Recoil Energy Calculator

Your details

Choose a preset to auto-fill typical values for that cartridge, or select Custom to enter your own.
Mass of the projectile (bullet or slug) in grains (imperial) or grams (metric).
gr
Speed at which the projectile leaves the muzzle.
fps
Mass of propellant burned. This is the powder charge weight listed on your load data.
gr
Propellant gas ejection velocity. Standard values differ by powder class because burn rate and case volume vary. The calculator uses these established approximations when you do not have a measured value.
Weight of the firearm as fired (not including the projectile or powder, which are already expelled).
lb
Free recoil energyModerate recoil
16.95

Kinetic energy of the firearm moving rearward after the shot

Recoil energy unitft-lbf
Recoil velocity11.33
Recoil velocity unitfps
Recoil impulse2.993
Recoil impulse unitlb-s
Recoil energy (J)22.98
Recoil energy (ft-lbf)16.95
16.95 ft-lbf
Very low<5Low5-12Moderate12-20Heavy20-35Very heavy35+

Free recoil energy: 17.0 ft-lbf

  • Free recoil energy is 17.0 ft-lbf, placing this in the moderate (typical of standard service cartridges) category.
  • Free recoil is theoretical. Felt recoil is also shaped by stock design, muzzle brake, recoil pad, and grip angle.
  • The firearm moves rearward at 11.33 fps after the shot.

Next stepTo reduce felt recoil, consider a heavier firearm, a muzzle brake (can cut recoil 30-50%), a quality recoil pad, or a lighter bullet at equivalent velocity.

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