I suppose I've alwaysfactored inthe 800ft.lbs rule but in truth much, muchless kinetic energy is needed for actual killing power. All things being equal with a given projectile (which we all know is not the case).

Consider that bow huntingin the best case velocity (300ish fps)is less than 100 ftlbs. of kinetic energy with the average weight arrow of say 4-500grains (muchless depending on the fps of the bowand the weight ofthe arrow). Granted the broadhead comes into play and is a crucial factor but the kinetic enegery with a bow is very low as compared to a ML.

I'm not saying that folks should start hunting deer+with purposly light loads, but at one point in time the rule was approximately the amount of BP in relation to the caliber of the rifle. e.g. 50cal=50Gr powder.

M2C,

Tahquamenon