What Is Ballistic Coefficient (BC)? A Plain-English Guide
May 15, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
Ballistic coefficient (BC) shows up on every box of precision ammo. It's a single number that predicts how well a bullet fights drag — and it matters most at distance.
What BC measures
BC is a measure of how aerodynamic a bullet is — how well it retains velocity against air resistance. Higher BC = less drop, less wind drift, and more retained energy downrange. Long, heavy, sleek (boat-tail) bullets have high BCs.
When it matters
At short range, BC barely matters — any bullet shoots flat enough. As distance grows (past ~300–400 yards), high-BC bullets pull ahead dramatically in wind and drop, which is why long-range and precision shooters obsess over it. You'll also see G1 vs G7 BCs — G7 is a better model for modern long-range bullets.
High-BC cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor are popular for exactly this reason — see our 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 comparison. Pair with match-grade ammo for best results.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good ballistic coefficient?
Higher is better. For long-range rifle bullets, G1 BCs above ~0.5 (or G7 above ~0.25) are considered high and resist wind/drop well. At short range, BC barely matters.
Does ballistic coefficient matter for hunting?
Mostly at longer range. Inside a few hundred yards almost any bullet shoots flat enough; past that, high-BC bullets drift and drop noticeably less.
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