Muzzle Energy of a Projectile

The Muzzle Energy of a Projectile formula is used to calculate the energy produced by a bullet immediately after leaving the barrel given the bullet's mass and velocity.  

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (m) Bullet's Mass
• (v) Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle Energy (E_k): The energy is returned in feet pounds (ft_lbf).  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

Muzzle energy is the amount of kinetic energy produced by a projectile at the moment it leaves the barrel. This is used to get an idea for how powerful a cartridge is and is a value often needed in shooting and hunting sports. For instance, the state of Maryland hunting regulations use muzzle energy to determine a weapon's suitability for hunting deer. They require a rifle to produce at last 1,200 foot pounds muzzle energy to be legal for deer hunting to ensure a quick and humane harvest.

The formula for Kinetic Energy is as follows:

KE= ½⋅m⋅v²

where:

• KE is the kinetic energy
• m is the mass of the object
• v is the  velocity 

Firearm Calculators

• Sectional Density: Computes the factor used in the computation of the ballistic coefficient called sectional density.
• Bullet Ballistic Coefficient: Computes factor that represents a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight.
• Ballistic Coefficient from Bullet's Mass, Diameter and Form Factor: Estimates the ballistic coefficient from the mass, diameter and form factor
• Miller Twist Rule: Computes the optimal barrel twist rate for stabilizing a bullet's flight given the bullet's diameter, length and mass.
• Taylor Knock-out Factor: Calculates a factor indicating the power of a round,.
• Greenhill Formula for Optimal Rifling Twist Rate: calculate the optimal barrel twist rate for stabilizing a bullet's flight given the bullet's diameter, length, specific gravity and velocity. 
• Bullet Flight Range: Computes the maximum range (horizontal distance) traveled by a bullet based on the muzzle velocity, elevation angle and shooter height.
• Muzzle Energy of a Projectile: Calculates the kinetic energy in a bullet immediately after leaving the barrel given the bullet's mass and velocity.
• Recoil Velocity of a Gun: Computes the velocity at which a gun will move in the opposite direction in relation to the projectile that it fired.
• Cost per Round: Computes cost per round of ammunition based on the cost of a container of cartridges and the number of rounds in the container.
• Rifle Sight Correction Angles: Computes the Minutes of Angle corrections for rifle sights.
• Shotgun Shell Reloading Cost: Computes the cost to reload used shotgun shells (hulls) with powder, shot, wads and primers.
• Shotgun Shell Loading Cost: Computes the cost to load new pre-primed shells (hulls) with power, shot and wads. 
• Metal Ball Weight: Computes the mass (weight) of a spherical metal (e.g., steel) ball based on the size (diameter).
• Metal Cylinder Weight: Computes the mass (weight) of a metal cylinder based on the size (diameter and length).