Ballistic Coefficients

Here, Hard Air Magazine is publishing the World’s first comprehensive, structured and independent database of airgun pellet Ballistic Coefficients. We hope that you find it useful!

These airgun pellet Ballistic Coefficients are intended to help the many serious airgunners who want to know typical BC values for their pellets, but who don’t have the time or resources to derive that data themselves.

As many know, airgun pellet Ballistic Coefficients are a very complex subject. Pellet BCs vary significantly according to the type of pellet and the FPS at which the pellet is traveling. They are also effected by the airgun used to shoot them and many environmental factors.

Because the BC changes with the pellet’s velocity, there is actually no single Ballistic Coefficient for any airgun pellet!

And due to the variability inherent in each individual airgun pellet, the Ballistic Coefficient of two “identical” pellets can also be different!

In spite of all these issues, knowing a typical Ballistic Coefficient value for the pellets you are shooting is highly beneficial for calculating their trajectory. In conjunction with a software program such as Chairgun, BCs can be used to accurately estimate the amount of drop a pellet takes at different ranges. You need this for accurate shooting!

But note that Ballistic Coefficients are NOT, in themselves, a measure of accuracy. Two different pellets with the same BC can shoot with completely different accuracy in different airguns. Accuracy is a product of the gun, pellet, sighting system, ambient conditions and shooter capability.

HAM’s Ballistic Coefficients are calculated from velocity measurements taken at the muzzle and at 30 Yards. Our test range is at 244 Feet above Sea Level and all testing is done on days when the temperature is between 75 and 85 Degrees F with Relative Humidity between 60 and 80% with minimal to no wind.

HAM Ballistic Coefficients are calculated using the GA drag model for pellets. For slugs we use the G1 model.

Because of our structured testing, HAM BCs are comparable against each other. That can be useful when you’re selecting which pellets to choose for hunting or competition.

You can read more details about how HAM determines it’s typical airgun Ballistic Coefficient values elsewhere in our magazine. But the keys to our reliable, accurate BCs are consistent, comparable test methodology and high quality equipment. For this reason, all HAM airgun Ballistic Coefficient testing has been undertaken by the same experienced, dedicated testers, using the same FX Impact air rifle, set to full power, with all FPS measurements recorded using the same Labradar Doppler Radar system.

NOTE: These HAM Ballistic Coefficients were each generated by shooting a sample of 10 un-selected pellets straight from the tin. This was done to represent use by the average shooter. For this reason, and because these BCs were prepared by experimental testing, the BCs you achieve may be sightly different. “Your mileage may vary”.

Also please note that you may find the Ballistic Coefficients listed here differ slightly from those you may have seen published elsewhere. This does not mean that either number is necessarily incorrect. It probably just means that the same pellets have been tested with different air rifles at different muzzle velocities and in different ways.

HAM is very transparent about how our Ballistic Coefficients were generated. Where BC figures published elsewhere differ from ours, make sure to understand the structured testing used to generate them.

 

.177 Caliber Airgun Pellet Ballistic Coefficients

 

.177 Caliber Airgun Slugs Ballistic Coefficients

 

.22 Caliber Airgun Pellet Ballistic Coefficients

 

.22 Caliber Airgun Slug Ballistic Coefficients

 

.25 Caliber Airgun Pellet Ballistic Coefficients

 

.30 Caliber Airgun Pellet Ballistic Coefficients

 

The Ballistic Coefficient data contained in this page is Copyright Hard Air Magazine and MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED in part or in whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the Publisher.