Cheap Ballistics Calculator

[Kwfranklin88]

I’m new to long range shooting. I’m trying to get started as cheap as possible to see if I like it.
I don’t want to buy much equipment just to try out the sport. If I like it I will invest in a good ballistics calculator.

What is the cheapest easiest way to come up with firing solutions. I will just be shooting at my house to learn how to do everything. I will try a match after I get a feel for everything.

What do you recommend I should do? I know once I get on target I should write down the dope.
I don’t have a chrono either. Is it necessary?

 

[stello1001]

Ballistics ARC is free for your smartphone. I use it and it seems to work.

 

[Racer88]

I recommend Strelok Pro, which is the paid version ($12) of the free version, Strelok. It's worth the $12. Very easy to use! It helps to have a chrono, but not necessary to get started.

 

[Kwfranklin88]

It helps to have a chrono, but not necessary to get started.
[/QUOTE]
I have BallisticsARC on my phone. I haven’t tried it yet. How do I get a decently accurate firing solution without a chrono? I know there is a complex formula. Is their an easier way to get a decently accurate solution.

 

[striped1]

Another vote for Strelok pro

 

[Racer88]

It helps to have a chrono, but not necessary to get started.

I have BallisticsARC on my phone. I haven’t tried it yet. How do I get a decently accurate firing solution without a chrono? I know there is a complex formula. Is their an easier way to get a decently accurate solution.
[/QUOTE]

Truth be told, if you have your own range with the ability to shoot at 100, 200, 300... etc... you can just zero at 100 yards and then see what the drop is at the subsequent distances and record your own dope. Done and done.

As for entering a velocity into a ballistic calculator, you can start with the velocity on the box. Bear in mind that "your mileage may vary." That's what THEY got from THEIR barrel at the factory. But, you can use it as a starting point. You can then "true" your ballistic calculator for velocity after you shoot at longer distances and record the discrepancy between the calculator's elevation and your actual drop / elevation. I hope that made sense.

Also, I can recommend two sources of information and education for the novice:

The first is an excellent book: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Range-Shooting-Handbook-Cleckner/dp/151865472X/ref=sr_1_1

The second is to sign up for the "Online Training" here at Sniper's Hide: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/account/upgrades/

 

[Kwfranklin88]

I have BallisticsARC on my phone. I haven’t tried it yet. How do I get a decently accurate firing solution without a chrono? I know there is a complex formula. Is their an easier way to get a decently accurate solution.

Truth be told, if you have your own range with the ability to shoot at 100, 200, 300... etc... you can just zero at 100 yards and then see what the drop is at the subsequent distances and record your own dope. Done and done.

As for entering a velocity into a ballistic calculator, you can start with the velocity on the box. Bear in mind that "your mileage may vary." That's what THEY got from THEIR barrel at the factory. But, you can use it as a starting point. You can then "true" your ballistic calculator for velocity after you shoot at longer distances and record the discrepancy between the calculator's elevation and your actual drop / elevation. I hope that made sense.

Also, I can recommend two sources of information and education for the novice:

The first is an excellent book: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Range-Shooting-Handbook-Cleckner/dp/151865472X/ref=sr_1_1

The second is to sign up for the "Online Training" here at Sniper's Hide: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/account/upgrades/
[/QUOTE]
Awesome! Thanks!

 

[stello1001]

With a 100 yard zero, shoot to 400, 500, or something further out until you get a hit and be sure to know or identify how much elevation you had to dial to get that hit.

Once that is done, you can get a pretty close to true muzzle velocity in ARC. There is a page in there where you enter your twist rate, optic height, etc, hopefully you have all this done already. If you do not, be sure to have it ready prior to your shooting.

On the bottom of that page, there's a place where you can true MV by entering how much elevation you had to dial for however many yards you shot at. Once you enter that, it will give you a pretty close ballpark figure for your MV.

 

[Matches Malone]

Cheap ballistic calculator:

 

[Matches Malone]

Also Hornady’s 4dof app is free I’m pretty sure.

 

[Ledzep]

Yup, 4DoF from Hornady is free and has been the most accurate calculator I've used.

 

[Steel head]

Also Hornady’s 4dof app is free I’m pretty sure.

Yup, 4DoF from Hornady is free and has been the most accurate calculator I've used.

I also use 4dof.
It’s easy to true and easy to use.
For a free app I think it’s pretty amazing.

 

[Greenday4537]

Just downloaded the Hornady app. Quick look at it and it seems really solid.

 

[Kwfranklin88]

Awesome! Thanks guys! I downloaded the Hornady app and the BallisticsARC app. I think I’m gonna pick up a geo weather station to use with BallisticsARC. I’ll use the Hornady in the meantime.