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Ballistic Coefficient was last updated: 20091231 0859

Ballistic Coefficient
In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient (BC) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. It is inversely proportional to the deceleration -- high number indicates a low deceleration. BC is a function of mass, diameter, and drag coefficient. It is given by 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 aerodynamics of its shape. Ballistic coefficient has units of lb/in^2 or kg/m^2. Normally BC's are stated in lb/in^2 by gun projectiles producers without referring to this unit.

The formula for calculating the ballistic coefficient for BULLETS ONLY is as follows:

BC = SD/i = M/i*d^2 where:

BC = ballistic coefficient
SD = sectional density, SD = mass of bullet in pounds or kilograms divided by its caliber squared in inches or meters; units are lb/in^2 or kg/m2.

i = form factor, i = Cb/Cg
Cb = Drag coefficient of the bullet
Cg = Drag coefficient of the G1 model bullet
M = Mass of object, lb or kg
d = diameter of the object, (in or m)