1. What is Bullet Energy?

Bullet energy is the kinetic energy of a projectile, calculated using the mass and velocity of the bullet. It's a crucial factor in terminal ballistics and firearm effectiveness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy in joules (J)
• \( m \) — Mass of the bullet in kilograms (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the bullet in meters per second (m/s)

Explanation: The energy increases with the square of velocity, making velocity the most significant factor in bullet energy.

3. Importance of Bullet Energy Calculation

Details: Bullet energy determines penetration capability, stopping power, and potential tissue damage. It's used for hunting regulations, self-defense ammunition selection, and ballistic testing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bullet mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. For grains, convert to kg (1 grain = 0.0000648 kg). For fps, convert to m/s (1 fps = 0.3048 m/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical bullet energy for handguns?
A: Common handgun rounds range from 300-800 J, while rifle rounds can exceed 3000 J.

Q2: How does bullet energy relate to stopping power?
A: While energy contributes to stopping power, bullet design and shot placement are equally important factors.

Q3: What's the minimum energy for hunting?
A: Regulations vary, but typically 1000-1500 J is recommended for medium game like deer.

Q4: Why use joules instead of foot-pounds?
A: Joules are the SI unit, though many American sources use foot-pounds (1 ft-lb ≈ 1.3558 J).

Q5: Does bullet energy equal lethality?
A: Not directly - energy must be effectively transferred to the target, which depends on bullet design and shot placement.