Does Ballistic Coefficient Matter For Hunting?

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In this video, I reveal the truth about Bullet B.C. Bottom line: don’t pretend that bullet B.C. means nothing. It means a lot and in this video, you will see it for yourself. Follow us for more videos on ballistic coefficient.
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Website: ronspomeroutdoors.com/
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

That's it. From now on, I'm doing all of my hunting and shooting in space.

[@johnturner5893]

Or get really close to the game. Humanity has survived without 500 yards shots..

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

Sorry to spoil your party, but there's no game in outer space.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

@@johanrunfeldt7174 It was a joke.

[@riclindsey329]

@@johnturner5893 I have a decent collection of deer rifles of various calibers,,and yet,for the last 25 years I've mainly used an iron sight muzzleloader or a handgun,,I find it more challenging and rewarding...

[@oldschooljack3479]

It's important to remember that there is something of a trade-off... A higher B.C. projectile will usually require a faster twist rate to be stable in flight... Know your barrel's twist before you just up and decide to buy high BC bullets. If your twist rate is too slow the bullets won't stabilize and you'll be worse off than you were with a lower BC bullet.

[@beyondtwominutes]

If reloading that is why the pit on the bullet containers a minimum twist rate.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

it isn't the BC that drives the twist rate, it's the mass and length. BC is just a byproduct of those 2. for example, I do not need a higher twist rate in my 308 to fire Hornady ELD-X 178 gr than I do to fire Speer Gold Dot 168 gr, the latter of which has a higher BC than the former. a 10" twist is more than sufficient to handle all 308 bullets up to 190 grains, maybe even higher than that. some of those are high BC bullets, some of them not so much. All else being equal, heavier = longer, which = higher BC, but not always.

[@dg20120]

Berger Bullets has a nice twist rate stability calculator that takes bullet weight and length into account along with twist rate, velocity, altitude and temperature.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I reload for all my firearms. I am not a long range shooter so the bc of a bullet doesn't matter at all to me. At an ethical shooting distance, 400 yards and nearer, the sectional density of the bullet is just as important. Mass can be key.

[@dougi1967]

Ron: "they do some fancy hocus pocus thing...." now I get it lol

[@kendrickjadiel7664]

You all prolly dont care at all but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can offer me.

[@jasiahbenedict828]

@Kendrick Jadiel Instablaster ;)

[@kendrickjadiel7664]

@Jasiah Benedict Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@kendrickjadiel7664]

@Jasiah Benedict it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out !

[@jasiahbenedict828]

@Kendrick Jadiel no problem :D

[@gerry6.8]

As a resident of B.C. I was a bit disappointed ;) Really like your channel though!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

And I like your Province! Mountain goats, Stone's sheep, moose, geese, mallards... I've had some grand hunts up there.

[@gerry6.8]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors I've managed to take all of those on your list and a few others too so have been definitely blessed. On a side note the new 6.8 Western is exactly what I have been looking for, mild recoil and plenty of power for even moose. Thanks for your in depth comparisons on it and other rounds as well.

[@maximpestsolutions3696]

Thank you Ron 👌. You're the Best 👍. Cheers 🙏 from 🇨🇦.

[@robertpatter5509]

Two excellent loads in .300 Win Mag are - Hornady Precision Hunter 200gr ELD-X .597 BC - Federal Terminal Ascent 200gr. .608 BC Both have a good G1 BC,but the Federal Terminal Ascent load has a much higher BC than the Hornady. Good for longer ranges for sure.

[@couespursuit7350]

'Hides the drag in the slip stream" great way to describe it.

[@mdell4959]

Nice video and good explanation. But I have much more enjoyment out of a well executed stalk and a shot at 200 yds than I do at pulling off a long shot. I've done both. Just enjoy the stalk more and with that in mind the B.C. means nothing

[@F14Goose37]

So you would never take a longer shot? Even if you had a massive deer/elk/sheep/whatever working its way away from you, it is getting late in the afternoon,you are getting further and further from camp, and you have a great longer shot that you are still very comfortable taking? I am not trying to tell you your mentality is wrong or anything. We all come to out own conclusions about how to hunt after gaining our own experience. My thought is I would rather shoot a good bullet that does not give me limitations within my shooting ability and what I consider ethical shooting distances, which is why my current load is capable and tested well beyond any shot I have actually taken on an animal. I tend to agree that getting close is more fun though. I have only hunted with a rifle once in the last three years since I picked up a bow, which includes times when I had a general tag in my pocket (can hunt with any method if take that is legal for the species in the regs). My mentality for arrows is the same. I don't shoot further than 65 yards even though I am very capable of shooting good groups beyond that (time of flight of the arrow and the animal's potential movement is my biggest concern), but my arrows are built to make sure that a less than perfect shot on that animal at 65 yards still has a good chance at killing the animal efficiently. That's why I use heavy arrows that are optimized to be somewhere between the peak kinetic energy and peak momentum weight (577 grains is my current setup) for my bow, a reasonably high front of center (13%) and is capped with a sharp, non-vented two or three blade broadhead (I used to use three blades, but am shifting slowly to two blades). It just makes sense to figure out what the most extreme situation I would be willing to take a shot is then build my arrow or cartrige for that situation, and it will still be effective in less extreme circumatances.

