Ballistic Coefficient of Hunting Bullets

The Importance of Bullet Exterior Ballistic Coefficient (BC) in Hunting Ammunition

When it comes to selecting ammunition or bullets for reloading, there’s a crucial factor that often gets overlooked: the bullet’s exterior ballistic coefficient (BC). The BC of a bullet plays a significant role in determining its trajectory, energy, and wind drift, especially at extended ranges relevant to big game or varmint hunting. Choosing a bullet with a high BC can provide hunters with a tremendous advantage in the field, making the difference between a successful hit and a missed shot or ensuring a quick, humane kill on big game.

Nostler Ballistic Tip bullets — **Nosler Ballistic Tip Bullets**

One of the pioneers in producing bullets with high ballistic coefficients was Nosler when they introduced their Ballistic Tip bullet line. Named after “ballistics,” these sharp polymer-tipped bullets are designed with boat tails, which result in flatter trajectories and better energy retention at long distances. Many hunters, including myself, have been relying on these excellent bullets for years, and they have never failed to deliver outstanding performance in hunting situations.

For those new to the term, BC refers to a bullet’s ability to overcome drag. In simple terms, it measures how streamlined the bullet is. Short, fat, flat-nosed bullets generally have lower BC values compared to long, skinny, pointed bullets. While BC may not make a significant difference at close ranges, its impact becomes increasingly noticeable as the distance to the target increases. Modern hunting bullets typically fall within the BC range of 0.180 to 0.650. To achieve a flat trajectory and high energy at long range, look for bullets with a BC of 0.400 or higher. Fortunately, bullet manufacturers and some ammo companies provide BC information on their websites and loading manuals, allowing hunters to make informed choices.

Often, when comparing rifle calibers, shooters focus solely on muzzle velocity or muzzle energy. However, unless you plan to shoot all your game at extremely close ranges, it’s essential to look beyond muzzle velocity and assess how much energy your ammunition can deliver at the typical distances you encounter while hunting. For instance, if your shots are typically between 100 and 250 yards, you’d want to know how well your bullet performs at 250 yards. This information can be obtained through ballistic tables provided by ammunition manufacturers or by using online ballistics calculators for handloads.

Awesafe Gun Safe, Biometric Gun Safe for Pistols*

Awesafe Bedside Gun Safe $99 at AMAZON

Tale of Two Bullets

Let’s compare the trajectory, retained energy, and drift of two .308 Winchester bullets of the same weight and muzzle velocity but with different shapes. The Hornady .308 150 grain round-nosed bullet has a BC of 0.186, while the Hornady .308 150 grain SST (Super Shock Tip) pointed boat tail bullet has a BC of 0.415. The performance data for these two bullets illustrates a dramatic difference, especially at extended ranges. The SST bullet retains almost twice the energy as the round-nosed bullet at 300 yards and experiences only a third of the wind drift.

Additionally, the drop is 50% greater with the round-nosed bullet. To achieve the same performance as the pointed-nose bullet at 300 yards, the round-nosed bullet’s muzzle velocity would need to be increased to an unrealistic 3700 fps. This example highlights the importance of bullet selection and how it can significantly impact the rifle’s effectiveness.

If your hunting buddy is shooting a 300 magnum with round nose bullets, and you are shooting a 308 Winchester using Hornady ammo with SST bullets, who is really holding the “real” magnum? When shooters only look at advertised muzzle velocity, instead of down range retained energy, they can really be fooled about the “power” of their rifle.

Fortunately, there are several excellent bullet options with high BC values available from various manufacturers. For instance, Hornady offers the ELD-X® (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) bullet, featuring high ballistic coefficients and consistent, controlled expansion at all practical hunting distances.

Hornady gives you custom ammo you can not get anywhere else using their own brand of bullets. Their boat tail soft point and SST bullets have very high BC’s. A plus for Hornady is that the ballistic data is printed right on the box. I have shot two large Wild Boars and six deer this year with the Hornady SST bullet in my 308 Winchester and every one when down in their tracks.

Ballistic Coefficient of Hunting Bullets The Hornady ELD-X

Extend your range and never compromise at any distance!

The ELD-X^® (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) bullet is a technologically advanced, match accurate, ALL-RANGE hunting bullet featuring highest-in-class ballistic coefficients and consistent, controlled expansion at ALL practical hunting distances.

Hand loaders can pick any of the bullets, but you may be surprised how many choices the ammo manufactures give you today in factory ammo.

Ballistic Tip® Hunting Ammunition

Nosler has several bullets with high BC, including the Ballistic Tip, Accubond, E-Tip and even Ballistic Tip MZ bullet for muzzle loading rifle. Both bullets for loading and ammo are available in 6mm, 6.5mm,. 270, 7mm,. 30cal and. 338cal.

Ballistic Coefficient of Hunting Bullets Nosler ballistic tip

Every round is visually inspected prior to packaging.
Tapered bullet jacket controls expansion for the ideal balance of penetration and energy transfer.
Proven track-record of accuracy and game-killing terminal performance.

Loaded with Nosler Products

Nosler Brass

Ballistic Tip

Remington gives you several choices including the new Core-Lokt® Tipped ammunition.

BIG GREEN POLYMER TIP – Improves long-range ballistics, in-flight accuracy, and initiates rapid expansion
PROVEN CORE-LOKT JACKET – Tuned for optimal performance on big game
MATCH-GRADE ACCURACY – Center of gravity adjusted rearward to maximize accuracy
POLISHED BRASS – Factory-fresh Remington brass of the highest quality
POWDER – Premier propellent blend specially chosen for optimal performance
PRIMER – Dependable Remington primer for fast and sure ignition

It has the same hard-hitting, deer-dropping performance as original Core-Lokt®, with the added benefit of outstanding flight aerodynamics and incredible accuracy even at extended ranges.

Barnes, known for producing solid copper bullets, offers a variety of options with outstanding BC values for all calibers. The introduction of solid copper bullets has revolutionized the concept of high BC hunting bullets, allowing for better energy retention at longer ranges.

One good thing that has evolved from “Going Green” is the manufacturers’ solid copper bullets, like the Barns X-bullets, Hornady GMX and Nosler E-tip. Solid copper bullets of the same caliber in any given weight are longer than a lead bullet, so if the overall shape is the same, the all copper bullet will have a higher ballistic coefficient. Thus your 150 grain .308 bullet solid copper bullet will retain more energy at longer range. You also have the option of using lighter weight bullets at higher velocity and get the same energy and penetration at longer range.

Federal provides hunters with numerous options, including the Sierra Game King, Nosler Ballistic Tip, Barnes X bullet, as well as Speer & Sierra Varmint bullets.

In conclusion, when choosing ammunition or reloading bullets for hunting, paying attention to the bullet’s exterior ballistic coefficient is essential. The BC impacts trajectory, energy retention, and wind deflection, making it a critical factor in long-range shooting scenarios. Fortunately, there are numerous high BC bullet options available from various manufacturers, ensuring that hunters can find the perfect match for their specific needs and preferences. So, before heading out on your next hunting trip, take some time to research and select the right bullets with high BC values to maximize your shooting performance and increase your chances of a successful and ethical hunt.