How does rifling affect a bullet?

Rifling plays a crucial role in the performance of a bullet as it exits the barrel of a firearm. The grooves and lands created in the rifled barrel impart a spin to the bullet as it travels down the barrel. This spin stabilizes the projectile during its flight, much like how a spinning gyroscope maintains its orientation.

When a bullet is stabilized, it tends to maintain a more accurate trajectory and reduces the chances of tumbling or veering off course. This stabilization is vital for achieving better accuracy over longer distances, as it ensures that the bullet remains straighter in flight. Consequently, the rifled design significantly enhances the effectiveness and precision of the ammunition used in firearms.

While rifling indirectly contributes to increasing a bullet's range by promoting stability, the primary impact of rifling is the stabilization of the bullet's flight. The other options present different concepts that do not directly relate to the purpose of rifling.