What do velocity, energy and ballistic coefficient tell us?
Velocity describes how fast a bullet moves and is stated in metres per second. Kinetic energy is stated in joules and depends on both mass and velocity. Bullets with different weights and speeds can therefore have similar energy values.
Velocity describes how fast a bullet moves and is stated in metres per second. Kinetic energy is stated in joules and depends on both mass and velocity. Bullets with different weights and speeds can therefore have similar energy values.
Both figures apply at a particular measurement point. A muzzle value does not tell us the value later in flight. Air resistance slows the bullet down. The ballistic coefficient, or BC, describes this slowing compared with a defined reference shape. Common reference models are G1 and G7. Their numbers are not directly comparable. The velocity range considered can also affect the BC.
A high BC is not a general quality seal. It measures neither manufacturing quality nor the bullet’s precision or stability. A useful comparison therefore states the model, measurement method and test conditions. Where several measurements are available, the variation between individual results also matters.