Bullet Ballistics: What You Need to Know

If you're into shooting sports or just curious about firearms, understanding bullet ballistics is a game changer. Ballistics is basically the science of how a bullet moves from the gun to the target. Knowing this helps you shoot more accurately and pick the right ammo for your needs.

When a bullet leaves the barrel, a bunch of things happen. First, you have interior ballistics — that’s all about what goes on inside the gun barrel when you pull the trigger. The gunpowder ignites, generating pressure that pushes the bullet forward. The bullet spins thanks to rifling inside the barrel, which helps it stay stable in flight.

Flight and After: Exterior Ballistics

Once the bullet exits the barrel, exterior ballistics takes over. Now, the bullet faces air resistance, gravity, and wind. Air slows it down, gravity pulls it downward, and wind can push it sideways. The bullet’s shape, weight, and speed play a big role in how well it flies toward your target. For example, a heavier bullet will generally hold its speed better but might have a more curved drop, while a lighter bullet can be faster but more sensitive to wind.

Understanding bullet drop is key — it’s the path the bullet arcs downward as it travels. Shooters learn to 'hold over' or adjust their sights to hit the target accurately at different distances. Modern shooters also use ballistic calculators or apps to make this easier.

Terminal Ballistics: When the Bullet Hits

Then comes terminal ballistics, which covers how the bullet behaves when it hits the target. Different bullets are designed for different purposes—some expand on impact to make bigger wounds for hunting, while others stay intact for deeper penetration. Knowing your bullet’s terminal effect helps you choose ammo that fits your shooting goals, whether that’s target practice, competition, or self-defense.

Ballistics isn’t just about theory; it’s practical knowledge that every shooter can use to improve their skills. Next time you head to the range, think about your bullet’s journey—from the first spark to the target impact—and you’ll see better results.