[@johnturner5893]

Some hunters are great "snipers" others just remain hunters. Never cared about packing food back home. I don't even like 90% of game meat. . Always cared about getting close to an animal and outplaying it. Never taken a shot further than 200 yards at an animal. But it's just me.

[@tealtazmanian966]

@@F14Goose37 Nicely said and I agree 100% with your approach. I too reload for those long shots for ALL my rifles and use that as my base. If I am able and have the time I thoroughly enjoy the stalk but if it's getting later in the season or daylight is fading I have 98% (There's no such thing as a 100% shot) confidence and ability to take my meat home out to about 550 yards with a HUMANE ONE SHOT KILL. I just don't shoot out any farther than that...Wind can drift in and out of those canyons and seen complete misses so being responsible that 550 yard marker is MY LIMIT. Others can have what ever limit they choose but my point is that I have the ability and confidence to take my meat home out to that 550 yard distance IF I NEED TO. Besides, I just enjoy still being able to even be out Hunting at 72yrs old. I'll continue to hunt as long as I know I can pack out my entire animal without relying on anyone else. I may use my 4 wheeler but who doesn't? Hunting is our right and should be done responsibly so I reload to get the best accuracy out of my Rifles and that takes some experimental loads to get just the right combination and consistency. Like you I now and again still Bow Hunt. With the technology of today's equipment 90 yard shots are not uncommon. My Cousin is much better than me and he took a nice Spike Bull with a measured distance of 108 yards. The Bull ran about 25 yards and dropped dead...that is one I witnessed and we were both elated at that distance because I thought it was much less than that actual distance....sorry but I STILL get excited even remembering that shot and HUMANE KILL with a bow. Each of us have our preferences and each of us are RIGHT....for our-self. None of us have any right to expect we are so much better and have any right to dictate or expect ANYONE to do exactly as we do. It really Urks me when I hear someone spout off on how we should all hunt or shoot or what caliber or what yardage limit or this or that or what have you. I'm OLD SCHOOL and believe in the "Live and Let Live" philosophy and for some 7 decades it has served me well to stay out of fruitless, POINTLESS and unnecessary arguments. It goes without saying that it only depends if it's all legal stuff. Keep your powder dry and eye straight...just keeping it light and fun. Later Ya-All.

[@justice1327]

Now cover Section Density and why it is important for hunting. Great vid! Keep them coming.

[@rickfletcher8422]

And finally bury the 6.5cm once and for all!!! Haha

[@russellkeeling9712]

sectional density is the ratio of the bullet's weight in pounds to the square of its diameter in inches. Bullets of the same shape but with more weight in relation to their diameter retain their velocity and energy better. Basically a longer bullet has a higher sectional density. As a hunter and hand loader for 55 years this is the only number I pay any attention to. At hunting distances the ballistic coefficient makes no difference to me.

[@rickfletcher8422]

@@russellkeeling9712 and the 308 buries the want-more with it

[@john-paulsilke893]

@@russellkeeling9712 this is especially important for big animals especially if you didn’t get the best hit. You can easily kill a bull moose with a .22 revolver but that would be insane.

[@justice1327]

@@russellkeeling9712 Yes I know, but you and I know it is what matters...too many folks only see BC. I left comments on RS pages about SD so others could get exposed to what really matters WRT hunting.

[@scottrussell6717]

Personally bc is not the most important thing .. I do some bench shooting but mainly hunt... I used to hunt 500 yards now I don't hunt over 200... yep old age lol... great video for newbies

[@BornGaming32]

Sectional density is far more important. A bullet's BC is only useful past 300yds. I'd guesstimate almost all big game is shot inside 200yds. As a rule, I use premium bullets with an SD of .250 or better.

[@kencaz]

Everyone luvs AC/BC...!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Good one Ken!

[@yukeenkape2540]

😂😂😆😆👍

[@leorapsonjr7659]

Would that a Highway to hell? Or a whole lot'a Rossie?

[@kayfrancisco7795]

I like this guy’s take on things.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

I’m a deer hunter who loves shooting, ballistics, etc. Down here in the southeast US, my shots max out around 400 yards. Most of them are around 200. But I sure love experimenting with different load combos. Your videos are always informative and applicable. Thanks Ron!

[@timotoxic4664]

About ten years now i learn about how to shot good. You Sir teach me a lot in the last nine month. Thanks!

[@truthhurts467]

That was a Great explanation of the difference between older styles & newer pointing bullets even my Dad understands & that's saying something Thanks BossMan!!

[@mercyrules1617]

You, my friend, have a wealth of great information in your head! Thank you for sharing it!! God bless you!!

[@ChristopherEDenton-ol7pv]

SECTIONAL DENSITY MAY BE FAR MORE OUTDATED THAN BC. IF YOU USE MONOMETAL OR BONDED BULLETS

[@tealtazmanian966]

GREAT EXPLANATION and relevant information. I always enjoy your informational videos like this one. KEEP up the great work Ron and we'll continue coming back for more.

[@rkba4923]

For hunting, I'm more concerned with bullet performance on target.

