Rick,
The amount of total energy used to produce the same velocity, in the same bore diameter, for the same mass of the ejecta (weight of powder, weight of wad, and weight of payload) will be the same. What we are most concerned with is the peak pressure developed.
The elasticity of lead spreads out the total pressure so that less peak pressure in produced. Think of this like a gas operated autoloading shotgun that "spreads" out the recoil over a longer period of time making the recoil or "kick" seem less. The total energy of the recoil over time is the same for a gass gun as for a fixed breach. The gas gun just doesn't kick as much at once!
Mark
__________________
Don't hunt with a gun that will embarrass your dog!
USMC Retired
USMC Distinguished Marksman
USMC Distinguished Pistol Shot
NRA Benefactor - Ring of Freedom member
|