Use our Recoil Energy Calculator to accurately determine the force, velocity, and impulse generated by a firearm. Essential for shooters, reloaders, and anyone interested in shooting physics. Input bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight for precise results.
Formula:
The Recoil Energy (Er) and Recoil Velocity (Vr) are calculated using the following formulas:
Recoil Energy (ft-lbs):
Er = ((Wb × Vb) + (Wp × Vg))² / (2 × Wf × 7000 × 32.174)
Recoil Velocity (ft/s):
Vr = √((2 × Er × 32.174) / Wf)
Where:
- Wb = Bullet Weight (grains)
- Vb = Bullet Muzzle Velocity (ft/s)
- Wp = Powder Weight (grains)
- Vg = Effective Gas Velocity (ft/s, typically approximated as 4000 ft/s for rifle powder)
- Wf = Firearm Weight (lbs)
- 7000 = Grains per pound (conversion factor)
- 32.174 = Acceleration due to gravity (ft/s²)