The effects of varying target hardness on ricochet angle

Abstract

This project is a study on ricochet characteristics off wooden targets when fired upon by 22 calibre bolt action rifle. A series of experimental testing has been carried out on three different woods chosen to give range of hardness, ranked from the hardest to the softest. Each wood was fired upon at varying angles of incidence until ricochet was observed. In general, the ricochet angle was found to decrease with an increase in target hardness.