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BALLISTIC RESOURCES
Hornady.com » Team Hornady » Ballistic Calculators » Ballistic Resources » External Ballistics

TEAM
HORNADY External Ballistics
Scrapbook

Ballistic 
Calculators
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4DOF® from the moment they exit the barrel until the moment they arrive
Ballistic at the target. We are not concerned with internal ballistics, the
Calculator province of the �rearms engineer or powder chemist, nor with
terminal ballistics, the province of the forensic pathologist or other
Ballistic scienti�c specialists.

Resources
Terminal ballistics is a very important concern to the military, to
Kestrel
police, and to hunters. While there is no way to model the terminal
Sponsored behavior of all projectiles in all media at all velocities, we'll mention
Shooters the subject brie�y in the section entitled An Aside on Energy. For
now, we'll focus on exterior ballistics.
My
Account
A trajectory is a description of the �ight path of a projectile relative
Thank You to some known and �xed points. Trajectories for BBs, �eld artillery
projectiles, naval gun shells, mortar rounds, and small arms bullets
Wallpapers
are all parabolic in shape. In a barrel or mortar, the motion of a
projectile is both directed and entirely determined by the pressures
SHARE of the gasses behind it. But once the projectile leaves a barrel, two
other forces begin to in�uence its �ight. The �rst is air resistance.

The second is gravity. Whatever its angle of departure and
FACEBOOK
whatever its muzzle velocity, a shell or bullet will lose velocity from
 TWITTER air resistance and lose height because of gravity. The parabolic
 EMAIL shape of a trajectory is the result.

Narrowing our discussion to bullets only, we can provide

illustrations of the parabolic curve of a trajectory and concepts
related to it. In Figure A (exaggerated for purposes of illustration)
we show a muzzle (left) and target (right) assumed to be horizontal
on the same baseline (for practical purposes the baseline is
equivalent to the line of sight). The �rearm's barrel is elevated. The
axis of the bore becomes the line of departure for a bullet leaving
its muzzle. Gravity and air resistance come into play so fast that the
bullet departure line is tangent to the trajectory only at the muzzle.

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Figure A

The trajectory immediately begins to drop below the bore axis. The
angle of departure (for small arms generally very small) is formed
by the intersection of the line of departure and the baseline. The
midrange trajectory is the bullet's height above the base line
halfway between the muzzle and the point of impact (here, the
target).

Figure B uses the same �rearm, bullet, and muzzle velocity to

compare two di�erent trajectories (the barrel is represented for
simplicity in only one position). The di�erence between trajectories
results from di�erent angles of departure required to zero the
�rearm (change its point of impact) at two ranges; 100 yards and
200 yards. Trajectories fall below the baseline (line of sight) in
Figure B at zeros of 100 and 200 yards respectively. Bullet
trajectories beyond their point of impact are described in terms of
inches of drop.

While it makes sense to calculate trajectories for naval shells in

terms of angles of departure and while one could do this for small
arms trajectories as well, the shooter's primary reference in the
�eld is the line of sight. 

Figure B

The Ballistic Coe�cient

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There is no such thing as an absolute and invariable ballistic

coe�cient (B. C.)
Ballistic coe�cients are only one factor in bullet selection for
di�erent kinds of shooting.
A ballistic coe�cient can change with reference to (1) altitude,
(2) temperature, (3) atmospheric pressure, and (4) relative
humidity.
Ballistic coe�cients are measures of a bullet's relative
e�ciency.
Ballistic coe�cients are not measures of a bullet's "goodness."
Higher B.C.s do not necessarily make a bullet "better."
Lower B.C.s do not necessarily make a bullet "worse."

A ballistic coe�cient is the measure of a bullet's relative ability to

overcome air resistance. Each bullet can be assigned a numerical
value expressing this e�ciency. The basis of this value is a ratio
comparing the performance characteristics of a particular bullet
against the known trajectory characteristics of a standard projectile.
The ratio compares the drag of a bullet (loss of velocity caused by
air resistance encountered in �ight) to the drag of the standard
projectile. Expressed as a formula,

Observe that the ballistic coe�cients in this book are, with only one
exception, less than unity [1.0], indicating that these test projectiles
- bullets for small arms - encountered more resistance than the
standard. The single exception in the entire line of Hornady Bullets
is our 50 Caliber (.510" diameter) 750 grain AMAX Ultra High
Coe�cient. Its ballistic coe�cient is 1.050.

The standard projectile on which all Hornady Bullets were

compared was the G1 Model, based on work begun in France and
re�ned at the U. S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratories, Aberdeen
Proving Ground, Maryland. Ballistic coe�cients for all Hornady
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Doppler radar at extended distances.

Ballistic coe�cient calculations combine both shape and sectional

density factors. As a practical matter, most shooters understand
that bullets with a pointed shape more easily retain their velocity
than round nose or �at point bullets. This can be directly observed
in the amount of drop bullets of the same weight but di�erent
shapes produce at the same target range. Expressed another way,
round nose and pointed bullets will require di�erent sight
adjustments to attain the same zero over the same range. If more
streamlined bullets maintain their velocity better, heavier
streamlined bullets of the same shape will outperform lighter
bullets at the same muzzle velocity.

