How deep does a .45 ACP penetrate Polycarbonate?

At the muzzle, a representative .45 ACP load penetrates approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) into polycarbonate.

What is the impact energy of a .45 ACP?

This .45 ACP load carries about 504 joules (371 ft-lb) at the muzzle.

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Will a .45 ACP Penetrate Polycarbonate?

Yes — defeats a 12 mm polycarbonate barrier

Penetration depth

12 mm (0.5″)

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 12 mm (0.5 inches) into polycarbonate. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Polycarbonate

A polycarbonate pane (~12 mm); true bullet-resistant glass is far thicker and layered.

.45 ACP against other materials

Material	Depth (mm)	Depth (in)
Red Brick	46 mm	1.8″
Concrete	24 mm	1.0″
Tempered Glass	10 mm	0.4″
Steel A36	1 mm	0.0″
Steel AR500	1 mm	0.0″

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.45 ACP vs Red Brick .45 ACP vs Concrete .45 ACP vs Tempered Glass .45 ACP vs Steel A36 .45 ACP vs Steel AR500 .45 ACP vs Aluminum 6061 .45 ACP vs Pine Wood .45 ACP vs Oak Wood 9mm Luger vs Polycarbonate .40 S&W vs Polycarbonate .380 ACP vs Polycarbonate .357 Magnum vs Polycarbonate .44 Magnum vs Polycarbonate 10mm Auto vs Polycarbonate .22 LR vs Polycarbonate 5.56 NATO vs Polycarbonate

Will a .45 ACP Penetrate Polycarbonate?

About Polycarbonate

.45 ACP against other materials

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