Quote:
Originally Posted by SirLance
Good question, it depends on the muzzle velocity, you will lose some energy to the air (and the 2nd law) but it will be close to the velocity at which it left the barrel.
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Sorry, Lance, but this is not true. It is a giant "it depends." If the round is carrying a ballistic trajectory and does not lose its rifling spin, then it is extremely dangerous. However, a round that goes straight up will lose it's ballistic trajectory and tumble to the ground. It will reach terminal velocity and plunk you in the head. I believe it's terminal velocity will be the equivalent of the speed as if you dropped it from around 30 feet or so. In short, it will leave a lump, but won't kill an adult. HOWEVER, a round can maintain a ballistic trajectory even at very high angles of fire, those puppies kill people all the time.
Shooting into the air is TV cowboy shit. Don't do it. You are responsible for every round leaving your weapon.