Will a .357 Magnum Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 182 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
182 mm (7.2″)
Impact velocity
395 m/s (1296 fps)
Muzzle energy
796 J (587 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Expanded

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .357 Magnum load (10.2 g, SP, 395 m/s) reaches roughly 182 mm (7.2 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.

.357 Magnum against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick99 mm3.9″
Concrete54 mm2.1″
Tempered Glass14 mm0.5″
Steel A362 mm0.1″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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