1. What is Ft-lb Energy?

Foot-pound (ft-lb) is a unit of energy commonly used in ballistics and firearms to measure the kinetic energy of a projectile. It represents the amount of work done by a force of one pound acting through a distance of one foot.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ft-lb energy formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Mass in grains
• \( v \) — Velocity in feet per second (ft/s)
• 450437 — Conversion factor (2 × gravitational acceleration × 7000 grains per pound)

Explanation: The formula calculates kinetic energy by taking the product of mass and velocity squared, then dividing by the conversion factor to obtain foot-pounds.

3. Importance of Ft-lb Energy Calculation

Details: Ft-lb energy calculation is crucial for assessing projectile performance, determining stopping power in hunting and self-defense applications, and comparing different ammunition types.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in grains and velocity in feet per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the energy in foot-pounds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use grains as the mass unit?
A: Grains are the standard unit for measuring bullet and projectile mass in ballistics, with 7000 grains equaling one pound.

Q2: What is a typical Ft-lb energy range for firearms?
A: Handguns typically range from 300-600 ft-lb, rifles from 1500-3000+ ft-lb, and air rifles from 20-40 ft-lb.

Q3: How does energy relate to stopping power?
A: While energy is one factor in stopping power, shot placement, bullet design, and penetration are equally important considerations.

Q4: Are there legal minimum energy requirements for hunting?
A: Many jurisdictions have minimum energy requirements for hunting different game animals to ensure ethical and humane kills.

Q5: Can this formula be used for other projectiles?
A: Yes, this formula can be used for any projectile where mass is measured in grains and velocity in feet per second.