Data Observed from Previous Engagements

[redacted]

I have had practically zero instruction in person regarding dope. Im trying my best to write down everything I can that i feel is important. Temperature, humidity, wind speeds and direction, load info, distances, moa adjustments etc. But I have had no ideas of what it should look like formally, if there is such a thing. Also, I am trying to upgrade my rifle as funds allow, and each upgrade leaves my previous dope rendered useless.. How do the pros address this? Should I just tear out the previous 10 pages and start fresh? I will be taking my first formal precision long range course next month, but my brain seeks knowledge NOW and you guys are awesome in sharing that here even if its a lil harsh from time to time. Thanks in advance

 

[Steel head]

Basically now I note if my kestrel is still jiving.
Also wind holds and indicators that may help me in the future at a location.
sunny, overcast, bright snow and mirage.
DA and temp.

Rain or fog.
I sketch out target location and distances for a new area.
How I’m shooting and if I realize I’m being a dumbass and it’s correction.
Speeds if I put my magnetospeed on.
I’ll also guess a wind speed and note it’s actual.

 

[Rocketmandb]

What upgrades are you doing that you think are rendering your previous data useless?

 

[redacted]

What upgrades are you doing that you think are rendering your previous data useless?

Well I just ordered new rings, for instance.. This changes the height between reticle and center of bore, which changes all my dope..

 

[Rocketmandb]

Well I just ordered new rings, for instance.. This changes the height between reticle and center of bore, which changes all my dope..

This is also something that's outside of all the moving parts, so to speak. The bullet is going to follow the trajectory as before. After a change like this, you can readily calculate at a few distances, test once, then make adjustments when you reference the "pre-scope-change" dope. I don't know how much height change you introduced, but a quarter inch should be somewhere in the neighborhood of .1 mil at 1000 yards, and less as you move in.

The only time I ditch old dope is if I change something fundamental about the setup that impacts bullet trajectory like bullet, charge weight, barrel, etc. Otherwise, some things may impact POI, but the bullet still flies the same.

Also, I capture dope on most trips I take (or validate if conditions are similar). I also try to not use a ballistic calculator, instead relying on dope to make an estimate. First, I find this to be more fun. Second, the numbers really stick in your brain a lot more if you're actually thinking about them. It's like following directions someone gave you vs. following a GPS. You'll remember later how to find the "directions" place a lot better than the "GPS" place. Ballistic calculators are sort of like a GPS in this regard - plug and play.