The following examples quickly demonstrate the importance of

shape to velocity retention and �at trajectory. We have chosen to
compare in this example two bullets of identical caliber, weight, and
sectional density �red at identical 3000 fps muzzle velocities. Shape
is the only variable in this example; all other factors have been held
constant. Observe the marked di�erence in bullet behavior over
the ranges shown. The round nose bullet sheds its initial velocity
faster than the spire point. Because energy is the product of mass x
velocity squared, the round nose bullet's more rapid velocity loss
produces an even faster loss of energy. Most dramatically, as the
less e�cient round nose shape loses its velocity, the e�ects of
gravity show up in terms of greater bullet drop relative to the spire
point bullet.

30 CAL. (.308" DIA.) 180 Grain Spire Point

Sectional Density: 0.271
Ballistic Coe�cient: 0.425

RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) ENERGY (FT-LB) 100 YD ZERO

Muzzle 3000 3597 -1.5"

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RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) ENERGY (FT-LB) 100 YD ZERO

100 2777 3082 0.0"

200 2565 2629 -3.0"

300 2362 2230 -11.3"

400 2169 1880 -25.9"

500 1985 1574 -47.8"

30 CAL. (.308" DIA.) 180 Grain Round Nose

Sectional Density: 0.271
Ballistic Coe�cient: 0.241

RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) ENERGY (FT-LB) 100 YD ZERO

Muzzle 3000 3597 -1.5"

50 2803 3139 -0.2"

100 2614 2731 0.0"

200 2259 2040 -3.6"

300 1933 1493 -14.1"

400 1639 1073 -34.0"

500 1385 767 -67.0"

Does this comparison argue entirely against using round nose

bullets? By no means; over the 100 to 200 yard ranges typical of a
great deal of hunting, the round nose holds its own. Moreover,

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Correction Factors
Ballistic coe�cients are calculated not only with reference to a
standard projectile but with reference to standard test conditions
as well. All ballistic coe�cients and ballistic tables in this book have
been adjusted to standard conditions. These are standard
conditions for the Aberdeen test site. 

Altitude: Sea level
Temperature: 59° Fahrenheit
Atmospheric pressure: 29.53" of Hg
Relative humidity: 78% 

What happens when the conditions are not standard? These four
test examples will demonstrate changes in a calculated ballistic
coe�cient resulting from varying di�erent test factors in turn.

Test #1: Standard Conditions

Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature: 59° F
Barometric Pressure: 29.53"
Relative Humidity: 78%

RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) TRAJECTORY 100 YD ZERO

Muzzle 2900 -1.5"

100 2627 0.0"

200 2371 -3.6"

300 2129 -13.3"

400 1901 -30.8"

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Results: Calculated ballistic coe�cient is .338

Test #2: Higher Temperature

Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature: 89° F
Barometric Pressure: 29.53"
Relative Humidity: 78%

RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) TRAJECTORY 100 YD ZERO

Muzzle 2900 -1.5"

100 2640 0.0"

200 2395 -3.5"

300 2162 -13.1"

400 1943 -30.1"

500 1739 -56.4"

Results: Due to less dense air (warmer temperatures) the calculated B.C.
is .355.

Test #3: Higher Barometric Pressure

Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature: 59° F
Barometric Pressure: 31.00"
Relative Humidity: 78%

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RANGE (YDS) VELOCITY (FPS) TRAJECTORY 100 YD ZERO

100 2614 0.0"

200 2346 -3.6"

300 2094 -13.6"

400 1858 -31.5"

500 1641 -59.5"

Results: Due to denser air (higher barometric pressure) the calculated B.C.
is .322.

Test #4: Higher Altitude

Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature: 29° F
Barometric Pressure: 21.00"
Relative Humidity: 78%

RANGE (YDS)  VELOCITY (FPS) TRAJECTORY 100 YD ZERO

 Muzzle  2900 -1.5"

100   2693 0.0" 

200  2495  -3.3" 

300  2306  -12.2" 

400  2124  -27.6" 

500  1952  -50.8" 

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The .338 calculated ballistic coe�cient has ranged from .322 to .448
as conditions have varied. Common sense suggests that a bullet
might perform better in higher temperatures (less dense air), at
lower barometric pressures (less air pressure), and at higher
altitudes (much lighter air). When there is less air to resist a bullet's
�ight, it will become more e�cient - and conversely. How can you
account for signi�cantly non-standard conditions in preparing, say,
for a major hunt? Assuming that you know the temperature,
barometric pressure, and ballistic coe�cient of the bullet you will
be shooting in non-standard conditions, you can calculate the
apparent ballistic coe�cient of the bullet and otherwise �nd the
trajectory for your non-standard condition site.

The drag on a bullet is largely produced by the density of the air

through which it travels. The �rst conversion factor to correct for
changes in air density is the ratio of:

which is used as a multiplier in the correction calculation. The

correction factor for temperature is another ratio, but with a twist:

The 459.4° addition to the site temperature and standard

temperature is to place both in the absolute Rankine Scale.
(Absolute zero is -459.4° Fahrenheit or 0° Rankine.) The resulting
ratio is also a multiplier in the correction process.

