Bullet drop questions.
- Thread starter goodgorilla
- Start date
I measure in mils some measure in moa. Bullet drop can be calculated based on variables and how much adjustment it takes to get on target with the ruler in front of you. Using a chrono and taking notes. Plug into a ballistic calculator and observe and correct any adjustments needed.
Well, that is interesting.
To calculate you need a couple of factors
Initial velocity
Ballistic coefficient of the bullet
angle of departure
Wind speed and angle to the flight of the bullet
Altitude and air density
A degree in mathematics or a smart phone with a ballistic app.
To measure is a little easier.
Hole in paper at 1 distance, then another, then another. A ruler.
With a scope with mil reticle at first focal plane, just count the dots.
To calculate you need a couple of factors
Initial velocity
Ballistic coefficient of the bullet
angle of departure
Wind speed and angle to the flight of the bullet
Altitude and air density
A degree in mathematics or a smart phone with a ballistic app.
To measure is a little easier.
Hole in paper at 1 distance, then another, then another. A ruler.
With a scope with mil reticle at first focal plane, just count the dots.
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You measure it with a ruler. You predict it with a ballistics calculator, which depends on the bullet's ballistic coefficient, its muzzle velocity and a handful of other variables. It's important because if you get it wrong, you'll miss.
Some interesting responses, just guessing what it was I thought you would look at the bullet path through a mil dot reticle. Then you would keep a mental note where the top of the bullet arc was then the bottom would be where it hit. That distance would be the bullet drop. So the actual bullet drop is how far above or below the bullet hit from where the crosshair is?
Even in a good spotting scope, the bullet trace can be deceiving - you're watching the air, not the bullet. You'll get an approximate number at best with that method.
zero rifle @ 200 yards..... then shoot 300, write down scope adjustment...... shoot at 400, write down scope adjustment....... shoot at 500, write down scope adjustment. Take real world measurements and load into computer until computer matches what your rifle shot at various distances. Now you have what your rifle will shoot at any distance.
I use the Kestrel 4500NV Bluetooth combined with Applied Ballistics Tactical on my Tablet.
But you can buy just the applied ballistics and get a good idea of your drop.
But you can buy just the applied ballistics and get a good idea of your drop.
I do have the kestrel with applied ballistics. I have just started to learn how the ballistic software works. I have got all the inputs I need to enter a .22 lr rifle in the system, I am a little skeptical of the data that I have to enter though.
Maybe some of us can help? I used the AB Tactical platform this past weekend. 1st shot at 800 was inside of 2 inches from the X. Absolutely performed flawless. Which data are you having trouble with?
Well, my velocity for one. I am using a magnetospeedv2 and the only way I can get the meter to pick up velocity is to move the barrel right next to the sensor. In the instruction manual it says to not do that. The velocity was about 1160, which the advertised fps was 1255 so I am not sure if the speed is accurate. I was hoping to ask someone at the range if I can compare numbers. The other data I am not so sure about is the bullet length and BC. I have them written down somewhere, but can't remember the figures at the moment. I am firing M22 Winchester .22 lr, and their staff seemed to scramble for the data they gave me so I'm not sure if they are accurate. Another set of data I'm not so certain of is the elevation of the device. The elevation I put in the kestrel was based off of the elevation I found on google earth, and I have been to two different locations and the kestrel didn't agree with google earth. I think this sums up my skepticism, but I have faith in the device. It's just I literally started using it like a week ago, and never had done any ballistics before. But I understand the big picture of the device, and the inputs involved.
First off, I believe Winchester had a recall on the .22LR ammo due to a powder issue. second, set you elevation to 0. Allow the kestrel to use its own information to calculate density altitude for you. This will alleviate any problems there.
You can calculate BC on your own, but it will require you use a different chronograph. By setting up the choronograph at the target, and using a simple formula you can do the BC yourself. You can also get a good set of calipers and just pop one of the rimfire rounds off and measure them.
You can calculate BC on your own, but it will require you use a different chronograph. By setting up the choronograph at the target, and using a simple formula you can do the BC yourself. You can also get a good set of calipers and just pop one of the rimfire rounds off and measure them.
Yeah the company had recalled certain batches of ammo, the ammo I have doesn't come from those batches. I'm going to have to pop one of those bullets and see the length with my calipers. Do you know what that BC formula is?
