Originally Posted by Benning Boy What is muzzle energy? I see it
listed in foot lbs, but I haven't the foggiest about anything
beyond that. Is there a simple definition? Energy = 1/2mv^2, or
energy equals one-half the mass of the bullet times the square
of the velocity. Thus, a 230 gr bullet that has a velocity of
945 ft/sec has an energy of (230 x 945 x 945) divided by 450380
= 456 ft-lbs. 450240 = A constant number in the formula which is
two times the acceleration of gravity times the number of grains
in a pound = 2*32.16*7000 = 450240. Muzzle energy is not
obtainable with instruments we use because to calculate energy
we must measure the projectile's speed as the bullet passes
through the screens of a chronograph. (~5 foot from the gun)
This doesn't matter with respect to the velocities we shoot in
small arms. The difference between "instrument" and "muzzle"
velocities are insignificant. Energy changes as the square of
the velocity changes. If the 945 ft/sec bullet slows to 800
ft/sec, the energy drops fr