Can Bullets Go Through Brick? (Yes, It Definitely Can)

Regarding safety and security, the materials we choose to build with play a crucial role in determining the level of protection we can achieve.

One such material, brick, has long been considered reliable and sturdy for constructing buildings and walls.

But, can bullets go through brick?

Well, it is interesting to know how effective is a brick when faced with the destructive force of bullets, isn’t it?

In this article, I will delve into ballistics and explore the penetrative power of various types of ammunition when fired at brick structures.

From the composition of bricks to the caliber of bullets, we will examine the factors that contribute to the ability of bullets to penetrate or be stopped by brick walls and help you understand the level of safety that brick can offer in different scenarios.

Can bullets go through brick?

Yes, bullets can go through brick, depending on the type of bullet and the thickness of the brick. Some types of bullets, such as armor-piercing bullets or solid steel core bullets, can easily penetrate most types of bricks.

However, the effectiveness of brick walls in stopping bullets varies based on factors such as the thickness, density, and composition of the bricks.

Factors come into play

Several factors come into play when evaluating the ability of bullets to penetrate brick walls.

Here, we will discuss these factors in more detail to provide a better understanding of the interaction between bullets and bricks.

• Type of bullet: A bullet’s design, composition, and caliber significantly impact its ability to penetrate brick. Armor-piercing and steel core bullets are specifically designed to penetrate hard materials and can easily go through most bricks. In contrast, hollow-point or soft-point bullets are less likely to penetrate brick walls as they tend to expand and lose energy upon impact.
• Brick composition: Bricks are available in various types, including clay, concrete, and sand-lime bricks, each with different densities and strengths. The composition of a brick can influence its ability to stop a bullet. For example, denser bricks made from concrete are generally more effective at stopping bullets than lighter clay bricks.
• Thickness of the brick wall: The thickness of a brick wall plays a crucial role in its ability to stop bullets. A single layer of bricks may not be sufficient to stop certain types of bullets, while a double or triple layer may provide increased protection. Additionally, walls constructed with staggered bricks or filled with insulating material can further reduce the likelihood of bullet penetration.
• Angle of impact: The angle at which a bullet strikes a brick wall can also affect the penetration. Bullets hitting the wall at a shallow angle are more likely to backfire or lose energy, reducing penetration chances.
• Bullet velocity: The speed at which a bullet travels also plays a role in its ability to penetrate brick. Higher velocity bullets carry more energy and are more likely to penetrate brick walls than lower velocity bullets.

What material can bullets not go through?

No material is completely impervious to all types of bullets. However, certain materials can effectively stop specific types of bullets. These materials include wood, steel, polycarbonate, polyethylene, ceramic, and even spider silk.

Brick, concrete, and cinder blocks can effectively stop most common calibers, although each bullet may take out chunks, so the protection may not last indefinitely.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these materials in stopping bullets depends on factors such as thickness, density, and the type of bullet being used.

Can a 9mm go through a brick wall? 

A 9mm bullet may not be able to penetrate through an average-sized brick wall. However, the penetration depends on factors such as the thickness, density, and composition of the bricks in the wall. If a 9mm bullet is fired repeatedly at the same location on a brick wall, it may eventually penetrate through it.

Can 7.62 go through bricks?

7.62mm ammunition has a lead core and can somewhat penetrate steel. Given that bricks are generally less resistant to bullets than steel, it is likely that 7.62mm ammunition can penetrate bricks, especially if the wall is not very thick or if multiple shots are fired at the same spot.

However, the specific penetration power of 7.62mm ammunition on bricks would depend on factors such as the thickness, density, and composition of the bricks and the bullet’s velocity and angle of impact.

What Gun can shoot through a brick wall?

High-powered firearms, such as assault and sniper rifles, are more likely to penetrate brick walls than handguns or shotguns.

However, the ability of a gun to penetrate a brick wall depends on factors such as the thickness, density, and composition of the bricks, as well as the type of ammunition used.

For example, a .50 caliber round has the potential to penetrate an average-sized brick wall3. Repeatedly shooting at the same location on a brick wall with various calibers, such as 9mm, .308, .40mm, and .45mm, may eventually result in penetration as well.

Also Read: Do You Need Permit for An Underground Bunker?

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Practical Applications: When Brick Walls Offer Effective Protection

Understanding the real-world scenarios where brick walls can provide meaningful protection against bullets is essential for assessing their reliability. While bricks are not entirely bulletproof, they still offer a degree of resistance that can make them effective in certain situations.

Residential and Commercial Buildings

In urban environments, brick walls are commonly used in residential and commercial construction. While a standard single-layer brick wall may not stop high-velocity rounds, it can effectively slow down or even stop lower-caliber bullets.

Double-layered or reinforced brick walls significantly increase protection, making them a reasonable choice for safety against stray bullets in areas with high firearm activity.

Military and Tactical Applications

In military or tactical situations, brick structures are sometimes used as makeshift cover. Soldiers and law enforcement personnel are trained to identify areas with thick brick walls for temporary protection during firefights.

However, they are also aware of the limitations of brick and avoid prolonged exposure if faced with high-powered ammunition.

Emergency Shelters and Safe Rooms

For those constructing emergency shelters or safe rooms, brick walls can be integrated with additional layers of ballistic-resistant materials like concrete, steel, or Kevlar to enhance protection.

The combination of these materials with brick can create a robust defensive barrier against most firearm threats.

Reinforced Brick Designs

Advances in construction techniques have led to the development of reinforced brick walls. These walls often include staggered brick patterns, reinforced steel supports, or cement-filled cavities, increasing their bullet resistance.

While brick alone cannot guarantee complete bulletproofing, its practicality, availability, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable component in creating protective barriers.

By understanding these applications, individuals can better evaluate whether brick structures meet their safety requirements or if supplementary materials are necessary for enhanced protection.

Conclusion:

While high-powered firearms with larger caliber rounds are more likely to penetrate brick walls, lower-powered firearms and smaller caliber rounds may not achieve the same penetration level.

However, repeated shots at the same location on a brick wall may eventually result in penetration, regardless of the firearm or ammunition used.

It is essential to understand that the effectiveness of a brick wall in stopping bullets is not absolute, and safety precautions should always be taken when handling firearms or considering bullet-resistant structures.