Free Recoil Energy Calculator

Compare physical free-recoil energy by firearm weight, projectile, velocity, and powder charge.

This page explains a feature of the SC Ballistics app for Android and iOS. The calculation runs in the app, not in the browser.

Access in the app: Available to PRO subscribers.

Result in the app

01Free-recoil energy in joules and ft-lb
02Momentum values
03Plain-language interpretation

Overview

What it does

Compare physical free-recoil energy by firearm weight, projectile, velocity, and powder charge.

This guide covers the Free Recoil Energy Calculator workflow in SC Ballistics, including required values, units, results, and the actions available after calculation.

Tool workflow

Inputs and results

What you enter

Firearm type, barrel length, and weight
Projectile weight and velocity
Powder charge and measurement units

What the app returns

Free-recoil energy in joules and ft-lb
Momentum values
Plain-language interpretation

Tutorial in the app

How to use it in SC Ballistics

Example: an 8.5 lb .308 rifle, 150 gr bullet at 2800 fps and 46 gr of powder.

01
Open the tool
In the app, open the FRE Calculator (PRO). The screen starts empty, ready for your data.
02
Firearm and load
Firearm type, firearm weight, bullet weight, velocity and powder charge, each with its unit.
03
Recoil energy
Tap Calculate: about 14 ft·lb (19 J) with a plain-language reading. It is an estimate for comparing loads and firearms.

Before you finish

Good practices

Check measurement units and source data before calculating.
Follow range safety procedures and verify technical data with responsible manufacturers.

SC Ballistics is a support tool. Check all inputs, follow range safety procedures, and validate technical information with responsible sources and manufacturers.

Continue in the catalog