Was thinking of using my ballistic app and pre making some drop sheets for different projectiles and different speeds using density altitude and was wondering what the lowest and highest number for density altitude most of y’all have ever seen in the southeast. (Example 500 at lowest to 3000 at highest) not sure if this will even work more less just experimenting and tinkering around.
Density Altitude
- Thread starter Markg90
- Start date
I asked a similar question some time ago. Being a pilot, I was sure that DA was the easiest way to standardize everything.
Years later, I've found the easiest thing to do is use Hornady 4DOF and either use NOAA data or real-time kestrel readings to populate a data card same day.
If you REALLY want to use standard DA, then I suggest making dope cards for ever 500 ft DA from -500 to 3000 and only use them as "try-dope" for you to validate when you come across that particular DA.
The issue you might have is the variable nature where temp/humidity/station pressure play different factors in an equation that get you the same DA output where at 1k yds you'll see different dopes.
Try not to over think it too terribly much like I did....
Years later, I've found the easiest thing to do is use Hornady 4DOF and either use NOAA data or real-time kestrel readings to populate a data card same day.
If you REALLY want to use standard DA, then I suggest making dope cards for ever 500 ft DA from -500 to 3000 and only use them as "try-dope" for you to validate when you come across that particular DA.
The issue you might have is the variable nature where temp/humidity/station pressure play different factors in an equation that get you the same DA output where at 1k yds you'll see different dopes.
Try not to over think it too terribly much like I did....
Back before I ran a kestrel and used cards I did them in 1000 increments.
I saw -1100 in North Texas 2 weeks ago, thought my Kestrel was broken...
You can also purchase FDACs if you’re shooting 308 (175smk), 300 win mag or 338 lapua using 190/220 smks (win mag) or 250s/300 smks (lap mag). They are decent hard copy back ups if your phone battery dies or electronics are otherwise unavailable.
Earlier this week, I saw -365 at Altus in Baker, Florida. It was a cold morning. The highest I have ever recorded was a bit over 3000 feet. Summer or winter, it usually runs between 1000 to 2000 making it essentially a non factor. My range card data rarely changes enough to make me wonder why I bother recording weather.
However, I only shoot in the far south, furthest north is Prince memorial in West Carroll Parish, in Northeast Louisiana and furthest south is Altus at Baker, Florida.
However, I only shoot in the far south, furthest north is Prince memorial in West Carroll Parish, in Northeast Louisiana and furthest south is Altus at Baker, Florida.
I think Impact Data Books offers cards, separate for each bullet type and velocity for various calibers.
I would laminate a Density Altitude chart, hit JBM and make your own for hard data after you have load information. A back up or quick reference if you don't have a Kestrel. In your area, you won't see big differences until past 5-600.
The .308 ones are a 175smk, 2500-2650 velocity, green in MOA, tan for MIL, two sided, -2k--3k DA
example
DA is a quick reference for subsonic aviation and supersonic ballistics is more driven by Mach/Reynolds number, so you can find inconsistencies in some cases using DA....
But, for your question, -2000 to 8000 should cover most situations. Every 1000-2000ft out to 600-800yd should be close enough. YMMV.
But, for your question, -2000 to 8000 should cover most situations. Every 1000-2000ft out to 600-800yd should be close enough. YMMV.
@mark5pt56 - excellent idea. will do just that as i worked up the 140-gr hornady A-AMAX load w/ HL4350 for the 6.5CM. thank you.
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