There has been some recent discussion on whether some mininum kinetic energy is adequate to define the ethical range of a projectile.I think we all have come to the conclusion that what is good for small-bore high velocity projectiles is too restrictive for a large diameter, more massive projectile at lower velocity. In other words, kinetic energy understates the capacity of muzzleloading projectiles to kill game.

For at least the small bore high-power rifle, though, 800 ft-lbs kinetic energy may be adequate as a measure. We seemed to agree that kinetic-pulse was a better measure to relate a projectiles capacity to kill game, so I set about to attempt to determine a reasonable value of kinetic-pulse which would provide some ethical minimum.

In many states the .243 is the minimum sizedcenter bore rifle legal for deer hunting. At 800 ft. lbs the kinetic pulse of the .243 is approximately 565 kp. So I set out to find at what ranges does the roundball for .45, .50, .54 calibersmarginally exceedthis k.p. They are in the table below. I am curious as to whether there is any agreement, among those that use roundballs, that these ranges are what they may consider to be either the maximum ethical or maximum effective ranges for each caliber.


CaliberMuz Vel Max Range Vel@Rng K.E.@Rng K.P@Rng
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.45 RB 1950 53 yds 1523.4 659.6 570

.50RB 1900 92 yds1237.5594.97572

.54 RB 1850132 yds1044.8545.28 570

All the above ranges have the same K.P as the .243 when the .243 is at 800 ft-lbs. I would appreciate comments from those with experience in hunting thes projectiles whether the table represents the muzzle-velocity for a standard hunting load and whether the range limitations imposed by the minimum KP value are reasonable.

Happy Hunting, Phil