What is Ballistic coefficient?
In [[ballistics]], the '''ballistic coefficient''' ('''BC''') of a [[bullet]] is a measure of its ability to overcome [[air resistance]] in flight. A high BC means it will slow down less. It will have more of its speed left when it reaches the target. BC depends on [[mass]], [[diameter]], and [[drag coefficient]]. Ballistic coefficient has units of lb/in² or kg/m². BCs for [[bullet]]s are normally stated in lb/in² by their manufacturers without mentioning a unit. The values for BC can be as low as 0.12 and as high as 1.00 for commonly used bullets. ==Bullet performance== [[File:BC graph.png|thumb|Bullets with higher BC keep more energy as they travel.]] A bullet with a high BC will travel farther than one with a low BC since it will keep its speed better, resist the wind better, and “shoot flatter”.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exteriorballistics.com/ebexplained/5th/221.cfm |title=The Ballistic Coefficient Explained |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-date=2011-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109004138/http://www.exteriorballistics.com/ebexplained/5th/221.cfm |url-status=dead }}</ref> When hunting with a rifle, a higher BC is good for several reasons. A higher BC results in a flatter flight. The effect of mistakes in estimating the distance to the target is smaller for bullet with a higher BC. This is important when attempting an effective hit on an animal. If the target animal is closer than estimated, then the bullet will hit higher than expected. On the other hand, if the animal is further than estimated the bullet will hit lower than expected. Such a difference in bullet drop can make the difference between a clean kill and a [[Wound|wounded]] animal. This difference in flight path is more important at longer distances. Sometimes, the difference in two bullet designs fired from the same rifle can result in a difference between the two of over 30&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;foot) at 500 meters (550 yards). A bullet with a high BC arrives at the target faster and with more energy than one with