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″
See exactly what 7.62x39 does to Compacted Earth — open in the calculator →

Related