Let’s say, for this example, we find the velocity to be 200 ft per second. This is typically done using a device similar to a speedometer. The next step is to measure the bullet velocity as it leaves the gun. Using the conversion noted above, we find that the weight is equal to 500 grains. Most often, this is done using a gram scale. Let’s take a look at how you might calculate the muzzle energy of an unknown gun and bullet. Note the size is denoted by the size in mm. You can use the table to check the calculator you are using above. This is an important factor to keep in mind.Ībove is a table that outlines a few different size bullets and their corresponding bullet energies, velocity, and masses. This means that the greater the muzzle energy, the greater the recoil. That is that every motion has an equal and opposite motion. In short, this is also governed by one of Newton’s laws of motion. The bullet energy also affects the recoil of a gun. The aerodynamics of the bullet itself also factor into that stopping power. Higher muzzle energy typically means a higher stopping power, but that’s not the only factor. Stopping power is the ability of a bullet to penetrate material or an object. It’s one of many factors that affect both stopping power and recoil. (lbf) What is bullet energy, and why does it matter?īullet energy, also known as muzzle energy, is a measure of the energy a bullet has as it leaves a gun. The resulting muzzle energy unit is foot-pounds. For the calculator above, we use grains and feet per second. Velocity is usually measured in meters per second or feet per second. Mc Graw-Hill encyclopedia of Science and Technology, volume ebe-eye and ice-lev, 9th Edition, Mc Graw-Hill, 2002.To calculate muzzle energy, multiply the bullet mass by the value of the bullet velocity squared.įor guns, the mass of the bullet is typically measured in grains. Obert, Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1948. 45 Colt ammunition can produce 1,200 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, far in excess of the average listed above.Įdward F. A 110 grain bullet fired from the same gun might only achieve 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, depending upon the manufacture of the cartridge. 357 magnum handgun can achieve a muzzle energy of 580 foot-pounds. While the above list mentions some averages, there is wide variation in commercial ammunition. Also note that the muzzle energy does not necessarily reflect how much energy is transmitted to the target. It must be stressed that muzzle energy is dependent upon the factors previously listed and that even velocity is highly variable depending upon the length of the barrel a projectile is fired from. Typical muzzle energies of common firearms and cartridges Example muzzle energy levels of different types of firearmsĪverage muzzle energies for common pistol cartridges The bullet energy, remaining energy, down range energy and impact energy of a projectile may also be calculated using the above equations. If m is specified in grains and v in feet per second, the following equation can be used, which gives the energy in foot-pound force:Į k = 1 2 m v 2 × ( 1 ft ⋅ lbf 7000 gr × 32.1739 ft 2 /s 2 ) Most sporting arms publications within the United States report muzzle energies in foot-pound force.
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