Will a .45 ACP Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 191 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
191 mm (7.5″)
Impact velocity
260 m/s (853 fps)
Muzzle energy
504 J (371 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative .45 ACP load (14.9 g, FMJ, 260 m/s) reaches roughly 191 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.

.45 ACP against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick46 mm1.8″
Concrete24 mm1.0″
Tempered Glass10 mm0.4″
Steel A361 mm0.0″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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