Thread: Calculating recoil from muzzle energy and rifle weight?

Should be possible shouldn't it? Cant find an online calculator or formula. Any thoughts?

Conservation of momentum. Momentum of projectile leaving barrel = momentum of rifle recoiling. Momentum = mass(kg) x velocity (m/s)

Here is a recoil calculator

https://shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php

https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/recoil-energy

For all of those calculations, I need information on powder charge which I don't have (factory rounds).

You are still going to need powder weight because that is also being “thrown” down the barrel. Muzzle energy will only be energy of the projectile and won’t take into account the energy of the powder.

In the big scheme of things I gotta ask......why ? What does it matter ? Genuine question no hate

Just estimate the weight of the powder, you wont be far off . ...

Originally Posted by dannyb

In the big scheme of things I gotta ask......why ? What does it matter ? Genuine question no hate

Centrefire ammunition that my young son can use.

There was an interesting article in Handloader magazine on using powder weight and bullet weight to reduce recoil,Its called ejecta weight and makes quite a effect on recoil.suppressors also add weight to gun mass.

Generally lower projectile weight = lower recoil.

Originally Posted by MB

Centrefire ammunition that my young son can use.

Do you have a pre determined energy level as a cut off ? Otherwise just go light for caliber and limit range, I was shooting 125gn accubonds in my 308win and it was very light recoil but still a solid performer

Originally Posted by dannyb

Do you have a pre determined energy level as a cut off ? Otherwise just go light for caliber and limit range, I was shooting 125gn accubonds in my 308win and it was very light recoil but still a solid performer

Just weighing up options. I was interested to see that "lite" .308 rounds have less muzzle energy than standard .243 ammunition. Wondered how that translated to recoil.

the 130grn speer hp or the 125grn NBT are both solid preformers at reduced velocity...we used both in the 7.62x39mm for deer at bush ranges and wallabies as far as we could hit them.

you have two main options...light projectile and mid velocity or soft heave projectile and mild velocity
strange thing...the winchester 180grn powerpoint loads have LESS recoil than the same 150grn loads and they kill well,I couldnt get same projectiles so went with round nose hornady in 180 grn and had no complaints at all.good soft projectile that opened up fast.

you can basically turn your .308 into a 30/30 or 7.62x39mm preformance wise.....as long as you arent trying to stretch barrel you will be fine...suppressors make a huge difference for little people.