KE required

[R0G3R 11]

Hi,

 

a while back I read something regarding the minimum KE needed to take down rabbits.

 

eg: 6fpe headshot 20yards.. etc.

 

Please post your views and experience here.

 

Thanks,

Roger!

[matt_hooks 188]

The actual retained KE at the POI required to kill a rabbit is surprisingly little, provided the pellet hits the right spot. A good headshot needs around about 2ft.lb to kill cleanly. The rate of energy loss with distance depends on a multitude of factors. Obviously muzzle energy is one, and then pellet weight and ballistic co-efficient, angle of shot, wind, even air pressure and relative humidity can have a telling effect when running low powers.

 

As you know, KE equals 1/2 mass times velocity squared, so a pellet which retains velocity well will give a better down range killing power, and a longer maximum range.

 

I would suggest that the limiting factor for most people is the organic bit on the end of the rifle, rather than the retained power. A full hunting power air rifle will kill cleanly much further away than most people are capable of shooting (certainly further than I can!)

 

Just ordered a chronograph off fleabay, so when it arrives I shall be carrying out all sorts of experiments to do with retained KE's etc. with different pellets and initial energies.

[R0G3R 11]

Thanks for the feedback.

[Phantom 631]

Yep; it aint much to knock old bug's light out permanantly.

 

I have heard theories from various people regarding the actual retained energy.

Some say as much as 4ft/lbs others as low as 1/4 ft/lb.

 

The thing is, you don't need to actually pierce the skin or break the skull

 

A friend of mine described the skull of a bunny as a lightbulb wrapped in orange peel in one of his films, he also said the same in one of his articals for Airgunner Magazine.

 

Phantom