Will a 5.56 NATO Penetrate Packed Sand?

No — stops inside packed sand (reaches 129 mm of a 150 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
129 mm (5.1″)
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 129 mm (5.1 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.

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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