Will a .44 Magnum Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 192 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
192 mm (7.5″)
Impact velocity
400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle energy
1248 J (920 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Expanded

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .44 Magnum load (15.6 g, SP, 400 m/s) reaches roughly 192 mm (7.5 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.

.44 Magnum against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick107 mm4.2″
Concrete58 mm2.3″
Tempered Glass15 mm0.6″
Steel A362 mm0.1″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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