How does Barnes determine ballistic coefficient values?
Whenever a new Barnes rifle bullet is introduced, its ballistic coefficient (BC) is determined by rigorous testing. Because accurate BC values are important, particularly for long-range shooting, Barnes fires each bullet under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. The muzzle velocity, time of flight to target and distance to target then goes to a computer programmed to use this and other variables including temperature, humidity, altitude and barometric pressure to determine the actual BC of the bullet. Some manufacturers compare their bullets only to existing size and shape models to determine a theoretical BC. This theoretical method fails to take into account rifling marks inscribed in the bullet, muzzle yaw, actual bullet velocity and other important variables.
