Kestrel Meters Ballistics Official Thread

[Kestrel Ballistics]

I would look at screen with acquisition on and spin around to ensure the compass goes the full 12 hours / 360 degrees. If the compass is working, lt may be how you hold the Kestrel in your hand, being off 1/4 inch angle in pointing is 1.5 hour change in result.

 

[b6graham]

.1 is fine, but .7 is a bit much for 1st round hit expatiation. and yes the wind is a factor 600 yds away - but at least need an accurate elevation to start.
Thanks for the reply!

check bore height at scope erectors. within .1" or so is good enough but being off a lot could cause problems. even 1.5" versus 2.25" is .2-.3 mil off at 600y

check meters versus yards
check g1 versus g7 versus CDM numbers

 

[alex2x2]

I would look at screen with acquisition on and spin around to ensure the compass goes the full 12 hours / 360 degrees. If the compass is working, lt may be how you hold the Kestrel in your hand, being off 1/4 inch angle in pointing is 1.5 hour change in result.

I keep it strictly vertical. Compass goes full 12 hours.

 

[nikonNUT]

Hey all,
So just learning how to use the Kestrel (The classes are a blessing!) and noticed something a little off. Got everything running with CCI SV (I know, I know but the Center-X I have has been perfroming horribly) and my zero was at 50 yards. Got everything entered and the Kestrel says to dial up .03Mils. It is an insignificant amount but seems a little odd. Is it the nature of the beast or have I done something wrong? I am, of course, leaning towards the latter as a noob but is it something I can correct?

 

[6.5SH]

Hey all,
So just learning how to use the Kestrel (The classes are a blessing!) and noticed something a little off. Got everything running with CCI SV (I know, I know but the Center-X I have has been perfroming horribly) and my zero was at 50 yards. Got everything entered and the Kestrel says to dial up .03Mils. It is an insignificant amount but seems a little odd. Is it the nature of the beast or have I done something wrong? I am, of course, leaning towards the latter as a noob but is it something I can correct?

Have more than one entry in the MV temp table?

 

[nikonNUT]

Have more than one entry in the MV temp table?

No, sir.

 

[6.5SH]

Aerodynamic Jump enabled and wind direction that would cause it to drop for your twist direction?

 

[nikonNUT]

Aerodynamic Jump enabled and wind direction that would cause it to drop for your twist direction?

That seems to be it! Thank you, sir! So next dumb question... Should I leave Aero Jump on? Running a .22LR.

 

[6.5SH]

Many prefer to leave it and spin drift off. If you were shooting at extreme ranges it may be worth while to experiment to see if it's corrections hold true for you or not.

 

[rustyinbend]

Enhancement Request ... PLEASE ... Alphabetize Gun Profiles. That would be way better than the random sorting that is in use now.

 

[nikonNUT]

Many prefer to leave it and spin drift off. If you were shooting at extreme ranges it may be worth while to experiment to see if it's corrections hold true for you or not.

Thank you for all the help. Not sure the range is "extreme" at 305 yards but I'll play with it and see what happens. Thanks again!

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Enhancement Request ... PLEASE ... Alphabetize Gun Profiles. That would be way better than the random sorting that is in use now.

fw 1.47 did that see this

StackPath

 

[rustyinbend]

fw 1.47 did that see this

StackPath

Didn't know that ... thanks. That said, it's not "alphanumeric" ... it just lets you manually reorder them. Not ideal if you have a lot of profiles ... would have preferred a "Sort Alpha" option. Maybe someday ... but for now, this is better than nothing.

 

[madpat]

When new FW 1.49 will be released to update Kestrel device?

New FW description is available on Kestrel FW change logs.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

It is scheduled to roll out this week, the change log was a bit premature, but accurate.

 

[KimberGuy]

How do I backup the target cards stored in the kestrel so that I don’t lose them when updating the firmware?

 

[6.5SH]

How do I backup the target cards stored in the kestrel so that I don’t lose them when updating the firmware?

The target cards can be saved to and re-sent to the Kestrel via the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics mobile app.
You can also export them as CSV to email etc. for making hard copies within the app.

 

[Jardinski]

Ok, I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I'm using a Kestrel Elite Ballistics and was using the custom curves.

I'm using Hornady 140 BTHP Match bullets, 6.5 Creedmoor at 2843 FPS. I know they are a bit fast, but no signs of over pressure on the brass or primers. I tested this with both my Magneto speed and my Lab Radar to verify velocities.

With the custom curve for the bullet, my dope was fine for targets 500y and under, but past that I was hitting significantly high. So I switched to manual BC and adjusted it to match were I was hatting at 1000y. This brought up my G7 BC from 0.285 to 0.371 which is insane for any kind of 6.5 creedmoor bullet. Even a 153 grain A-tip is only 0.355. The weird thing is it worked, well for elevation at least. I tried from 400-1000y and all the elevation calculations were on point. Windage was way off however as the bullet isn't actually that aerodynamic.