[@alanbecker3791]

I really enjoy watching your videos I've learned a lot about shooting my 7mm rem mag

[@brianklamer3328]

I really enjoy your videos, especially the way you take basic shooting physics and both cleanly & clearly communicate them!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Brian. That is what I'm trying to do.

[@EDGEoftheOUTBACK]

Thanks for another great video Ron 👌

[@muledeerhuntr6548]

Great video as always. Could you make a video about the 27 nosler? I think that’ll start becoming a more common round with the new heavier .277 call bullets

[@terrysmith8714]

Mr. Ron, you are a wealth of info. Thank you. Cheers.

[@U.C.Hunter]

Can't wait for your next video about terminal performance

[@YTkenntkeinenDatenschutz]

Very informative, described excellently, as always! Thank you Ron and Waidmannsheil from a German PH.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Danke

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Thank you for your clear explanation! Greets, T.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Wild Weasel.

[@davidbezuidenhout5939]

Ron, the focus nowadays seems to be more on BC (and long range target shooting), and less on terminal performance (in ethical hunting ranges). The average rifle owner is probably hunting less today and doing more target shooting, so the rifle and ammo manufacturers provides the market with what they want. They place the focus on BC and energy (just velocity x weight). I can understand that a bullet with good BC will have less wind resistance/influence, but the thinner/longer bullet will probably also have less resistance going into the animal. (With potentially less terminal performance/damage that was sought after in good old hunting days). To find the most appropriate hunting rifle/bullet, would it be more correct to rather focus on (velocity x weight x diameter)? So in some instances a bullet with less BC might be more appropriate for a specific hunting application. It is great to see people pushing the limits on long range shooting, but it is sad to see how they sometimes discredit older calibers that are still and always will be very good for its purpose. With new bullet technology, selecting the right bullet design / construction has definitely became a very important consideration. Enjoy your talks, regards David.

[@slkknifelover]

Very helpful video!!

[@ditzylemmon5094]

Great video!

[@chriserickson4417]

Thank you for the video. It really helped me to understand BC.

[@cunninglinguist9853]

Great video, sir.

[@Booboobear-eo4es]

When I saw the thumbnail talking about B.C., I thought it was about the comic strip.

[@dgambrel9241]

I used to shoot 400 yards with a 7mag and a core lock and killed whitetail and coyote. Now if I don’t reload a high bc heavy for caliber premium under 1/2 MOA at 400 yards in a non magnum I’m disappointed and rebarrel or trade it off. Moral of the story I shot out my 7mag barre learning to shoot, now I just spend a bunch of money on stuff that I think should have shot better. Miss the good ole days!

[@bretteggiman3869]

^

[@Nathan_King]

Pursuit of accuracy is a never ending black hole... expensive and addictive too!

[@daveaver2804]

Great video Ron. Nicely done.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Dave.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Excellent education on the truth behind B.C. I'd stop the video and answer the phone also for an elk hunt. 😉👍

[@gabemando7823]

A 6.5 Arisaka firing 140gr boat tails has been my standard for hunting since college. And it performs very well at 500 at the range

[@arcticminer32]

Ron, good breakdown for us old timers

[@hopefulballistics]

Excellent video!!! Concise, hard hitting, informative!!! Very interesting! I could listen to you talk about cartridges and ballistics all day. Please compare different cartridges and let us know your favorite for hunting, range, etc.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Hopeful.

[@maddog2557]

In 1881, the Commission d'Experience de Gâvre did a comprehensive survey of data available from their tests as well as other countries. After adopting a standard atmospheric condition for the drag data the Gavre drag function was adopted. This drag function was known as the Gavre function and the standard projectile adopted was the Type 1 projectile. Thereafter, the Type 1 standard projectile was renamed by Ballistics Section of Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, USA as G1

[@lloydryan7716]

Thank you Ron this is the best explanation of BC I've ever read or seen. By yte way when I started reloading in1963 my friend who taught me was into BC most of the bullets I loaded were .308 the one I liked for deer was the Hornady 15 gr flat base interlock. For Elk I loaded at first 180 gr Nosler Partitions. Later I settled on the Hornady 165 gr BTSP interlocks. They always did the job regardless of range Longest was 406 yards on a Mule deer. That was mostly in the last century.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Lloyd.

[@benroybal3787]

Great video Ron! I Loved the ending. Because none of this matters if you don't have a well designed bullet that preforms well at the needed velocity. A well designed bullet both expands and penetrates through the entire animal, while retaining 90% of it's mass. B.C only matters of you have good Terminal Performance with your bullet. I look forward to more great videos like this. 👍

[@justice1327]

One could argue that a good bullet doesn’t penetrate through the entire animal and instead expends all of it energy into the vitals... thereby, having a quicker and more certain kills. A wounded animal, but lethal shot placed, can run, hide and not be found. However, there is the argument for two holes gives us more blood 🩸 to track. Geez, a man could go crazy trying to decide.

