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Taylor KO Factor:
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The Taylor KO Factor is a formula developed by John "Pondoro" Taylor to estimate the stopping power of a bullet. It considers mass, velocity, and diameter to provide a dimensionless value that indicates a bullet's effectiveness.
The calculator uses the Taylor KO Factor equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation combines these three factors to produce a dimensionless number that represents the bullet's potential stopping power.
Details: Understanding stopping power is crucial for hunters, law enforcement, and ballistic enthusiasts to evaluate ammunition effectiveness and make informed choices about firearm selection.
Tips: Enter mass in grains, velocity in ft/s, and diameter in inches. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is considered a good stopping power value?
A: Generally, higher values indicate better stopping power. Values above 15-20 are considered effective for hunting medium game, while values above 25-30 are preferred for larger game.
Q2: How does bullet design affect stopping power?
A: While the Taylor formula uses basic parameters, actual performance also depends on bullet construction, expansion characteristics, and shot placement.
Q3: Is the Taylor KO Factor applicable to all calibers?
A: The formula works best for comparing similar bullet types and calibers. It's most accurate for solid and expanding bullets within common hunting calibers.
Q4: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The formula doesn't account for bullet expansion, penetration depth, or energy transfer efficiency. It should be used as a comparative tool rather than an absolute measure.
Q5: How does this compare to other stopping power formulas?
A: The Taylor KO Factor is one of several formulas (including Hatcher, Thorniley, etc.) each with different emphasis on various ballistic parameters.