Ballistic Geek Thread

[resister]

Internal, external and terminal ballistics.

Internal ballistics concerns what happens between the firing pin strike and the projectile leaving the muzzle.

External ballistics concerns the flight of the projectile.

Terminal ballistics concerns what happens when the projectile hits the target.

I will kick it off with some internal ballistics, a 40. cal produces about 38,000 psi pressure in the bore for a millisecond.

[resister]

Ok, terminal ballistics question? Bullet kinetic energy is measured in Ft lbs.

As I understand it, ft lbs, lets say 90 ft lbs is the equal of 1 pound of weight falling 90 ft and hitting you.

It is simple math, but greek until you comprehend it.

[resister]

I know there is a simple formula for figuring kinetic energy, some thing to do with bullet weight and velocity, any one know hot it is done?

[Newpublius]

I know there is a simple formula for figuring kinetic energy, some thing to do with bullet weight and velocity, any one know hot it is done?

Well the real simple one is Force = mass * velocity

Not sure if firearms have a different gauge!

[Crepitus]

Well the real simple one is Force = mass * velocity

Not sure if firearms have a different gauge!

Nope. Same for everything from a baseball to a metorite.

[resister]

Nope. Same for everything from a baseball to a metorite.

I find ballistics a fascinating field of math and physics. Gotta get me a chronograph one day.