reply to this classmates discussion post Projectiles are not designed to tumble while in flight. Instead, bullets are stabilized by the rifling inside the barrel, which spins the projectile and keeps it flying nose-forward. Accuracy depends on this stability. Tumbling is generally a terminal effect, meaning it occurs after the bullet strikes a target. When a projectile enters soft tissue or another dense medium, it often begins to yaw (wobble) and eventually tumble, which increases the size of the wound channel. Ammunition marketed as "Tumble Upon Impact" (TUI), for example, relies on this behavior to maximize energy transfer in the target, not during flight. The twist rate of rifling plays a critical role in maintaining stable flight. Twist rate refers to how quickly the rifling makes one complete turn inside the barrel, such as "1:8," meaning one turn in 8 inches. A faster twist rate (lower number) imparts more spin to the bullet, which helps stabilize longer, heavier projectiles. Conversely, a slower twist rate may be sufficient for shorter, lighter bullets. If the twist rate is too slow, the bullet may not stabilize and can tumble mid-air, resulting in poor accuracy or "keyholing" on the target. Proper twist rate ensures a bullet maintains its orientation, stays aerodynamic, and flies predictably. The biggest "enemy" of a bullet's flight is aerodynamic drag. Drag constantly slows the projectile, reducing velocity over distance. As velocity drops, the bullet spends more time in the air, which allows gravity to pull it downward and wind to push it sideways. This combina