ballistic coefficient

The ballistic coefficient (BC) measures how efficiently a projectile travels through the air. A higher BC means the bullet is streamlined and retains its velocity better over distance, making it less affected by wind and drop. Conversely, a lower BC indicates a less aerodynamic shape that slows down more quickly. Think of BC as an indicator of a bullet’s ability to cut through the air smoothly, helping shooters predict accuracy and energy transfer over long distances. It’s a key factor in ballistics for understanding how a bullet behaves when fired.