Behavior of projectiles in flight.
External ballistics is the study of a projectile's flight from the moment it exits the barrel of a firearm to the moment it hits the target. This field of study is crucial for long range shooting as it helps shooters understand and predict how a bullet will behave once it leaves the firearm, allowing them to make necessary adjustments for accurate shots.
The trajectory of a bullet is the path it takes from the barrel to the target. Contrary to popular belief, a bullet does not follow a straight line. Instead, it follows a curved path known as a parabolic trajectory. This is due to the force of gravity pulling the bullet downwards as it travels. Understanding this trajectory is crucial for long range shooting as it allows shooters to adjust their aim to account for bullet drop.
Bullet velocity refers to the speed at which a bullet travels. It is usually measured in feet per second (fps). The velocity of a bullet can affect its trajectory and its ability to penetrate the target. Higher velocity bullets tend to have flatter trajectories and greater penetration. However, velocity decreases as the bullet travels due to air resistance, also known as drag.
Bullet energy, often measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs), is a measure of the bullet's potential to do work, which in this case is the ability to penetrate the target. It is determined by the bullet's mass and velocity. As the bullet travels and loses velocity, it also loses energy. This is why bullets are less effective at longer ranges.
Gravity and drag are the two main forces acting on a bullet once it leaves the barrel. Gravity constantly pulls the bullet downwards, causing it to follow a curved path. Drag, or air resistance, slows the bullet down as it travels, reducing its velocity and energy. Understanding these forces is crucial for long range shooting as they significantly affect the bullet's trajectory and effectiveness.
The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. It is determined by the bullet's weight, diameter, and shape. Bullets with higher BCs are more aerodynamic and retain their velocity and energy better, making them more effective at long ranges. Therefore, choosing bullets with high BCs is often recommended for long range shooting.
In conclusion, understanding external ballistics is crucial for long range shooting. It allows shooters to predict how a bullet will behave once it leaves the firearm and make necessary adjustments for accurate shots. By studying bullet trajectory, velocity, energy, the effects of gravity and drag, and the importance of ballistic coefficient, shooters can significantly improve their long range shooting skills.