Will a 12ga Slug Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 91 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
91 mm (3.6″)
Impact velocity
500 m/s (1640 fps)
Muzzle energy
3538 J (2609 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative 12ga Slug load (28.3 g, SLUG, 500 m/s) reaches roughly 91 mm (3.6 inches) into compacted earth. It loses its energy before defeating a typical barrier of this material.

About Compacted Earth

Compacted earth (~200 mm), as in a backstop berm.

12ga Slug against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick81 mm3.2″
Concrete19 mm0.8″
Tempered Glass8 mm0.3″
Steel A364 mm0.1″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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