Will a .380 ACP Penetrate Packed Sand?

No — stops inside packed sand (reaches 119 mm of a 150 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
119 mm (4.7″)
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 119 mm (4.7 inches) into packed sand. It loses its energy before defeating a typical barrier of this material.

About Packed Sand

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

.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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