Will a 9mm Luger Penetrate Polycarbonate?

Yes — defeats a 12 mm polycarbonate barrier
Penetration depth
20 mm (0.8″)
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 20 mm (0.8 inches) into polycarbonate. That is enough to defeat a typical barrier of this material — treat anything behind it as exposed.

About Polycarbonate

A polycarbonate pane (~12 mm); true bullet-resistant glass is far thicker and layered.

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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