[@john-paulsilke893]

@@justice1327 you will never be exactly correct. This is the reality of reality. However it is extremely satisfying to find a well mushroomed bullet under the skin on the other side of your target. That’s a 99% perfect energy dump especially if it took out a shoulder both lungs and heart along the way. (Unless it was a moose, don’t hit the heart, it’s delicious and you don’t want to mess it up too much. 😋)

[@tealtazmanian966]

I ALWAYS LEARN and enjoy these videos Ron. Thanks. I'm certainly no expert but I find there are always trade-offs for about any bullet configuration. B.C, S.D. Grains, EXPANSION, Muzzle Velocity are all things I work on and consider when reloading.......HOWEVER, There is another factor I consider more important that all those. Barrel Harmonics. and that is different for every barrel, including those made of the same caliber and manufacturer. I reload by first determining what I want a rifle to do for ME. I emphasize the ME in ALL THINGS in my opinion here. My Savage 270 is as awesome as my others and, and and...I don't own a large number but each has a purpose. I first decide by picking a Bullet, Primer and Powder...then I NEVER change any component for that Rifle. Then and only then do I start low and slowly load-up until I find the barrels sweet spot and that is the load. I record and keep components for that load and never change a tiny fraction of that load for that rifle. I never think or worry about THAT RIFLE and ONLY ENJOY IT from that day on. I don't wish it would do anything more or ASK anything more of THAT RIFLE. SOME people's EGO will eventually GO ALL GOOFY and ask they something from something that it is just not capable of doing and THAT gets them in a JAM, Missed Shots, wounded animal and then THEY BLAME the metal object for their stupidity and not themselves for not knowing the limitations of the round, rifle or distance. Now comes the weirdest part some don't consider. If I know I'm hunting in bushy timber or can't see farther than a couple hundred yards then I grab a SLOW plane-Jane round and hunt. NOW if I get invited to an area with some long range shooting I take my most accurate middle of the road caliber and hunt with that. I don't shoot anything larger than my 30-06 and frankly just don't see the need. 1st, I don't go after Elephants and 2nd, anything larger just kicks my 70yr old shoulder silly, especially after 3 botched surgeries. MOST big Game I've taken have been with a 1970's wooden stock 270 Savage with a 1960's Steel fixed 4xWeaver Scope on Swivel Mounts and that is the truth of it. A successful hunter doesn't need to spend a grand...OR MORE... to take meat home to his family. It's like buying a Cadillac and only use it a couple times in a lifetime...really? I'm ONLY after a laugh here and not slamming anyone....I'd love to own shiny new truck every year too but economics????? The point is that my oldest rifle has taken most of the meat home to my family and ALL my others are just luxuries really!!!! Remember, I've put a lot of time and effort to find the sweet spot for each rifle and know that each will hit where I let the bullet fly with about a 98% Probability...nothing is 100%. BC, SD play into my first choosing the round for THAT RIFLE and WHY I own that RIFLE. Then I NEVER ASK more of that rifle than I reloaded it for...don't fall into that TRAP or let your hunting buddy goat you into that half mile shot...it never works out well and then your story is told to the masses....seen it happen to my Brother...not cool. My Vault only has a few Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols and the Bows are stored in Locked Hard Cases. IF you don't agree with someone then just let it be. Not everyone has the same idea or opinion about that PERFECT Round, Rifle, or what-have-you so just let THEM DO THEM while YOU DO YOU and let's quit all this SHHHTUUUFF about who's better or who's doing STUPID. Not only is that non-productive but mostly distracting and Childish 8th Graderish garbage........RIGHT-ON?

[@dougi1967]

I dated a gal back in high school...her BC was probably .069

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Ooo, low blow Doug.

[@dw5523]

Yeah, but those high speed, high performance girls will burn your barrel out real quick.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Was that the b.c. for her pants? Low b.c.s tend to drop faster.

[@dougi1967]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 haha, they dropped real fast.

[@brianklamer3328]

Did she fly straight when you threw her back...........

[@untermench3502]

Does SD matter with lead-free bullets? I know it's changing the subject somewhat, but it's similar in changing the way of thinking with modern bullets. For hunting, an old-fashioned round-nose lead-free bullet is best. For hunting at close ranges, energy transfer matters more than BC. High BCs limit drag, but they also limit energy transfer. This is where thinking about target shooting and hunting part ways.

[@phprofYT]

Good stuff.

[@Pepe46873]

When I got my huskemaw scope data collection done for my hand load Corlanes found the “True BC” to be .6545. The 6.5 Berger 140gr VLD hunting are .612 on the box

[@leeadams5941]

Good video, well explained....but it just made me happier than when I learned to hunt my grandfather taught me how to use the rifle, what bullets worked, and where to put them on the animal...thats worked for more than 60 years...Now if they ever get a long nose high BC bullet that preforms as well or better than a Nosler Partition at 500 or so yards, make a video on that please.

[@brianklamer3328]

Look for the Nosler Accu-Bond long range bullets if that is what you are trying to achieve.

[@Hermansu5153]

Thanks very interesting.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Good stuff, Ron !

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Peter

[@roberttolliver1019]

Most shots are within 300 yards. If you need some fancy bullets to do that then you need to practice more

[@knifelover73]

Wind drift snd drop are wind drift and drop.

