Will a .22 LR Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 132 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
132 mm (5.2″)
Impact velocity
330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle energy
142 J (104 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .22 LR load (2.6 g, FMJ, 330 m/s) reaches roughly 132 mm (5.2 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.

.22 LR against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick49 mm1.9″
Concrete26 mm1.0″
Tempered Glass11 mm0.4″
Steel A362 mm0.1″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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