Ballistic Coefficient Bullets: Real-World Wind Test at 500 Yards

Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is more than just a number on a bullet box—it directly impacts how your round performs at long range, especially in wind. In this field test, Greg Ray and Steve Aryan from Outdoor Solutions put two popular 6.5 Creedmoor hunting bullets to the test at 500 yards, highlighting how different BCs affect wind drift and shot placement.

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🔍 Test Setup and Bullet Specs

Two identical Allterra Mountain Shadow rifles were used to maintain consistency:

• Rifle Specs:
  • Allterra Convergence Action
  • Carbon fiber barrels
  • Different suppressor setups (short vs long)
• Bullet 1: Hornady 143gr ELD-X
  • BC (G1): 0.625
  • Loaded by Federal
  • Designed for long-range hunting
• Bullet 2: Federal Fusion 140gr
  • BC (G1): 0.439
  • Traditional hunting bullet
  • Known for terminal performance

Both rifles had nearly identical muzzle velocities, ensuring BC was the main performance variable.

🎯 Testing Methodology

• Range: 500 yards
• Conditions: Gusty wind at 10–20 mph
• Approach:
  • Zeroed rifles at 100 yards.
  • Shot in identical wind windows to ensure consistent comparison.
  • Used ballistic apps for initial data, then adjusted based on field feedback.

🧪 Results and Key Differences

1. Wind Drift Performance

• High BC (0.625) bullet:
  • Required less wind hold.
  • Averaged 1.75 MOA of wind correction.
• Lower BC (0.439) bullet:
  • Needed more wind hold, nearly 3.0 MOA.
  • Drifted significantly more at 500 yards.

Takeaway: In real-world wind, higher BC bullets clearly hold their line better.

2. Trajectory / Elevation

• The higher BC bullet flew flatter, needing:
  • 10.75 MOA elevation
• The lower BC bullet needed:
  • 12.75 MOA, nearly 2 MOA more to reach the same target.

Takeaway: Smaller wind holds at distance, less chance for error. Less drop means easier adjustments and fewer corrections in field conditions.

3. Group Consistency

• Both bullets produced impressive groups:
  • Fusion (lower BC) still grouped within ¾ MOA.
  • The ELD-X maintained tight, repeatable impacts with minor wind adjustment.

🧠 What This Means for Hunters

• Choose BC Wisely: A high BC bullet like the ELD-X will drift less in wind and shoot flatter. This matters when taking ethical long-range shots on game.
• But Fit Your Rifle First: If your rifle doesn’t shoot high BC bullets accurately, the advantage is lost.
• Match Bullet to Hunt: Know your terrain and expected wind. In open country, BC can make or break your shot.

Final Thoughts

This real-world comparison clearly shows that Ballistic Coefficient bullets do make a difference—especially in windy conditions. The higher BC bullet held its path better and required less correction at distance. But there’s an important caveat:

BC isn’t the be-all, end-all when it comes to bullet selection.

There are many other critical factors to consider, that we will cover in future videos:

• Terminal performance on game
• Accuracy from your specific rifle
• Ammunition consistency
• Hunting distance and environment

For the purpose of this video, we wanted to show how different designed bullets can make a difference in windy conditions.

Variety and consistency are two of many reasons we choose Federal Premium Ammunition.

Still, it’s essential to match your bullet to your rifle and your specific hunting needs.

🎥 Watch the Full Test

For visual learners, watch the full experiment and shot-by-shot commentary in the video here.

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