.300 Blackout vs 9mm | Real-World Penetration Test (Drywall, Cars & More!)

Published on September 22, 2025
Duration: 28:21

This test compares .300 Blackout and 9mm penetration through common barriers like drywall, car doors, and body armor. .300 Blackout demonstrated significantly higher energy transfer and penetration potential, causing more extensive damage to drywall and studs. Both calibers penetrated car doors easily, highlighting their limited effectiveness as cover. Level 3A body armor stopped all tested rounds but showed significant backface deformation.

Quick Summary

.300 Blackout and 9mm were tested against drywall, car doors, and Level 3A body armor. Both calibers penetrated car doors easily. .300 Blackout showed higher energy transfer and damage potential through drywall and studs. The Level 3A armor stopped all rounds but exhibited significant backface deformation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 9mm vs .300 Blackout Debate
  2. 00:30Ammunition Selection for Test
  3. 01:28Test Setup: Drywall, Car Door, Body Armor
  4. 02:479mm Drywall Penetration Test
  5. 04:389mm Wall Stud Impact
  6. 06:03.300 Blackout Drywall & Stud Test
  7. 08:55Car Door Penetration Results
  8. 11:32Body Armor Performance: Level 3A
  9. 19:02Final Thoughts & Over-penetration Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What barriers were used in the .300 Blackout vs 9mm penetration test?

The test included common barriers such as 5/8-inch drywall, structural wall studs, a Honda car door, and a Guard Dog Level 3A soft body armor plate mounted on a ballistic dummy.

How did 9mm and .300 Blackout perform against car doors?

Both 9mm and .300 Blackout rounds easily penetrated the exterior and interior panels of the car door. The test concluded that car doors offer concealment but very little ballistic protection.

Can Level 3A body armor stop .300 Blackout and 9mm rounds?

Yes, the Guard Dog Level 3A soft armor plate successfully stopped multiple rounds from both 9mm and .300 Blackout. However, significant backface deformation was observed.

Which caliber, .300 Blackout or 9mm, is more prone to over-penetration?

.300 Blackout demonstrated significantly higher energy transfer and penetration potential, suggesting a higher risk of over-penetration compared to 9mm, especially with supersonic loads.

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