{"id":32,"date":"2017-05-17T03:08:47","date_gmt":"2017-05-17T03:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/?p=32"},"modified":"2021-06-02T19:51:02","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T19:51:02","slug":"what-is-power-factor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/what-is-power-factor\/","title":{"rendered":"Power Factor – What Is It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been around handgun shooting, or read any of the popular shooting magazines, you\u2019ve probably heard the words \u201cPower Factor.\u201d\u00a0 You may have wondered what it is, how it\u2019s measured, and if it’s really so important that you need to learn more about it.<\/p>\n

If you are a competitive handgun shooter competing in USPSA, IDPA, or ICORE matches, you probably know all about it.\u00a0 Quite simply, it\u2019s a measure of the power of the ammunition you are shooting.\u00a0 It can be measured, whether you are shooting factory ammo, or loading your own ammo at home.\u00a0 All you need is a scale to weigh your bullet, and a chronograph<\/a> to measure the speed of the bullet as it travels downrange.<\/p>\n

What is Power Factor?<\/h2>\n

Power Factor Equation: Bullet Weight x Bullet Speed<\/h3>\n

\"You'll<\/p>\n

Power factor is measured as a number, like 125 or 165. It\u2019s simply the weight of the bullet in grains, multiplied by the speed of the bullet in feet per second.<\/p>\n

Example: A .45 ACP round with a 200 grain SWC bullet might travel downrange at 850 fps. The Power Factor of that load would be 200 X 850 = 170,000. The last three numbers are dropped for simplicity, and the power factor is 170.<\/p>\n

Another example: A 9mm round with a 124 grain bullet traveling 1,150 feet per second. The power factor would be 124 X 1,150 = 142,600, or a power factor of 142.<\/p>\n

Power Factor Explained – Why We Use It<\/h3>\n

The basic reason that we want to be able to measure power factor all comes down to one word \u2013 RECOIL!<\/p>\n

Recoil is how much the gun \u201ckicks\u201d when you pull the trigger.\u00a0 While differences like gun design or weight of the gun can affect how much it kicks, a simple rule of thumb is that the higher number of power factor you have, the more your load will kick when fired.\u00a0 This is especially important in action pistol competition, where second and third follow-up shots take longer if you have more recoil to control.\u00a0 That\u2019s why, to even the playing field, most competitors are always competing against others with similar types of guns, and similar power levels of ammunition.<\/p>\n

While this power factor number is usually discussed in regard to competitive shooting, it can have some applications in self-defense ammo loading also.\u00a0 A higher power factor of ammo might be more effective in a self-defense situation than a lower power factor.\u00a0 However, other factors come into play, like bullet design (JHP vs. FMJ) and the actual diameter of the bullet as it enters the target.<\/p>\n

If power factor is relevant to you, there\u2019s a good chance that you are a competitive handgun shooter competing in USPSA, IDPA, or ICORE matches.\u00a0 These three organizations each have many thousands of US members, and each organization holds shooting tournaments at local area gun clubs virtually every week of the year.\u00a0 If you want to move beyond simple plinking and target shooting, contacting one of these groups is a great place to start!\u00a0 Below, we will discuss each of the organizations, what types of weapons are used in them, and what power factors are needed in the various classes within each organization.<\/p>\n

IDPA Power Factor<\/h2>\n

The International Defensive Pistol Association uses a minimum required power factor for its divisions.<\/p>\n