes. The optimal modes of heat treatment have been determined to ensure an increase in mechanical properties. It was found that with an increase in the cooling rate of steel, a finer‑grained structure is formed, and an increase in the quenching temperature leads to an increase in the grain of primary austenite. The results of optical microscopy and mechanical properties of the studied steel samples are presented