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Ballistic calculator recommendation(s)
- Thread starter Paul1262
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Paul, I answered a question you had previously on the Hornady Kestrel. I know it's a pretty sizable outlay to buy one (what are they, $499 or so?). You have several intermediate, and far less expensive, options available to you. I went through quite a few free ballistic calculator apps on my phones back when I first started shooting. I can't remember the ones I downloaded aside from Strelok's free app, which was very good.
I know a lot of guys have bought the upgraded Strelok app and I haven't seen too many negative comments about its firing solutions. The negative comments seem to be about the functionality and interface between the app and the phone's operating system. I've used Ballistic AE with very good success for several years, even after I bought my first Kestrel. I think Ballistic AE was $20 when I bought it. Shooter is another really popular ballistic calculator you can download. Applied Ballistics has an app, but it's $30, so a bit more expensive than the other apps, but it's the same calculator that the Kestrel has used for a while.
The obvious cons are you have to figure things out on your own, like what your bullet's BC actually is, and you'll need to find a good source for your atmospherics, so that means downloading another app, like Weather Station. (EDIT: As others have said, an I completely spaced, you'll need a way to accurately measure the wind. Since you said, "new to long range shooting", I'm assuming your wind calls aren't exactly first rate yet.) Some of the apps, like Ballistic AE and Applied Ballistics will have a very generous bullet library.
The Hornady Kestrel is a fine product and I doubt you would ever "outgrow" it, so to speak. It has some minor shortcomings (they might be major, depending on your situation), such as you're limited to something like 3 loads, and you can only solve for one target at a time. You can use the Link app on your phone to create as many gun profiles as you'd like. You'll just have to swap them out on the Kestrel via Bluetooth. The 5700 Elite offers Applied Ballistics as the calculator, plus the ability to store 30 loads, solve for 10 targets at a time, and create a range card.
I know a lot of guys have bought the upgraded Strelok app and I haven't seen too many negative comments about its firing solutions. The negative comments seem to be about the functionality and interface between the app and the phone's operating system. I've used Ballistic AE with very good success for several years, even after I bought my first Kestrel. I think Ballistic AE was $20 when I bought it. Shooter is another really popular ballistic calculator you can download. Applied Ballistics has an app, but it's $30, so a bit more expensive than the other apps, but it's the same calculator that the Kestrel has used for a while.
The obvious cons are you have to figure things out on your own, like what your bullet's BC actually is, and you'll need to find a good source for your atmospherics, so that means downloading another app, like Weather Station. (EDIT: As others have said, an I completely spaced, you'll need a way to accurately measure the wind. Since you said, "new to long range shooting", I'm assuming your wind calls aren't exactly first rate yet.) Some of the apps, like Ballistic AE and Applied Ballistics will have a very generous bullet library.
The Hornady Kestrel is a fine product and I doubt you would ever "outgrow" it, so to speak. It has some minor shortcomings (they might be major, depending on your situation), such as you're limited to something like 3 loads, and you can only solve for one target at a time. You can use the Link app on your phone to create as many gun profiles as you'd like. You'll just have to swap them out on the Kestrel via Bluetooth. The 5700 Elite offers Applied Ballistics as the calculator, plus the ability to store 30 loads, solve for 10 targets at a time, and create a range card.
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Appreciate you taking the time to prepare this informative reply - thanks.
I used the Hornady app to help make adjustments since I had no dope on the rifle I was using and it was almost on the money. Off by 1 click (1/4 moa) in some distances and perfect on others. Didn’t have to worry too much about windage though. The day I shot had almost no wind at all.
I use ballistic AE mostly.
I’ve grown fond of its usability but past 1200 yards it takes some work to true with my rifles.
It does work with my kestrel drop.
Recently I’ve started using 4DOF app.
I prefer the ballistic AE layout but trueing is a snap and I get really good results with it.
It doesn’t work with my Kestrel drop so I have to manually populate conditions.
I often use my buddy’s 5700 elite.
It’s certainly nice especially in ugly weather but I kinda prefer my phone apps because one table provide holds for multiple targets.
I’ve grown fond of its usability but past 1200 yards it takes some work to true with my rifles.
It does work with my kestrel drop.
Recently I’ve started using 4DOF app.
I prefer the ballistic AE layout but trueing is a snap and I get really good results with it.
It doesn’t work with my Kestrel drop so I have to manually populate conditions.
I often use my buddy’s 5700 elite.
It’s certainly nice especially in ugly weather but I kinda prefer my phone apps because one table provide holds for multiple targets.
Thanks - From no dope to your achieved accuracy , the Hornady app is pretty impressive.
I am really digging the Garmin 701... has a chart/target display, and a table you can throw up. And the AB bullet profile was dead nuts on with my 6.5cm after I inputted the right mv.
I have a weather flow + my phone to collect weather data if I want it, but I usually input wind based on visuals down range.
I have a weather flow + my phone to collect weather data if I want it, but I usually input wind based on visuals down range.
