Will a .380 ACP Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 129 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
129 mm (5.1″)
Impact velocity
290 m/s (951 fps)
Muzzle energy
261 J (192 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .380 ACP load (6.2 g, FMJ, 290 m/s) reaches roughly 129 mm (5.1 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.

.380 ACP against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick38 mm1.5″
Concrete20 mm0.8″
Tempered Glass8 mm0.3″
Steel A361 mm0.0″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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