Abstract: A composite penetrator has a plurality of dispersed high aspect ratio bodies of refractory heavy metal such as tungsten wires. A matrix of metal surrounds and wets the dispersed bodies for forming an integral penetrator. The matrix metal is characterized by having localized shear band deformation when strained. The heavy metal is selected from the group consisting of tungsten, tantalum, hafnium, uranium and alloys thereof. A variety of matrix alloys may be used which will remain amorphous or microcrystalline in an object as large as the penetrator when cooled from the molten state. An exemplary amorphous alloy comprises 41.25 atomic percent zirconium, 41.25% titanium, 13.75% copper, 12.5% nickel and 22.5% beryllium.