Will a 7.62x39 Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 152 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
152 mm (6.0″)
Impact velocity
715 m/s (2346 fps)
Muzzle energy
2045 J (1508 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative 7.62x39 load (8 g, FMJ, 715 m/s) reaches roughly 152 mm (6.0 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.

7.62x39 against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick187 mm7.4″
Concrete137 mm5.4″
Tempered Glass29 mm1.1″
Steel A3613 mm0.5″
Steel AR5004 mm0.2″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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