The term "high power rifle", a question

[Raptor77]

I am relatively well versed with firearms but was recently wondering, what is a defining parameter for a rifle being "high power"? A quick internet search said "anything with a muzzle velocity over 2000 fps". I found this to be unsatisfactory as I had some factory 50g 9mm pistol ammo with greater than 2000 fps. and velocity doesn't sound like power as much as muzzle energy would. I would definitely not consider 22lr as high power, and would definitely consider 300 win mag or 7 rem mag to be high power. But what about cartridges such as 223/556, 308, the creedmoors or even 30-30?

I was just curious.
Thanks all

 

[alamo5000]

Anything Democrats don't like.

Kind of subjective but still true.

 

[roostercogburn98]

I’m running a 25 grain bullet at 4017 fps. Is that high power enough?

 

[ma smith]

I am relatively well versed with firearms but was recently wondering, what is a defining parameter for a rifle being "high power"?

NRA uses this language, AFAIK This is just jargon.The main use case for NRA is classifying non-high-power rifles like small-bore (Rimfire), lever action, pistol and other straightwall cases. Thos are all not generally consider high-power, and might for example have different ranges with different target designs. You typically wouldn't shoot high powered rifles on rimfire or lever action ranges/targets, since they will be damaged.

[ETA- High power when discussing cartridges, it typicallys used for for high-pressure (bottleneck) cartridge designs, shooting supersonic loads etc. Speeds are typically 2200+. For pistol rounds, most are not high power by spec. Maybe some could be similar to rifle rounds, possibly 5.7x28 and 221 fireball, etc. since they are pretty fast and use bottleneck designs.]

 

[Raptor77]

so, similar to the term "magnum". A relative term. Thanks fellas

 

[Old Man with Gun]

I think it may date back to when most cartridges were based on black powder. The cartridges that use modern smokeless powder operate at a much higher pressure.

 

[pronelife]

NRA High Power Competition definition and rules

https://competitions.nra.org/media/8913/2023-high-power-rifle-rules.pdf

 

[hlee]

I generally do t think of 30-30 win when I hear “high power rifle,” but AR-15s in 223/5.56 are the most common rifles in NRA highpower competition. But, a typical 30-30 load has about 50% more muzzle energy than M193…