Do Bullets Fly Straight?

Published on September 21, 2022
Duration: 11:00

This video explains that bullets do not fly straight due to gravity and other factors. It details how bullet trajectory is an arc, not a laser beam, and how zeroing a firearm accounts for this arc and the offset between the optic and the bore. The discussion also covers factors contributing to 'flat shooting' cartridges, such as design, ballistic coefficient, and projectile length, and introduces the concept of spin drift.

Quick Summary

Bullets do not fly straight; they follow an arcing trajectory due to gravity from the moment they exit the barrel. When zeroing a firearm, the bullet rises above the optic's line of sight and then falls back into it at the designated range. Factors like ballistic coefficient and spin drift also influence a bullet's path.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Do Bullets Fly Straight?
  2. 00:29Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute
  3. 00:59The Short Answer: No, Bullets Don't Fly Straight
  4. 01:02Understanding Bullet Trajectory and Gravity
  5. 01:44Zeroing a Firearm: Optic vs. Bore Height
  6. 02:31Old Wisdom: Zeroing for Distance
  7. 03:15Military Zeroing: M16 Example
  8. 03:41Extreme Trajectories and Impact Angles
  9. 04:18What Makes a Cartridge 'Flat Shooting'?
  10. 05:10Cartridge Design for Long Range
  11. 05:53Modern Cartridge Trends: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm
  12. 06:27Ballistic Coefficient and Wind Resistance
  13. 07:05The Science of Long-Range Shooting
  14. 07:32Spin Drift Explained
  15. 08:30Conclusion: Bullets Absolutely Do Not Fly Straight
  16. 09:17Safety Reminder: Know What's Beyond Your Target
  17. 09:36Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bullets actually fly straight like a laser beam?

No, bullets do not fly straight. From the moment they leave the barrel, gravity begins to pull them downwards, creating an arc. This trajectory is influenced by factors like muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and environmental conditions.

How does zeroing a firearm account for bullet trajectory?

When you zero a firearm, you are aligning your optic's line of sight with the bullet's trajectory at a specific distance. Since the optic is mounted above the bore, the bullet will rise above the line of sight and then fall back into it at the zeroed distance.

What makes some cartridges 'flat shooting'?

Flat shooting cartridges have less pronounced bullet arcs. This is achieved through factors like higher ballistic coefficients, efficient cartridge design, and often longer, heavier projectiles that retain velocity better and are less affected by gravity over distance.

What is spin drift and how does it affect a bullet?

Spin drift is a phenomenon where the rifling's twist causes the bullet to drift laterally. For a standard right-hand twist, the bullet will tend to drift slightly to the right as it travels, an effect that becomes more significant at longer ranges.

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