What is "bullet drop"?

Bullet drop refers to the downward trajectory a bullet takes as it travels due to the force of gravity. When a bullet is fired, it does not travel in a perfectly straight line. Instead, as it moves through the air, gravity pulls it downward from its initial path. This phenomenon means that the bullet will progressively drop lower than the line of sight between the shooter and the target as it travels over distance.

Understanding bullet drop is crucial for accurate shooting, especially at longer ranges, because it affects how a shooter must adjust their aim. For example, a marksman may need to aim higher than the target to compensate for the bullet's descent due to gravity. This principle is fundamental in ballistics and is essential for effective marksmanship.

The other choices do not accurately define bullet drop. The speed of the bullet relates to its velocity and does not encompass the aspect of gravity affecting its trajectory. The distance a bullet can travel is unrelated to the concept of drop and depends more on multiple factors including the type of bullet and the firearm used. The type of bullet describes its design, material, and intended purpose, which do not influence the definition of bullet drop directly.