Stopping Power Calculator For Ballistics

Stopping Power Formula:

\[ E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]

Mass (m):

Velocity (v):

Output Unit:

Stopping Power (Kinetic Energy):

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1. What is Stopping Power?

Stopping power refers to the ability of a projectile to incapacitate a target, typically measured by its kinetic energy. In ballistics, kinetic energy is calculated using the formula E = ½mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:

\[ E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]

Where:

\( E_k \) — Kinetic energy (Joules or foot-pounds)
\( m \) — Mass of the projectile (kilograms or pounds)
\( v \) — Velocity of the projectile (meters/second or feet/second)

Explanation: The calculator automatically converts between units to provide results in either Joules or foot-pounds as requested.

3. Importance of Stopping Power Calculation

Details: Calculating kinetic energy is crucial for understanding terminal ballistics, ammunition effectiveness, and safety considerations in shooting sports, hunting, and defense applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the projectile mass and velocity, select the appropriate units for each, and choose your preferred output unit (Joules or foot-pounds). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Joules and foot-pounds?
A: Both are units of energy. 1 foot-pound is approximately equal to 1.35582 Joules. Foot-pounds are commonly used in American ballistics discussions.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation for real-world stopping power?
A: While kinetic energy is an important factor, actual stopping power also depends on bullet design, shot placement, and target characteristics.

Q3: What is a typical kinetic energy value for handgun rounds?
A: Common handgun rounds typically range from 300-800 Joules (approximately 200-600 foot-pounds) of kinetic energy.

Q4: How does rifle ammunition compare to handgun ammunition?
A: Rifle rounds generally have significantly higher kinetic energy, often ranging from 2000-4000 Joules (approximately 1500-3000 foot-pounds) or more.

Q5: Is kinetic energy the only factor in stopping power?
A: No, bullet design, penetration, expansion, and shot placement are equally important factors in actual stopping effectiveness.