Will a 9mm Luger Penetrate Compacted Earth?

No — stops inside compacted earth (reaches 160 mm of a 200 mm barrier)
Penetration depth
160 mm (6.3″)
Impact velocity
360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle energy
518 J (382 ft-lb)
Bullet behaviour
Intact

Fired at the muzzle, a representative 9mm Luger load (8 g, FMJ, 360 m/s) reaches roughly 160 mm (6.3 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.

9mm Luger against other materials

MaterialDepth (mm)Depth (in)
Red Brick70 mm2.7″
Concrete38 mm1.5″
Tempered Glass16 mm0.6″
Steel A363 mm0.1″
Steel AR5001 mm0.0″
Run your own numbers in the calculator →

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