This paper presents various energy absorbing modes in nano composite laminates when subjected to impact loading. Composite laminates, made of 610 gsm WRM(Woven Roving Mat), are prepared by hand lay-up and compression molding technique. Nano clay is dispersed in epoxy and is used as a matrix. Clay dispersion in epoxy is varied from 1% to 5% by weight. A gas gun set up is used to impact the composite laminates with spherical nose cylindrical projectile of diameter 9.5 mm and mass 7.6g.The laminates are subjected to different velocities, which vary from below ballistic limit to above ballistic limit.The vibration response of the laminate at different impact velocities is studied. A time dependent analytical model is used to predict the projectile energy during penetration, and is used to determine the ballistic limit of the laminate. The ballistic limit obtained from experiment is validated with analytical model and good agreement is found. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.