[@MrTacklebury]

Nice video. When I started reloading I had no idea about the B.C. and it's effects. As I started loading for long range, I really started seeing what it does. Great reference for people who need to understand. I will point out that making sure that your pointy bullet will expand correctly is critical also. I made the mistake early on loading for .30-40 Krag of trying to get too long/heavy a bullet and velocities got down towards the bottom of the curve on what the manufacturer, Hornady in this case, recommended. Mind you that I was about 50 fps over their minimum speed. I shot a doe at 50 yards though and hit it perfectly, but the bullet didn't open. Thus I was punching a pencil sized hole through and I got lucky. I broke her leg and was able to get over and finish her. Had I not hit bone, it would have likely died poorly without being finished off with my .45 colt pistol. I removed the bullets and powder from that whole set of bullets and replaced them with a 150 gr. Gameking by Sierra which is designed to open at a lower velocity and had greater luck with them.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Lots of people don't realize that Sierra has been making the highest quality of bullets for many years. I have been well aware of sectional density and bc of bullets for years but sectional density means more to me than bc. I realize the air has an 80 times greater affect on a bullet than the pull of gravity and that the faster something goes the faster it slows down so I have tried to make a happen compromise between mass and velocity. I have reached my goal with a .35 Whelen and a 225 grain bullet at an average of 2800 fps.

[@406MountainMan]

It's hard not to talk about B.C. without mentioning S.D. Excellent video, Ron. Thanks!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Mountain Man.

[@bradbo3]

I hunt in the woods of the north east……WNY to be exact….furthest Ive ever shot a deer is 150 yds. If i ever get out west for elk or mule deer….i will look into BC…but for now….i only need it to be good for anything under 200 yds.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes, no need to fret over B.C. under about 300 yards.

[@millboss1372]

I needed that explanation. I recently invested in a .257 wby mag and topped it with the Leupold vx5. To get my custom turret I have to include that info and I never understood it. Guess I just didn't educate myself until now. Thanks.

[@jimpalmer4916]

Not if you're shooting a 270 firing 130 grain bullets and keep your shots inside of 300 yards. Can say the same thing for the 25/06 firing 120 grain bullets. But you can extend the point blank range by using a boat tail match bullet an extra 60 yards. Less wind drag equals higher ballistic coefficients. Ballistic coefficients are measured by the time of flight of the bullet takes to get to a specific range from the cartridge going BANG!... Henceforth, the more streamlined the bullet is of a given weight, will do a little better for long range shooting.

[@danielleriley2796]

Well 1 second in and the answer is yes. As long as it can kill then the higher BC bullet will have more energy and less drop and wind deflection for given bullet weight at all ranges.

[@redleg84]

Pleasantly surprised you didn't bash BCs

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That would be like bashing Newtonian physics. Reality matters.

[@russellkeeling9712]

I do believe when considering the bc there are a couple factors not many people pay attention to. 1 is center of gravity of the bullet and 2 is the center of pressure of the bullet. A center of pressure to far forward can cause yaw in the bullet especially if the rifling twist is not tight enough. I could be considering things that are unimportant but the force of air upon a flying bullet is eighty times greater than the force of gravity on that bullet.

[@willaimmaxwell5069]

Ron and guys: Good job Ron, as always. It has been said that planning a vacation may be just as good. We, most of us are tied to a city life - jobs, married with children etc. but at once still hunters under the skin. The actual opportunity to hunt does not come around as often as we would like. When we do get to go the pressure is on. We want everything to be right, We want to take the best advantage of the hunt possible. Savvy hunters go all in - they spend big time and money planning for the event but not always in a rational way. The most outstanding oversight they make is more concern for their rifle, ammo and gear than for their skill as hunters, including their own personal physical fitness. I do this daily, dream I mean, and I truly enjoy it - all without ever firing a shot. Nevertheless, marksmanship is indispensable and I know it -especially at range. This BC rage is not a hollow enterprize, but kill shots at 400/600yds don't come with the price of the rifle.

[@michaelshuey1614]

Velocity only effects the G1 BC when using a bullet with a G7 form factor. This is illustrated in the Sierra loading manual where they give you three G1 BC’s for three different velocities. They do this so the drag curves match up better. The problem in this instance though is using the G1 calculator and relying on it at the transonic range. If you use the G7 BC then your BC doesn’t change. How do we know this? Look at the equation for BC: BC = Sectional density/ form factor There is no velocity variable. Form factor is unit-less.

[@dantyack177]

I actually had a load for a 6.5-.284 that exceeded the listed B.C. of the bullet.. The B.C. of the bullet was .445 but to get the trajectory amounts correct i would have to raise the B.C. above .500 on my ballistics program.. I thought that was kinda odd but now it makes sense..

[@rmatteson3142]

Recheck your program. You saw the formula of how the BC is determined. Gunpowder will not change physics.

[@Blue-Wave-2024]

AC/BC ROCKS!

[@ikesquirrel]

B.C. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.....unless shooting over 500 yards. Lower bc will generally be lighter and shoot faster so it's flatter until it slows down. Higher bc will usually be heavier and so slower, which requires a higher bc to begin with to maintain what it started with. It doesn't ballistically matter if you shoot a 45, 50, or 55 grain bullet in a 22-250 because they all go to the same place out to about 400 yards. The bc is a total wash.

