Muzzle Velocity Calculator
Calculate bullet velocity using kinetic energy, barrel pressure, or distance measurements
Calculate Muzzle Velocity
Kinetic energy of the bullet
Mass of the bullet
Muzzle Velocity Results
Physics Formula
Kinetic Energy Method: v = √(2×KE/m)
Calculation: √(2 × 1760 J / 0.003560 kg) = 994.37 m/s
Ballistics Analysis
Example: 5.56 NATO Calculation
Problem Setup
Scenario: Calculate muzzle velocity of 5.56 NATO round
Given: KE = 1300 ft⋅lb (≈1760 J), m = 55 gr (≈3.56 g)
Question: What is the muzzle velocity?
Solution Steps
1. Convert to SI units: KE = 1760 J, m = 0.00356 kg
2. Apply kinetic energy formula: v = √(2×KE/m)
3. Calculate: v = √(2 × 1760 / 0.00356) = √(988,764) ≈ 994 m/s
4. Convert to ft/s: 994 m/s ≈ 3,260 ft/s
Result: Typical 5.56 NATO muzzle velocity!
Common Ammunition Examples
5.56 NATO (55gr)
Standard 5.56x45mm NATO round
.223 Remington (55gr)
Common .223 Remington load
.45 ACP (230gr)
.45 ACP at 500 feet
9mm Parabellum (124gr)
Standard 9mm load
Key Ballistics Concepts
Muzzle Velocity
Speed at which projectile exits barrel
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion (½mv²)
Chamber Pressure
Gas pressure accelerating projectile
Bore Area
Cross-sectional area of barrel
Typical Velocity Ranges
Handguns
800-1,500 ft/s (240-460 m/s)
Pistols and revolvers
Rifles
2,000-4,000 ft/s (610-1,220 m/s)
High-velocity rifle rounds
Artillery
5,000+ ft/s (1,500+ m/s)
Tank guns and cannons
Sound Barrier
1,125 ft/s (343 m/s)
Speed of sound at sea level
Understanding Muzzle Velocity in Ballistics
What is Muzzle Velocity?
Muzzle velocity is the speed at which a projectile exits the barrel of a firearm. It's a critical parameter that affects trajectory, energy transfer, and terminal ballistics.
Factors Affecting Velocity
Muzzle velocity depends on powder charge, bullet weight, barrel length, chamber pressure, and environmental conditions like temperature and altitude.
Calculation Methods
Kinetic Energy Method
Most accurate when energy data is available
Pressure Method
Uses barrel specifications and chamber pressure
Distance-Time Method
Field measurement technique
Applications
Ballistics Research
Ammunition development and testing
Hunting & Sport
Trajectory calculation and energy estimation
Military & Defense
Weapon system evaluation
Forensics
Ballistic evidence analysis
Important Considerations
Air Resistance
Velocity decreases with distance
Barrel Length
Longer barrels generally increase velocity
Temperature Effects
Higher temperatures increase velocity
Altitude Effects
Lower air density at altitude affects trajectory