Field Firing Solutions - Calculating BC

[Dogtown]

I've been using FFS for a while now, but have never really effectively used the BC Calculation function. I've traditionally started with the published BC and tweaked it a bit by hand to match my DOPE, which can work but has never really given me solid results because it's always an approximation on my part.

I'm curious what method you guys prefer and why?

 

[Dthomas3523]

Something else is wrong if you can’t adjust the BC manually and have good results.

You should always be able to manipulate software manually via mv/bc (and at times other things such as sight height).

 

[Dogtown]

I can, but it's always an approximation, like trying to fit a curve visually vs using exacting data. I get it close and it's sufficient in some cases, and not in others. The wannabe computational astrophysicist in me would prefer to compute a solid BC, that's all. Maybe it's time to get Shotmarker and set it at 1400m?

 

[_Windrider_]

@CoryT might have some feedback on this.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I can, but it's always an approximation, like trying to fit a curve visually vs using exacting data. I get it close and it's sufficient in some cases, and not in others. The wannabe computational astrophysicist in me would prefer to compute a solid BC, that's all. Maybe it's time to get Shotmarker and set it at 1400m?

You’ll need radar.

Also, again, if it doesn’t work in some situations (unless something extreme distance) you’re doing something wrong.

You should Easily be able to get software to work all the time in supersonic distance.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Also, depending on the bullet used, you may be seeing variation in BC from bullet to bullet. This is many times the culprit in curves not working all the time when everything else is done properly.

 

[CoryT]

I very much like the Shotmarker system. I use a Labradar, then a 500 and 1000 yard Shotmarker. That gives me very accurate numbers and very precise BC values. That's our system for the XLR class and it's working well.

 

[TheGerman]

Do you have a solid grip on how your MV is effected by temperature changes, assuming its the same load?

That's usually the biggest oversight people who are chasing their ballistics calculator make.

 

[GrantB]

I’ve used ffp for many years. For About a year I chased bc and velocity values because the program would be wrong sometimes. If you have everything nailed down from your shooting ability to everything calibrated, good velocity and trusted bc values the system works reliably. now Days when “it’s off” it’s always something else and not the program, it’s usually me or something I did.

 

[Dogtown]

All good points to evaluate on my end - many thanks, gents.