1. What is the Foot-Pounds Calculation?

The foot-pounds calculation measures the kinetic energy of ammunition, which is important for understanding stopping power and penetration capability. It's commonly used by hunters, sport shooters, and ballisticians.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Projectile weight in grains
• \( Velocity \) — Projectile velocity in feet per second (fps)
• 450240 — Conversion factor (2 × gravitational acceleration × 7000 grains per pound)

Explanation: Kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, making velocity more significant than weight in energy calculations.

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Foot-pounds of energy helps determine ammunition effectiveness for hunting different game, penetration capability, and recoil estimation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter projectile weight in grains and velocity in fps. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use grains for weight measurement?
A: Grains are the standard unit for measuring bullet and powder weights in ballistics (1 grain = 1/7000 pound).

Q2: What's a good foot-pound value for hunting deer?
A: Most states recommend at least 1000 ft-lbs for ethical deer hunting, with some requiring more for larger game.

Q3: How does barrel length affect velocity?
A: Longer barrels typically increase velocity up to a point, as they allow more complete powder burn and gas expansion.

Q4: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Kinetic energy is proportional to mass but proportional to the square of velocity (KE = ½mv²).

Q5: Can I use this for arrows/bows?
A: Yes, though arrows are typically measured in grains for weight and fps for speed, the same calculation applies.