Impact of temperature on bullet trajectory for .223?

Temperature Effects on Ballistic Coefficients

Temperature affects a bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which in turn affects its trajectory. For a .223 caliber bullet, a drop in temperature of 1°F results in an increase of 0.002 in the ballistic coefficient. This means that at lower temperatures, the bullet will have a flatter trajectory and less wind deflection. For instance, a 55 grain V-MAX bullet at 300 yards will drop 6.8 inches at 80°F and 6.2 inches at 60°F.

Bullet Expansion and Temperature

In addition to its ballistic coefficient, temperature also affects a bullet’s expansion upon impact. For a .223 caliber bullet, a drop in temperature of 100°F results in an expansion of approximately 0.5 inches in diameter. This is important to consider when hunting at high elevations or in cold weather, as a bullet that expands too much can fragment and lose its kinetic energy.

Practical Considerations for Hunters

When hunting with a .223 caliber rifle, it’s essential to consider the temperature and its effects on bullet trajectory and expansion. This can be done by consulting a ballistic calculator or chart, which can provide an estimate of bullet drop and wind deflection based on temperature, altitude, and other factors. Additionally, hunters should always shoot in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more stable, and avoid shooting during extreme temperature fluctuations.