[@msa4548]

I'm guessing that for the larger calibers, even inside of 500 yards, the higher bc is more important than for say a 7mm or 30 caliber.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I am a self taught student of external ballistics and there is much more I don't know than what I do know. Upon looking at different bullets passing through the atmosphere I see some ballistics experts talking of the center of pressure on the bullet. I know the air has an 80 times greater effect on the bullet than gravity does but I don't know what a difference of the center of pressure on the bullet does to its flight. Any thoughts?

[@gw5436]

BC is for those with too much time on their hands. As a grazier who carries and uses different rifles everyday getting around the property, within ranges that a real person actually shoots (as opposed to paper numbers) it means absolutely SFA.

[@charlesking8542]

Looking at a wide range of bullets, there is a perfect correlation between G1 and G7 measurements; meaning either one gives you the same information for a bullet. The difference is in the form and flight characteristic of the different G1 and G7 projectiles used by the ballistic calculator. So when comparing bullets, either system will rank them the same. It's how the calculator uses the result which gives the difference in behavior.

[@Scap3r]

Hi Ron! Love your channel! Why dont you do any videos about the .308 win? Do you hate it that much? :)

[@joshjamesguitar]

Nah the 6.5 Creedmoor is his most hated cartridge

[@talltimber1408]

308 is about as vanilla as it gets. Yawn

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You're in luck, Scrap3r. Next week's video is on the 308 Winchester!

[@johnturner5893]

A great all around caliber. Takes almost any wildlife in N-America. and a great sniper caliber too.

[@philipfreeman72]

In AK when you first see carabau they are tiny dots in the snow .

[@johnturner5893]

Get closer to them and they will be big as a caribou. LOL.

[@markdunstan1031]

I believe, by moving the CoG, (center of gravity), further back in the projectile - you get a higher B.C.! Hence, that's why the A-tips or polymer tips are better.............

[@russellkeeling4387]

I don't care much about the ballistic coefficient because I don't normally take lone shots. Across a 40 acre square is farther than I want to shoot and hopefully I am hunter enough to get closer. I do have a question though, I wonder what the ballistic coefficient of my car is. This is where knowing the bc could make a big difference. I guess first we would have to come up with what we believe would the perfect shape of an automobile and then rate all other autos by that one.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

I used to think there was a strong correlation between BC and SD, but now I'm not so sure. Would you say that BC is correlated to a bullet's diameter related to it's length, and that SD is correlated to a bullet's diameter in relation to it's weight? I'm thinking the correlation between BC and SD is weak because the weight of a bullet doesn't necessarily always relate to it's length i.e. two bullets of the same diameter and weight can be shaped very differently as illustrated with your 308 150 grain round nose verses spire point example.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Demetrius, I'm not sure what % of B.C. is determined by SD or if SD is just another way of stating the caliber/mass relationship. But I do know you use diameter, weight, and shape to determine B.C. If SD were the determinant, the 150-grain .308 RN and BTHP would have the same B.C. But they don't even though their SD's are exactly the same.

[@martincorona9825]

Hey Ron, maybe you can answer my question , I can’t find the answer nowhere,,, so this is my question ,, I have 2 different brand of 270 win ,, they both have the same BC which is .392 , one is a little faster in muzzle by 85 fps , do you think they will have the same trajectory ?

[@keithalbrecht4785]

BC only matters if you are shooting over 500-600yds.!!! I've shot 55gr. 223 at 600yds. Hornady 55gr.SP flat base, they shot great!!!

[@WardenWolf]

It matters in the sense that it helps determine how long a shot you can take and still be ethical, but it matters less than scope quality, shooter skill, and luck. As long as you know how your rifle shoots with a given ammunition, you can adjust on the fly.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes, but much easier to adjust on the fly when a 10 mph wind deflects your high B.C. bullet 3 feet less than a low B.C. bullet, agreed?

[@tyedunsmuir2285]

I have not been able to argue anything that you have said. Sure I might be able to argue that I like this better, but I can't argue with most facts you put out there. I would like to comment on B.C. though. The majority of hunters should not even think of a shot above 200 yards. I do have a point with that. However my argument here is that B.C. only harms most hunters. My point and case I feel is proven through hydraulic cylinders. Simply put a pressure applied to a surface is multiplied by the size of the surface. Not wanting to argue, would like to see your thoughts on this point of view.

[@stephenland9361]

Long range target shooting is a lot of fun. It's also a great test of rifle, cartridge, bullet, load and of course, the shooter. My local gun club has a range that goes out to 1000 metres. If I want to shoot at rages past that, I have to find somewhere suitable. In north central BC, that's not hard to do. Such shooting calls for the latest and greatest in precision, high BC target bullets. New cartridges specially designed for long range shooting appear almost monthly. Calibres from 6mm up to .338 are seen at the range. Nobel laureates in chemistry work deep underground in hidden laboratories developing newer rifle powders to launch these wonder bullets at velocities previously unimagined by mere mortal, average carriers of plain jane hunting rifles. What does all this have to do with said average hunter? Sweet bugger all in my opinion. Most hunters I meet out in the field have never taken a shot at a range past 100 yards. Most tell me their rifle is sighted in for 100 yards and that their rifle shoots flat out to 800 yards so why bother actually determining bullet drop. "Bullet drop? What bullet drop?" Said average hunter is then deeply surprised when after taking a shot at an animal 600-700 yards away, it calmly walks away. I've given up telling them that if a rifle (say a .30-06 shooting a 180 gr. bullet at say 2700 fps) is sighted in at 100 yards, bullet drop at 600 yards is about 100 inches or about 8 feet. "Eight feet??? One or two inches, maybe!!" I once told such a hunter that in order to hit a target with such a set up, you'd have to aim about 16 MOA above the target. "What's an emohay?"

