Lena Torres
The speed of a bullet depends on several factors, including the type of firearm, the cartridge, and the barrel length. Bullets fired from rifles, which have longer barrels, can generally reach a higher velocity than those fired from handguns. Modern rifles can impart a velocity of about 900 m/s to a bullet, which is around three times the speed of sound in air (340 m/s). Even taking air friction into account, bullets typically travel faster than sound, and their small size and aerodynamic shape prevent them from creating a noticeable sonic boom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed of sound | 340 m/s or 1,127 km/h |
| Speed of bullets | 120 m/s to 370 m/s in black powder muskets |
| 1,200 m/s or more in modern rifles | |
| 1,700 m/s in tank guns | |
| Sonic boom | Smaller than that of a jet engine |
| Covered by the sound of the firearm | |
| Muzzle velocity | Highest when the bullet leaves the muzzle |
| Decreases due to air resistance | |
| Barrel length | Longer barrels generally provide higher velocities |
| Rifled barrels have spiral twists to spin and stabilise the bullet |
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Bullet muzzle velocity
Muzzle velocity is the speed of a projectile (in this case, a bullet) with respect to the muzzle at the moment it leaves the end of a gun's barrel. It is measured in feet per second ("fps") or meters per second ("mps" or "m/s"). The velocity of a projectile is always fastest when it leaves the barrel, and it drops off steadily due to air resistance.
The muzzle velocity of a bullet is determined by several factors, including the type of firearm, the cartridge, the barrel length, the quantity of the propellant, its quality (in terms of chemical burn speed and expansion), and the mass of the projectile. Longer barrels generally provide higher velocities, as they give the propellant force more time to work on propelling the bullet. However, there is a trade-off between barrel length and projectile mass, as a slower-burning propellant needs a longer barrel to finish its burn but can use a heavier projectile.
The muzzle velocity of bullets can vary significantly depending on the type of firearm and ammunition used. For example, firearm muzzle velocities can range from approximately 120 m/s (390 ft/s) in black powder muskets to more than 1,200 m/s (3,900 ft/s) in modern rifles with high-velocity cartridges. Tank guns firing kinetic energy penetrator ammunition can achieve muzzle velocities of up to 1,700 m/s (5,600 ft/s).
A higher muzzle velocity can provide several advantages, such as a straighter trajectory and increased energy transferred to the target. However, there can also be disadvantages, such as increased recoil and the need for more energy to launch larger bullets at high speeds. Additionally, there may be minimum velocity requirements for certain types of bullets, such as expanding bullets, to function effectively.
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Sonic boom
A sonic boom is a sound associated with shock waves created when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound. The speed of sound in air is about 340 m/s. Modern rifles can impart a velocity of about 900 m/s to a bullet, which is about three times the speed of sound. Thus, bullets do fly faster than sound and create a sonic boom. However, the sonic boom created by bullets is much smaller than that of a jet engine. This is because bullets are normally traveling at their fastest as they leave the barrel of the gun, so the sonic boom is generally covered by the firearm's bang.
The crack of a supersonic bullet passing overhead or the crack of a bullwhip are examples of small sonic booms. Sonic booms due to large supersonic aircraft can be particularly loud and startling, often awakening people, and may even cause minor damage to some structures. This led to the prohibition of routine supersonic flight overland. Although sonic booms cannot be completely prevented, research suggests that with careful shaping of the vehicle, the nuisance due to sonic booms may be reduced to the point that overland supersonic flight may become a feasible option.
The power or volume of the shock wave depends on the quantity of air that is being accelerated, and thus the size and shape of the aircraft. As the aircraft increases speed, the shock cone gets tighter around the craft and becomes weaker to the point that at very high speeds and altitudes, no boom is heard. The "length" of the boom from front to back depends on the length of the aircraft to the power of 3/2. Longer aircraft, therefore, "spread out" their booms more than smaller ones, which leads to a less powerful boom. Several smaller shock waves can and usually do form at other points on the aircraft, primarily at any convex points, or curves, the leading wing edge, and especially the inlet to engines.
