Thread: The Maths of Recoil

so a for example..150grn projectie going at 2500fps
we have many options to do it...
given same weight of rifle theoretically recoil SHOULD be the same.

the rocket gas effect.......now add in barrel length to equation a 30'' barrel which poked that 150grn projectile at 2500fps will have less blast than a 14'' barrel doing the same.....reguardless of amount of powder used BECAUSE it will be completely burnt before projectile exits.

Ive heard this same argument countless times with shotguns.....folks saying a 20ga recoils less than 12ga or vice versa...if both have 1 1/4oz payload and both weight 7lb..... if velocity is same so will be the recoil.
the ONLY other factor is amount of squeeze payload has when entering barrel.

biggest difference with top example is the noise will be further from ears so will seem less violent. longer barrels are definitely quieter, perceived recoil will be less even if measured felt recoil isnt.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

so a for example..150grn projectie going at 2500fps
we have many options to do it...
given same weight of rifle theoretically recoil SHOULD be the same.

the rocket gas effect.......now add in barrel length to equation a 30'' barrel which poked that 150grn projectile at 2500fps will have less blast than a 14'' barrel doing the same.....reguardless of amount of powder used BECAUSE it will be completely burnt before projectile exits.

Ive heard this same argument countless times with shotguns.....folks saying a 20ga recoils less than 12ga or vice versa...if both have 1 1/4oz payload and both weight 7lb..... if velocity is same so will be the recoil.
the ONLY other factor is amount of squeeze payload has when entering barrel.

biggest difference with top example is the noise will be further from ears so will seem less violent. longer barrels are definitely quieter, perceived recoil will be less even if measured felt recoil isnt.

The powder turns into gas which has the same mass so still produces recoil based on its mass and velocity. A rifle with an extra long barrel is nicer to shoot as the blast is less due to slower powder gas velocity but the projectile velocity will be higher giving more recoil. The rifle will also be heavier reducing the felt recoil. Also stock shape and fit has a massive effect on how we feel recoil. Along with the laws on conservation of energy there is one saying that matter can not be created or destroyed. It is merely changed to a different state. Enough theory for one day. 6th Form Physics never seemed so far back.
Regards Grandpamac.