AmmoRaccoon

Power Factor Calculator

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Power Factor is a ballistic metric used by USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and other action-shooting sports to qualify ammunition for competition. Loads must meet a minimum PF to score in a given division — Major scoring rewards heavier-recoiling loads with more lenient hit-zone scoring.

Power Factor
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Enter bullet weight and muzzle velocity above to calculate Power Factor.

Division floors

Sport / DivisionMin PFNotesStatus
USPSA Major165Major scoring on hits outside the A-zone
USPSA Minor125Minimum to compete in any USPSA division
IDPA125No Major/Minor distinction in current rules
PCC (USPSA)125Pistol Caliber Carbine division
Steel Challenge100Lowest sanctioned floor
Formula: PF = (bullet weight in grains × muzzle velocity in fps) ÷ 1000, floored to a whole number. At sanctioned matches, the chrono officer averages multiple shots and applies the same math; competitors typically aim 5-10 PF over the floor to leave headroom for cold-bore variance.