For today's supersonic aircraft in normal operating conditions, the peak overpressure varies from less than 50 to 500 Pa (1 to 10 psf) for an N-wave boom. Peak overpressures for U-waves are amplified two to five times the N-wave, but this amplified overpressure impacts only a very small area when compared to the area exposed to the rest of the sonic boom. The strongest sonic boom ever recorded was 7,000 Pa (144 psf) and it did not cause injury to the researchers who were exposed to it. The boom was produced by an F-4 flying just above the speed of sound at an altitude of 100 feet (30 m). In recent tests, the maximum boom measured during more realistic flight conditions was 1,010 Pa (21 psf). There is a probability that some damage—shattered glass, for example—will result from a sonic boom. Buildings in good condition should suffer no damage by pressures of 530 Pa (11 psf) or less. Typically, community exposure to sonic boom is below 100 Pa (2 psf).
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Barrel length
The relationship between barrel length and bullet velocity is a complex one, with many variables at play. The general consensus is that longer barrels produce higher bullet speeds. This is true for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. However, this relationship is not linear, and there are limits to this rule. For example, if a barrel is too long, the bullet can start to slow down before it exits the barrel.
Tests have been conducted to understand this relationship better, often by using one load and cutting the barrel by one inch at a time, then measuring the velocity at each length. Results from these tests show that increasing the barrel length by one inch can change velocity by about 50 feet per second (fps). However, this is just a general guide, and actual results may vary. For example, increasing the barrel length from 4.0 to 4.25 inches resulted in only an 8 fps increase.
The type of load also plays a significant role in the relationship between barrel length and velocity. Some loads need more barrel length to deliver maximum performance, while others may show minimal increases in velocity despite an increase in barrel length. This is because different types of gunpowder burn at different rates, with some reaching peak pressure and velocity faster than others.
Additionally, variations in chamber dimensions and other specifications can also impact velocity. Two guns with the same barrel length can produce different velocities with the same ammunition due to these differences. Therefore, it is challenging to make blanket predictions about how barrel length affects velocity, as each gun and load combination can produce unique results.
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Aerodynamics
The speed of a bullet depends on several factors, including the type of firearm, the cartridge, and the barrel length. For example, a bullet fired from a rifle, which has a longer barrel, can reach a higher velocity than a handgun. Longer barrels give the propellant force more time to work on propelling the bullet. The bullet's velocity is highest when leaving the muzzle and decreases steadily due to air resistance.
The speed of sound is about 340 m/s or 1,127 km/h. Modern rifles can impart a velocity of about 900 m/s to a bullet, which is around three times the speed of sound. Even with air friction considered, a bullet will generally travel faster than sound.
Some bullets travel faster than sound, and others slower. Most modern guns can exceed the speed of sound, with muzzle velocities of over 1,000 m/s. However, some guns, such as old-fashioned or high-calibre, fire at speeds of around 250-350 m/s, which is below the speed of sound.
Bullets do create a sonic boom, but it is much smaller than that of a jet engine. The reason the sonic boom is often not heard is that bullets are very aerodynamic and do not build up pressure in front of them. The crack of a bullet breaking the sound barrier can sometimes be heard, especially with suppressed weapons, where sub-sonic rounds are used.
The speed of bullets is also influenced by their mass, diameter, and grain charge. Bullets with a relatively large mass, diameter, and low grain charge tend to be slower, while those with smaller diameters and larger charges are faster.
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Bullet calibre
In the United States, calibre is expressed in hundredths of an inch, whereas in the United Kingdom, it is expressed in thousandths. A US "45-calibre" firearm has a barrel diameter of roughly 0.45 inches (11.43mm).
The calibre of a bullet is a significant factor in its performance. Using bullets that are larger than the specified calibre can cause excessive pressure, while using undersized bullets can result in low pressures, insufficient muzzle velocities, and fouling, which can also lead to excessive pressures over time.
The "twenty-two" long rifle, also known as ".22LR", is the most common calibre in terms of units sold. It has a bullet weight of around 30 to 40 grains and is extremely mild to shoot in both pistols and rifles. Its recoil is almost non-existent, making it a great starter round for beginners.
The 9mm bullet, also known as the "9x19mm Parabellum" or "9mm Luger", is another popular calibre. It has the same diameter as the bullet used in the .380 and the .38 Special, but the difference lies in the amount of gunpowder used and the bullet weight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most modern guns can fire bullets at over 1,000 m/s (Mach 3), which is much faster than the speed of sound.
Bullets do create a sonic boom, but it is much smaller than that of a jet engine. The sonic boom is usually covered by the sound of the firearm being discharged.
Muzzle velocity is the speed of a projectile (bullet, pellet, slug, ball/shots or shell) with respect to the muzzle at the moment it leaves the end of a gun's barrel.
