Call of Duty Ballistics Test: How Deep Will Pistol Rounds Penetrate Through Wood?

Published on May 15, 2020
Duration: 10:30

This video from Tactical Hyve tests the penetration depth of common pistol rounds (9mm, .45 ACP, 5.7x28mm) through various thicknesses of dimensional lumber, simulating potential cover in video games like Call of Duty. The test uses a steel plate witness panel to assess residual energy. It demonstrates that even significant thicknesses of wood may not reliably stop pistol rounds, especially at closer ranges.

Quick Summary

Pistol rounds can penetrate common building wood like 2x4s. Six inches of stacked 2x4s was penetrated by 9mm, .45 ACP, and 5.7x28mm rounds. Eight inches of wood stopped most pistol rounds tested, but this can vary by ammunition type and wood density, indicating wood offers limited cover.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Call of Duty Context
  2. 00:44Tested Ammunition Types
  3. 01:34Test Setup: 6 Inches of Wood
  4. 02:119mm FMJ (M882) Penetration Test
  5. 02:329mm Sig V-Crown Hollow Point Test
  6. 03:019mm Novak Polymer Blitz Test
  7. 03:34.45 ACP Penetration Test Begins
  8. 03:36.45 ACP FMJ Penetration Test
  9. 04:01.45 ACP Hollow Point Penetration Test
  10. 05:025.7x28mm Penetration Test
  11. 05:32Test Setup: 8 Inches of Wood
  12. 05:519mm Novak Polymer Blitz (8" Wood)
  13. 06:419mm FMJ (M882) (8" Wood) - Glock 19
  14. 07:269mm FMJ (M882) (8" Wood) - Glock 34
  15. 07:51.45 ACP Penetration Test (8" Wood)
  16. 08:225.7x28mm Penetration Test (8" Wood)
  17. 08:57Rifle Round Comparison: 5.56x45mm
  18. 09:37Conclusion: Wood Penetration Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pistol rounds penetrate common building wood like 2x4s?

Yes, pistol rounds can penetrate common building wood. Six inches of stacked 2x4s (approximately 4.5 inches actual thickness) was penetrated by 9mm, .45 ACP, and 5.7x28mm rounds. Eight inches of wood (approximately 7 inches actual thickness) stopped most pistol rounds tested, but this can vary by ammunition type and wood density.

What is the penetration depth of 9mm rounds through wood?

Through six inches of stacked 2x4s, 9mm FMJ, hollow point, and polymer rounds all penetrated. When tested against eight inches of wood, the 9mm FMJ (M882 124gr) from both a Glock 19 and Glock 34 penetrated most of the way through but did not exit. The 9mm Novak 65gr polymer round penetrated two boards but was stopped by the third.

How effective is wood as cover against pistol fire?

Wood offers some cover against pistol fire, but its effectiveness is limited. Six inches of stacked 2x4s provided no reliable cover against tested pistol calibers. Eight inches of wood proved to be a much more significant barrier, stopping most common pistol rounds, suggesting that thicker or denser materials are needed for reliable protection.

Does bullet type affect penetration through wood?

Yes, bullet type significantly affects penetration. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds tend to penetrate straighter and maintain their integrity. Hollow point rounds often expand and fragment, which can increase the wound channel but may reduce overall penetration depth compared to an FMJ of similar weight and velocity.

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