How is the TKO Factor Computed?

 HOW IS THE TKO FACTOR COMPUTED?

We believe the TKO rating is an important additional consideration of measuring the effectiveness of any close range hunting cartridge. TKO factor directly relates to the deer hunter using a slug gun because slug guns and dangerous game are both normally taken under 100 yards. Dangerous game needs to be taken on the spot to keep the hunter safe. In high population areas where slug guns are used the deer needs to be taken on the spot because if it runs more than 100 yards some other hunter will have your trophy buck!

For the first time we have included the TKO rating (Taylor Knock Out Factor) for every Lightfield Sabot round. We hope this provides you with an invaluable tool to assess Lightfield’s comparative "Stopping Power" to other brands of sabot slug gun ammunition.

The TKO factor was formulated by John Taylor who was a hunter of dangerous big game in Africa in the early 20th centure.  The TKO factor is the holy grail for Safari Club Members.

His formula generated a figure of merit for knock down power for all cartridges. The bigger the number the greater the knock down power.

The TKO factor is found by multiplying the bullets weight (grains) by its velocity (fps) then by its diameter, and dividing that result by 7000.

        EXAMPLE:  Bullet wt (gr) x vel (fps) x bullet dia.
                                                7000

TKO formula applied to the Lightfield Hybred Exp 12ga 23/4".

TKO factor = 530gr x vel. 1450fps.x .625 slug dia. = 480312.5 divided by 7000  TKO = 68


TKO value for the Hybred Exp series.

20ga Hybred - Exp                                                                    TKO = 41

20ga.Hybred Mag-20 3" New in (2009)                                TKO = 44

12ga Hybred – Lites                                                                 TKO = 60

12ga Hybred – Exp                                                                   TKO = 67

12ga Hybred Elite 3" (New in 2008)                                      TKO = 80

TKO Values for the Commander IDS Plus Series (New in 2008)

16ga Commander IDS Plus 1oz (437gr)                             TKO = 66

12ga 3" Commander IDS Plus 1 3/8oz (600gr)                  TKO = 107

12ga 3-1/2' Commander IDS Plus 1/3802 (600gr)            TKO = 115

 Here is an example of one of the new .45 cal. Polymer tip/jacketed pistol bullet used by another manufacturer.

            385 gr. x 1900fPs x .451dia. =329906.5 divided by 7000  equals:  TKO value of 47

Here are some TKO values for some rifle cartridges shown for comparison value only

  • A standard .270 Winchester rifle cartridge

             130 gr x 3100fps x .277 divided by 7000 = 111631 div. by 7000 equals:  TKO value of 16

  • A 300 Win Mag. 200ga.bullet. 3100fps. equals:  TKO value of 27
  • A 460 Weatherby Mag. 500 gr. Bullet at 2480fps. equals:  TKO value of 81
  • A 50 cal. BMG cartridge with a 750 gr. bullet at 2850fps. equals:  TKO value of 152

If you want to have your eyes opened, just do your own comparison on the other jacketed pistol bullets being  used by other sabot slug manufactures.  See why Lightfield sabots are: "The Slugs by Which All Others Slugs are Judged".