1. What is Ballistic Coefficient?

The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight compared to a standard projectile. It's a key factor in determining trajectory, wind drift, and velocity retention.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ballistic coefficient formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Bullet mass (kg)
• \( d \) — Bullet diameter (m)
• \( i \) — Form factor (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates how efficiently a bullet moves through air by considering its mass relative to its cross-sectional area and aerodynamic shape.

3. Importance of Ballistic Coefficient

Details: Higher BC bullets retain velocity better, experience less wind drift, and drop less at long ranges. This makes them more accurate for long-range shooting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bullet mass in kilograms, diameter in meters, and form factor (typically between 0.5 and 1.5 for most bullets). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good ballistic coefficient value?
A: Generally, higher is better. Modern rifle bullets typically range from 0.2 to over 1.0, with long-range target bullets often above 0.6.

Q2: How does form factor affect BC?
A: The form factor accounts for bullet shape. More aerodynamic bullets (like boat-tail designs) have lower form factors, resulting in higher BC values.

Q3: Why use metric units?
A: The standard BC formula uses metric units (kg and m). For imperial measurements, convert grains to kg and inches to meters before calculation.

Q4: Are there different BC measurement standards?
A: Yes, common standards include G1 (flat-base), G7 (long-range boat-tail), and GL (for very-low-drag bullets). Ensure you're using the correct form factor for your standard.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical BC. Actual BC varies with velocity and atmospheric conditions. Manufacturers often provide more precise BC values based on testing.