This experimental study validates a model for ductile plate perforation. The intended application is in vulnerability modelling codes, concerning targets exposed to small calibre threats. The model yields the residual velocity, and thin and thick target plates are modelled separately. Experiments with steel projectiles perforating ductile aluminium and steel plates of different thicknesses were performed, where the impact velocity was varied. The residual velocity and the plug mass were measured and compared with the corresponding model prediction. The nose shapes investigated are hemispherical, blunt and conical. The model was also compared with rigid projectile experiments found in the literature. The conical projectile results are not coherent with the corresponding theoretical. The blunt and semi-blunt perforation of the aluminium target is well represented in the thin target case and the thick target for low velocities. For low obliquity and thickness of the aluminium plate the hemispherical thick target case yields accurate results as well as for the thin aluminium target at high velocities. The oblique and normal experiments show similar tendencies. Only plugs from the thin target aluminium experiments were deformed and the thickness was greater than expected for the thick case. Problems occurred with the steel target experiments, for which it must be considered if rigid projectile perforation is relevant.