How deep does a .308 Winchester penetrate Packed Sand?

At the muzzle, a representative .308 Winchester load penetrates approximately 173 mm (6.8 inches) into packed sand.

What is the impact energy of a .308 Winchester?

This .308 Winchester load carries about 3352 joules (2472 ft-lb) at the muzzle.

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Will a .308 Winchester Penetrate Packed Sand?

Yes — defeats a 150 mm packed sand barrier

Penetration depth

173 mm (6.8″)

Impact velocity

840 m/s (2756 fps)

Muzzle energy

3352 J (2472 ft-lb)

Bullet behaviour

Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .308 Winchester load (9.5 g, FMJ, 840 m/s) reaches roughly 173 mm (6.8 inches) into packed sand. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Packed Sand

Packed sand (~150 mm), e.g. a single sandbag.

.308 Winchester against other materials

Material	Depth (mm)	Depth (in)
Red Brick	239 mm	9.4″
Concrete	199 mm	7.8″
Tempered Glass	36 mm	1.4″
Steel A36	17 mm	0.7″
Steel AR500	8 mm	0.3″

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Will a .308 Winchester Penetrate Packed Sand?

About Packed Sand

.308 Winchester against other materials

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