Why Does Ballistic Coefficient Improve With Heavier Bullets?

by
posted on May 25, 2019
bc-qanda1.jpg
A reader submitted a question about why heavier bullets have an improved ballistic coefficient (BC) over ones that weigh lesseven with identical designs.

Q. I’ve begun reloading and have noticed the ballistic coefficient of identical-diameter bullets (.223 Remington in my case) increase with heavier bullets. With identical designs and same frontal area being pushed through the air, it doesn’t seem to make sense. Why does the ballistic coefficient improve with more weight?

A. All other things being equal, the added weight increases the bullet’s length and the sectional density of a bullet. Basically, that means less wind drift. Bullet mass plays a part in wind drift and for a competitive shooter, that’s probably enemy number one.
—Paul Box, ballistic technician, Sierra Bullets

The Sierra Bullets Blog also has a wealth of useful information on this subject. For example, the "Bullet Selection 101" article has helpful tips for selecting projectiles with regards to BC characteristics. Although it is a few years old, the information within is still relevant. See below for an excerpt.

"Sheer accuracy of a bullet with low ballistic coefficient characteristics can be outperformed by a slightly less accurate bullet in your gun system. If the bullet has a higher ballistic coefficient design and the wind conditions cause the less efficient bullet to drift enough more to overcome the accuracy differentiation you will experience better groups or higher scores with the slightly less accurate yet more efficient bullet."

Another great resource is the series of articles that our friends at Applied Ballistics have available for free on their website. You can learn more about these articles here. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee (or a beer), because you are probably going to want to read all 37 of them.

Please submit your questions to [email protected].


Lead photo (Berger 175-grain Tactical .308 Win.) courtesy of Applied Ballistics.

Latest

1961 National Matches 5
1961 National Matches 5

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

$50,000 Total Prize Purse At Inaugural Florida Shooters Cup

Apex Shooting Center is hosting the inaugural Florida Shooters Cup Tournament in January 2025 with $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.