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Bullet Energy Formula:
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The bullet energy formula calculates the kinetic energy of a projectile in foot-pounds (ft-lb) based on its mass in grains and velocity in feet per second (ft/s). This measurement is important for understanding the stopping power and terminal ballistics of ammunition.
The calculator uses the bullet energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates kinetic energy by taking the product of mass and velocity squared, divided by the constant 450436 which converts the units to ft-lb.
Details: Calculating bullet energy is crucial for hunters, sport shooters, and ballisticians to evaluate ammunition performance, ensure ethical hunting practices, and comply with range safety requirements.
Tips: Enter mass in grains and velocity in feet per second. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why is bullet energy measured in ft-lb?
A: Foot-pounds is the standard unit for measuring energy in ballistics, representing the amount of work needed to move one pound a distance of one foot.
Q2: What is a typical bullet energy range for hunting?
A: Hunting requirements vary by game, but generally range from 1,000 ft-lb for small game to 2,500+ ft-lb for large game like elk or moose.
Q3: How does bullet energy relate to stopping power?
A: While energy is one factor in stopping power, bullet design, shot placement, and terminal ballistics also significantly influence effectiveness.
Q4: Are there legal minimum energy requirements for hunting?
A: Some jurisdictions have minimum energy requirements for specific game. Always check local hunting regulations before selecting ammunition.
Q5: How accurate is this energy calculation?
A: This formula provides a good estimate of muzzle energy, but actual energy downrange will be lower due to air resistance and other factors.