NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Ballistic coefficient

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is the mass of the object divided by the diameter squared that it presents to the airflow divided by a dimensionless constant 'i' that relates to the shape.

It is inversely proportional to the deceleration- a high number indicates a low amount of deceleration, so a bullet with a high BC will travel further than one with a low BC.

Since dense materials give more mass for a given volume or cross-section, bullets often employ lead in their construction.

Ballistic coefficient has units of lb/in² or kg/m².

Categories: Projectiles | Aerodynamics | Physics stubs

Results from FactBites:

Ballistic Coefficient (905 words)
	Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is basically a measure of how streamlined a bullet is; that is, how well it cuts through the air.
	Mathematically, it is the ratio of a bullet's sectional density to its coefficient of form.
	Ballistic Coefficient is essentially a measure of air drag.

Hornady (0 words)
	Ballistic coefficients are measures of a bullet's relative efficiency.
	A ballistic coefficient is the measure of a bullet's relative ability to overcome air resistance.
	Ballistic coefficients are calculated not only with reference to a standard projectile, but with reference to standard test conditions as well.

More results at FactBites »

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