BC & Bullet Selection with ML’ing
Over time the option of bullet selection for ML’ing has really expanded given the shooter many more choices to choose from. Regardless of your choice whether for targets, different size animals or velocity range you want to work in, a key factor for some may be the bullet’s BC. Knowing a bullets true BC and the actual velocity you are producing there are computer programs that can tell you the bullets velocity at a given range, remaining ft-lbs of energy and the trajectory (bullet drop) over a given range. To some who do extended range shooting this is useful information.
In most cases if you are shooting less than 100yds a bullet’s BC is not a strong determining factor as much as ft-lbs of energy for delivering an accurate lethal hit. But as we increase our range we find knowing a bullets flight reaction determined by its actual BC is more important to us for making a good shot.
The easiest way to understand BC is a numerical value that represents the ease at which a bullet moves through air. Yes there are factors that alter a bullet’s assigned BC such as altitude for example where the air is less or more dense.
For a hunters purpose we just need to know the value of the BC for our given hunting condition so we can accurately allow or calculate for bullet drop at a given distance.
I for one found published BC’s for given bullets are not as accurate as I need/expect them to be. Only actual testing at different ranges and using the produced flight trajectory can the actual BC for my shooting condition be determined. This also goes the same for most CF rifle loads.
I’m no shooting expert or perfectionist by any means but I can reduce the error for accuracy by knowing the real BC of a bullet. One piece of equipment that helps in this area is a chronograph to verify velocities. IMO this is one of the best choices for equipment to invest in if you’re are a serious shooter or hunter.
Yeah I know many will say that it is a pain in the butt to setup, not accurate under certain weather conditions and awkward for range setup when other shooters are around. Then there is the initial cost investment that some feel isn’t worth it. For me having a chronograph for load data and possible diagnostic for some problems that you may encounter is a priceless piece of equipment.
This post is not meant to direct anyone to change their way of shooting but add some awareness that may prove helpful to someone else.
Ed
