Will a .30-06 Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 162 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
162 mm (6.4″)
Impact velocity
880 m/s (2887 fps)
Muzzle energy
3756 J (2770 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .30-06 load (9.7 g, FMJ, 880 m/s) reaches roughly 162 mm (6.4 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.

.30-06 against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick247 mm9.7″
Concrete215 mm8.5″
Tempered Glass37 mm1.5″
Steel A3618 mm0.7″
Steel AR5009 mm0.4″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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