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Education

Reloaders' Corner

Build better loads. Read the data. Stay safe at the bench.

Ballistic Terms — Plain English

Velocity (fps)

The speed of the bullet measured in feet per second, typically captured at the muzzle or a fixed distance.

Average Velocity

Mean velocity across a string of shots — the benchmark for load consistency.

Standard Deviation (SD)

Statistical measure of velocity variation. Lower SD = more consistent load. Sub-10 fps is excellent.

Extreme Spread (ES)

Difference between the fastest and slowest shot in the string. Indicates worst-case variance.

Power Factor

Bullet weight (grains) × velocity (fps) ÷ 1000. Used in competition classification.

Energy

Kinetic energy delivered downrange, measured in foot-pounds. Function of mass and velocity squared.

Loads

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Safety Disclaimer

Reloading involves inherent risks. The data, charts, and recipes referenced on this site are for educational purposes only. Always consult current published load data from reputable powder and bullet manufacturers. Start at the minimum charge, work up slowly, and inspect every component. Fire Ammo, LLC assumes no liability for use or misuse of this information.