The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a dimensionless number that represents a projectile's ability to overcome air resistance during flight. It's one of the most important factors in external ballistics, combining the projectile's mass, diameter, and aerodynamic shape into a single value that predicts how well it will maintain velocity over distance.
Developed in the late 19th century by artillery experts and ballistics researchers, the ballistic coefficient concept emerged from the need to standardize projectile performance measurements across different weapons systems. Early work by Francis Bashforth in England and other European ballisticians laid the groundwork for modern BC calculations, which remain fundamentally unchanged today.
Understanding BC is crucial for anyone involved in precision shooting, whether for competition, hunting, or military applications. A projectile with a higher BC will retain more of its initial velocity over longer distances, resulting in flatter trajectories, less wind drift, and better energy retention at the target.
Key Benefits of High BC Projectiles:
- Flatter trajectory over long distances
- Reduced wind drift and environmental sensitivity
- Better energy retention for terminal performance
- More predictable flight characteristics
- Extended effective range capabilities