[@terryslaton5582]

A lot of people have suggested their favorite caliber for a guy hunting deer in Florida. 35 Whelen, and .280 are way too much gun for 80-120 lb deer. It’s like they are trying to justify “ their” choice of caliber.

[@suemeade2471]

I mean at least they didn't recommend 7mm ultra Magnum. Now that is a little much for deer even in the north where 200 pound bucks are not common, but are here.

[@bootsandall3612]

Where I live you pay for most of your hunting. Starting with "day fee" just to be on the owners property. This is normally from $20/day and up. Your travel expenses and food are extra. If you pull the trigger and miss the animal your pay for the shot. About 10-20% of the price of the animal. If you miss a second shot the % is higher. If you wound the animal and can't recover it you pay full price. On some farms, if you shoot headshots, you won't hunt there again. Now you can see how expensive a hunting trip can become. Most hunters in my area use bullets designed for hunting and try to get as close as possible to their quarry. BC is for target shooting. If you need more energy for bigger game use a bigger stick to hit with. You hunt into the wind so your pray can't smell or hear you. Wind deflection on bullets in the hunting field is of very little importance in most scenarios. Hunting skill is more important then BC. With hunting skill comes responsibility. When and when not to shoot is part of that responsibility. I am always amused to see how hunters think that their magic wand with high BC lightning bolts qualify them to be irresponsible in the hunting field.

[@ditzylemmon5094]

Fieldcraft!

[@406MountainMan]

Where do you live? What's the terrain like? That matters, because in Rocky Mountain country all that changes.

[@john-paulsilke893]

@@406MountainMan Alaskan panhandle sheep hunting is 90% about BC. Otherwise not much use for most hunters. Kinda neat for coyote and prairie dog hunting but .17hmr, .22mag and .22-250 take care of that. Obviously it is important but........ most of us aren’t sniping from 1km away.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I always support and applaud hunters who insist on stalking close! Alas, woodsmanship is but lightly valued by many modern hunters. I think it's because they have few opportunities to spend time in the wilds, but lots of time to play with gear, digital devices, ballistic calculators, wind meters, etc. All that high tech stuff for delivering a bullet on target at crazy distances is addicting. Once they have it they figure they can apply it to hunting. Some do this remarkably well, but once a bullet is airborne for a second or more, the chance of the animal moving becomes too great. Sadly, marketers haven't figured out how to sell stalking.

[@406MountainMan]

@@john-paulsilke893 exactly. If you're on a ridge and your prey is 400-500 yards away on the opposite ridge with no way to advance without being detected, then you better have a bullet that slices the air effectively. I'm going to get as close as possible without spooking the game, but I'll be ready for the longer shots.

[@64samsky]

I live east of the Mississippi, formerly of Maryland, now living in Florida. If I were to buy 1 rifle for hunting, what would you recommend? I reload, so crazy calibers won't be a problem. I just want an all around good caliber. No 308 please, I do have one already, but want something different. Thanks for any opinions!

[@prolapsedalien.sphincter396]

I can't speak for the man himself, but here's my idea. 7mm-08. Browning, BLR 20". No optic, just irons. Good hunting!

[@64samsky]

@@prolapsedalien.sphincter396 Sounds like something I could go with, I just want to pick folks brains in order to get a collective opinion. Thank you!

[@timeverett7828]

Have to go with 35 Whelen! Can go from 180-grain to 280 grain projectiles. Excellent for feral Hogs right up to biggest bears.

[@terryslaton5582]

FLORIDA people...deer 80-120lbs. 6.5 Grendel bolt or light AR.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

Mostly, B.C. doesn't matter to me in big game hunting. If it did, I wouldn't be mostly using a Marlin 336 in .30-30. ;)

[@arizonawvkid]

Ron how does a shooter figure of BC of a cast bullet .??

[@johnganshow5536]

A 30-06 with a spitzer boat tail bullet, will shoot flatter and hit harder at long ranges, than a 300 win mag with a standard flat base soft point bullet...

[@dougi1967]

Just bought 2 30-06 rifles...great to know when I start handloading.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@dougi1967 I lived in Alaska for 37 years, probably shot 60 big game animals with all different calibers, could have done it all with a 30-06, which became my go to caliber...

[@dantyack177]

One thing about those bullets that look so great on a calculator.. Sometimes they don't shoot worth a darn.. And if they wont group better than say 2 1/2" minutes.. And a possibly lesser than ideal bullet might shoot less than 1" ... I think id be going with the better shooting bullet and the confidence it will build in my hunting rifle..