Corrections can be made as well for relative humidity, but the

correction process is tedious and the precision gained is negligible.
At any rate, while we've seen barometers in camp and
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Assume that we encounter the following conditions on a hunt. The

temperature is a chilly 29° Fahrenheit, the barometric pressure
21.00"Hg., and the relative humidity 85%. Think about this a minute
and it seems we're on a mountain hunt in some very raw
conditions. Relative humidity is very close to the standard 78%, so
we'll not worry about adjustments there. But the temperature and
atmospheric pressure are far from standard. What e�ect will they
have on the ammunition we've loaded with a standard condition
ballistic coe�cient of .338?

The Apparent Ballistic Coe�cient=Temperature correction factor x

Barometric pressure correction factor x Present ballistic
coe�cient=.942 x 1.406 x .338=.448.

As a practical matter, the lower temperature alone would reduce

the apparent ballistic coe�cient, but in combination with the low
barometric pressure correction the overall result will be �atter
trajectories for the ammunition brought on this hunt.

Shooters who go from low altitudes to high altitudes or vice versa

should bring along enough ammunition to sight in their �rearms at
the new location. The �at trajectories obtained with reloads in Fort
Collins, Colorado may not be so �at on a hunt in the woods of
Maine. Aiming higher over common ranges is the answer here.
Conversely, taking tested loads from Mobile, Alabama to the
mountains of British Columbia may require aiming lower than one
might have back home.

For ranges up to and including 300 yards, ballistic coe�cient

corrections may not, practically speaking, be required. Steadiness
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are going to be dramatically di�erent from those at home, it's

sound advice to take enough ammunition to re-zero your �rearm at
the shooting site.

An Aside on Energy
Over the years many writers have spent considerable time pursuing
the concept of bullet performance. In match competition or target
shooting, performance standards are simple and direct. Bullets for
target shooting should be highly e�cient (streamlined, possessing
a high ballistic coe�cient) in order to shoot as �at as possible and
buck the e�ects of wind drift. E�ciency counts for naught, however,
if these bullets are not accurate as well - made so carefully and
precisely that they will routinely yield sub-minute-of-angle
performance on targets.

Performance for hunting bullets, however, is a far more complex

matter. Some have contended that you must expect to �nd your
splendidly mushroomed bullet under the game animal's hide
opposite the entry hole. Shame on you if it doesn't weigh used 95%
of what it weighed new. Others have said it's �ne if the bullet enters
and exits its target as long as it does deadly damage on its way.
Pragmatists are pleased with bullets that strike where aimed and
drop and kill the game immediately. They are hunters, they argue,
not forensic pathologists.

Is performance a matter of opinion only? Of conjecture? A subject

like religion and politics on which there will always be
disagreement?

The experienced hunter knows that he will never be presented only

with perfect shots under ideal conditions with his equipment
always in superb shape and his ri�e zeroed at the absolutely
correct range. That's why the experienced hunter loves his sport so

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greatly improved when he chooses the right gun, the right bullet,
and the right load for the task at hand. As much as a shooter needs
to understand such variables as trajectories, the e�ects of wind
drift, and bullet velocities over anticipated hunting ranges, so, too,
must he give thought to the energy that the bullet will generate
upon impact.

A bullet's kinetic energy, measured in foot-pounds, is a proxy for

what's generally termed "stopping power." It has been assumed,
the higher a bullet's energy at the point of impact, the greater its
"stopping power." There are some caveats here. A bullet completely
releases its energy in the target only if it remains in the game
animal. If it has more than the adequate energy it may do its job
and exit. This is certainly no cause for alarm. If it does not have
su�cient energy to bring about a kill, whether through improper
bullet choice or shots at excessive ranges, that is a cause for alarm.
Responsible hunters make sure they can get the job done with the
tools they have chosen. Taking shots at ranges where a bullet
cannot reliably hit and kill a game animal is quite irresponsible
behavior.

Hornady bullets for varminting are designed to �y fast and to

release their high kinetic energy instantaneously and explosively.
Should they be too powerful for a particular varmint and pass on
through, the wound channel and exit hole will attest to their
destructive power.

Hornady bullets for game hunting are designed for reliable,

controlled expansion in all hunting bullet designs. No hunting bullet
can be as e�ective as possible if it does not expand to a larger
diameter than its caliber dimension. Expansion slows the bullet and
allows it to shed kinetic energy as it does. All Hornady Bullets for
hunting are made with the InterLock or InterBond features that
bind jacket and core. This assures a heavier mass to penetrate the
game animal and propagate shock waves within it. The higher the
terminal velocity of the bullet, the higher its terminal energy.
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performance. Rather, we hope to stimulate your thinking about the

subject and how important terminal bullet energies are to
performance. Terminal energies and superior bullet expansion
design permit the complete release of a bullet's remaining energy
within the game animal. Hornady Bullets are backed by over 60
years of expertise on the subject.

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