Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 122 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
122 mm (4.8″)
Impact velocity
920 m/s (3018 fps)
Muzzle energy
1693 J (1249 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative 5.56 NATO load (4 g, FMJ, 920 m/s) reaches roughly 122 mm (4.8 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.

5.56 NATO against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick193 mm7.6″
Concrete175 mm6.9″
Tempered Glass29 mm1.1″
Steel A3614 mm0.6″
Steel AR5008 mm0.3″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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