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Oh, absolutely, Dan. Accuracy is critically important, but so is a bullet's terminal performance. A 1/4 MOA FMJ wouldn't be a smarter pick than a 1MOA Swift A-Frame of Barnes TTSX or nearly any other controlled expansion bullet. One must always strike a balance.

[@dantyack177]

Definitely!! You must use the proper "hunting" bullet for the game to be taken... Two years ago i was in Colorado at an elk camp and one hunter was shooting a .338 Lapua with some heavy sleek target bullet...definitely enough gun for elk but the wrong bullet...he shot a bull elk 5 times (like hitting it with a field tipped arrow) and then had to walk up on the bedded wounded animal and put it down from close range.. It was video'd and it wasn't pretty... Perfect example to choose the right "HUNTING" bullet.. One other "target bullet" experience I've seen.. Years ago i was a young silhouette shooter so i would volunteer to reset the targets and i would find complete bullets (mostly matchkings from .308's) on the ground at the rams (547 yards)...these target bullets had missed the metal silhouette and impacted into the solid dirt bank and had hardly deformed at all !! I would speculate that their performance on a game animal would be less than acceptable..

[@lhurst9550]

In historical reference BC is now BCE. Before Common Era.

[@Bashe1965]

There are also different types of BC calculations G1 and G7

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Which is why I addressed this in the video.

[@sgtslippyfist6345]

Since you didn't watch enough video. G1= apple's too oranges G7= apples to apples

[@ericb.4358]

CD (Co-efficient of Drag) is more important than BC. Good ballistic engines today use CD WITH BC in their calculations. The Hornady A-Tip (aluminum meplat) has about the highest BC and lowest CD per caliber. Berger match bullets are in the same league.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yet coefficient of drag is not entered into ballistic calculations, Eric. Are you sure it isn't another word for B.C. or a part of B.C.? Coefficient of form, mass, and caliber all contribute to the B.C. rating.

[@abelguerra8284]

BC doesn't matter where I hunt in Florida I only shoot 50 to 70 yards maximum

[@mitchculpepper738]

I like shooting steel at 500 yards and this is where BC really starts revealing itself. The difference between .3 and .5 BC at 500 yards is 500 fps! That’s a substantial difference in performance and if both bullets knock game down at 300 yards, why wouldn’t I choose the one that can do the same thing at 500 as the other can only do out to 300?! That’s the same argument that doomed wheel guns and 1911’s to a much smaller role in the self defense market. Why carry 6 or 8 rounds when you can carry 17?!!! Most shooter have no business shooting at game past 300 is the only legitimate excuse for choosing a low BC bullet. I will always choose the more aerodynamic bullet because you never know how things are going to play out.

[@russellkeeling9712]

BC, the ratio of the sectional density of a bullet to its coefficient of form. I believe the coefficient of form is a man made idea or the "standard bullet". Ballistic coefficient is the factor that relates the drag deceleration of an actual bullet to the drag deceleration of the "standard bullet".

[@octopussmasher2694]

I don’t understand the concept but I understand the results

[@joemoment-o1275]

I don't hunt much at all. I do understand the fat vs spear shaped. Pistol bullets very much the same.

[@scottfoor6748]

What about from 30/30 170gr

[@rickfletcher8422]

My theory is; if hunting is less than say 150yds, I reckon the round nose would start to transfer more energy faster than the spitzer that first needs to expand. It’s a small amount I imagine but it’s the same theory that a slower heavier bullet kills “better” than a lighter faster bullet. (E.g. Getting hit with a brick would hurt much more than getting hit with a fist sized rock if the distance was right. In my theory) All personal preference obviously, but iv been thinking of trying 180gr interlock rn’s in my 308 for under 200yard larger animal hunting.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Just remember to take physics into account, Rick. Double bullet mass and you double energy (at any given velocity.) Double velocity and you quadruple mass. So it would be possible at longer distances, after the round nose wastes too much velocity, for the spire point to hit much harder. Whether that makes much difference is hard to prove. But if you think bullet X performs better on game than bullet Y, that's the one you should use. Faith has something to do with this, too!

[@couespursuit7350]

Sectional Density goes along with BC. Sectional Density counts when it comes to penetration.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That's right Coues. It doesn't change trajectory (because it's already factored into B.C. as the mass and caliber) but does impact penetration in a given bullet type/construction,etc.

[@sbcbaits994]

Nothing matters until it does.

[@jasonbroom7147]

There is hunting and there is shooting. Both are highly worthwhile pursuits. BC matters a lot for shooting, and very little for hunting. If you're taking shots while hunting that are long enough that BC really matters...you're not hunting very well.

[@Nathan_King]

Ever hunted out west? Usually people who say that live in the east.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@Nathan_King Yep, I grew up hunting out West. First wild hog I killed was at 275 yards. If you can't get to within MPBR of your cartridge, and you need "drops" to kill an animal, you're shooting, not hunting. I respect your right to see it differently.

[@Nathan_King]

It was an honest question, but an attack or anything. I certainly wouldn't try to dissuade someone from having a high level of respect for an animal like you do.

[@AM-hs4bz]

2:56 😂😂😂