I've tried Ballistics ARC, Hornady 4DOF, and Strelok Pro.
I like Strelok Pro the best, hands down. Easy to use. Simple interface. And, it works (though I think they all work).
Also, the developer of Strelok updates and enhances the app very frequently. He's also very responsive to questions or suggestions on the Strelok Users Group on Facebook. He's also very good about answering emails.
I like Strelok Pro the best, hands down. Easy to use. Simple interface. And, it works (though I think they all work).
Also, the developer of Strelok updates and enhances the app very frequently. He's also very responsive to questions or suggestions on the Strelok Users Group on Facebook. He's also very good about answering emails.
He also will update the app if you contact him with a reticle you can't find in the dropdown menus or an off the shelf round that is not listed. Like racer88 said, very responsive.
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Deleted member 128515
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I have a Kestrel 5700 Elite. I also have purchased and used 5 of the most popular apps for my Android phone. But when I am at the range I use just the Kestrel. Mostly because of it's full functionality.
But lately I have been writing my DOPE down in my range book. I need to have a better understanding and being able to look back at other range days and shooting conditions.
When I get home I become the geek and run my results in all the apps to see relationships in the data.
They all provide great results.
But for me it's my DOPE and my Kestrel 5700 Elite.
But lately I have been writing my DOPE down in my range book. I need to have a better understanding and being able to look back at other range days and shooting conditions.
When I get home I become the geek and run my results in all the apps to see relationships in the data.
They all provide great results.
But for me it's my DOPE and my Kestrel 5700 Elite.
The Kestrel 2700 is also good option for people new to long range shooting: https://kestrelinstruments.com/cate...-meters/kestrel-2700-ballistics-weather-meter
Have you tried the Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4DOF. I would like to know what you think of this unit as compared to the Kestrel 5700.
Thanks for the recommendation. After doing a significant amount of research, I decided to purchase the Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4 DOF.
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Deleted member 128515
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I have not tried that product. I have spent more than I should have. Extra gear is not needed for me and my shooting. I feel anything that says Kestrel on the label would be a good purchase. I dont need all the bells and whistles. My DOPE is what fills in the gaps if i am not sure of the call. And getting better in being consistantly with the fundamentals . Learning wind calls that's time and patients and a lot of rounds down range. That makes me humbly knowing I have much to learn.
I wish I was experienced enough to approach long range shooting the way you explained.
Went back and forth on the Kestrel Elite 5700 and the Kestrel/Hornady 5700 4DOF. Went with Hornady. Both seem to be excellent units.
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Deleted member 128515
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Paul,
I am 66 years old with more wisdom than money and new to shooting just this year.
I did the Alaska Percision Rifle Course this summer with Frank and Marc and crew. Learned a lot. I have watched every podcast. Taking the video training to reinforce what I have heard before. Careful where I spend my retirement. Dry fire as often as I can. I am new to this too, just like many I see here and on other Facebook groups. I shoot a RPR in 6.5creedmoor. I put my money in great glass and great bipod. The rest is up to me to master the fundamentals.
When Kestrel has a modern touchscreen user interface for the built-in ballistic app, I'll definitely consider it. But, to use a tiny LCD screen (with very limited information) and cursor buttons a select button to navigate and input ... too cumbersome.
Take a look at the Garmin 701, i find the bigger screen and 4 button interface pretty easy to use. The target card feature basically replaces my armband.
I wouldn't want a touch screen on a device like this for field work.... to fragile, battery life sucks, hard to see in sunlight, and hard to use if your hands are dirty/weraing gloves.
Until someone comes up with a modern touchscreen with user interface for the built-in ballistic app, the Kestrel 5700 and Kestrel/Hornady 5700 are about the best out there (just my opinion).
I appreciate the buttons. I have terrible luck with touch screens and gloves, even touch screen specific gloves. And that's across numerous device, activity, weather, and glove combinations.
I agree on the screen though, it could stand to be a touch larger and the layout will take some getting used to. I just got the 4DOF model. Setup is quick enough, and it seems to be simple to operate once you understand the basic button flow.
I use Field Firing Solution. It is a great program but does require some time to learn to use it and the cost is high.
I have used the 4 DOF phone app and recently purchased the Kestrel with 4 DOF and I am really happy with the results so far, very user friendly and ballistic software is good to go.
The Kestrel Ballistic Link app for your phone is the modern touchscreen interface for your Kestrel, soon the HUD. The Kestrel is designed to military specs so it will hold up in extreme conditions.
I also have the Kestrel/Hornady 4DOF. I'm still absorbing all of the instruction material. Just curious if you zeroed at 100 yards the way Hornady recommends?
I agree that the 100 yard zero is the easiest however, Hornady recommends taking 5 shots then measuring each shot from center line and adjust the axial form factor accordingly. This is all new to me so I hope that I explained this correctly.
+1
For real ELR work FFS or Coldbore, nothing else is better than those two, and the value provided is way over their price. For LR any decent app will do the job. So it all comes down to the job application at hand.
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