How does the mass of a bullet influence its trajectory?

The mass of a bullet significantly influences its trajectory, particularly through its stability during flight. Heavier bullets tend to be more stable in flight due to their inertia, which allows them to resist external forces such as wind and air resistance. This stability helps in maintaining a more consistent trajectory, leading to improved accuracy over distances.

For example, a heavier bullet will experience a greater momentum, making it less susceptible to deflection from crosswinds. This can be particularly important in long-range shooting, where stability can be the difference between hitting the target and missing it.

In contrast, lighter bullets may have higher velocities, but they can be more easily affected by environmental factors, making their trajectory less predictable. The other options touch on aspects of bullet performance, but they do not encapsulate the primary reason why heavier bullets are generally considered more stable in flight.