Any Idea what I'm doing wrong?

 

[6.5SH]

Would need to see all the rest of your inputs to even hazard a guess. FWIW BC is tied to velocity so yours would be higher than normal but not like that.

To give further comparisons looking at the various PDM's for this bullet G7's of .252 to .296 are listed in AB mobile.

 

[b6graham]

Ok, I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I'm using a Kestrel Elite Ballistics and was using the custom curves.

I'm using Hornady 140 BTHP Match bullets, 6.5 Creedmoor at 2843 FPS. I know they are a bit fast, but no signs of over pressure on the brass or primers. I tested this with both my Magneto speed and my Lab Radar to verify velocities.

With the custom curve for the bullet, my dope was fine for targets 500y and under, but past that I was hitting significantly high. So I switched to manual BC and adjusted it to match were I was hatting at 1000y. This brought up my G7 BC from 0.285 to 0.371 which is insane for any kind of 6.5 creedmoor bullet. Even a 153 grain A-tip is only 0.355. The weird thing is it worked, well for elevation at least. I tried from 400-1000y and all the elevation calculations were on point. Windage was way off however as the bullet isn't actually that aerodynamic.

Any Idea what I'm doing wrong?

Zero off. Zero distance wrong. Zero elevation offset set to something instead of zero

 

[Jardinski]

Zeroed it a week ago, and was still having the issues then. Heres the data that worked. Also I wanted to add in, that this is an issue Ive only seen with this projectile in particular.

Edit: Added a third photo for the dope with everything the same but with the Kestrel's Custom curve BC.

 

[6.5SH]

Have a picture of the zero group and how did you measure that distance to target?

 

[Jardinski]

Have a picture of the zero group and how did you measure that distance to target?

At a public range, targets are supposed to be at 100y. This was from last week, but I verified today and it was grouping pretty similar so I didn't adjust anything.

 

[6.5SH]

At a public range, targets are supposed to be at 100y. This was from last week, but I verified today and it was grouping pretty similar so I didn't adjust anything.

Is a 1/2 click low, not enough for the differences you are showing but does bring up the other half. "Supposed to be 100y", is it really 90 or 120? Unless you measure it are just adding another piece of incorrect info to the calculations, it all makes things worse the further out you go.

Another source of info you may have access to. Do you have an SD card in your LabRadar and still have the session data for this load?
If so, look at the individual TRK .csv files. If you had good alignment to the target you may have velocity readings to 100 yards or more.

Zip the TRK folder and upload here:

Geladen | Labrabaco

 

[Jardinski]

• TRK/Shot0001 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.3182275390625, R2L = 0.9742113612669835
• TRK/Shot0002 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.326314697265625, R2L = 0.9927637309657781
• TRK/Shot0003 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.3253076171875, R2L = 0.9939808628000247
• TRK/Shot0004 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.315328369140625, R2L = 0.9923812584935122
• TRK/Shot0006 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.32524658203125, R2L = 0.991201794085859

BC standard deviation: 0.004969991621796168
Average BC = 0.3220849609375

I mean 3.2 is a lot higher then what is listed anywhere else. But still lower then the 3.7 I was using to get hits.

 

[6.5SH]

• TRK/Shot0001 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.3182275390625, R2L = 0.9742113612669835
• TRK/Shot0002 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.326314697265625, R2L = 0.9927637309657781
• TRK/Shot0003 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.3253076171875, R2L = 0.9939808628000247
• TRK/Shot0004 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.315328369140625, R2L = 0.9923812584935122
• TRK/Shot0006 Track.csv : processing... G7 BC=0.32524658203125, R2L = 0.991201794085859

BC standard deviation: 0.004969991621796168
Average BC = 0.3220849609375

I mean 3.2 is a lot higher then what is listed anywhere else. But still lower then the 3.7 I was using to get hits.

Is also the BC at 100 yards or whatever it tracked to, so it will still be high for an average BC number, but still a true number to adjust from.
Using the typical "adjust the middle number a digit or two" puts you near the higher PDM G7 value I listed above.

I'd measure the actual range you zeroed at, then step by step review all the settings on the kestrel. I have seen it mix imperial and metric after an update requiring using the global unit setting to correct it.

Reviewing this article can give you an idea of what all can cause things to give poor results:

Ballistic Program Inaccuracies

 

[Jardinski]

Next time I'm at the range ill bring my rangefinder. Would you trust the data from a laser rangefinder over the posted distances at a range? I have a Sig Kilo BDX 3000. I was hopign it was something simple like I had a setting wrong on the kestrel, or missed calibrating something, but I'll go through that list. Thanks for your help!

 

[6.5SH]

Your laser will likely be closer to the truth. One of the largest public ranges in the country only has two spots with accurate 100 yard measurements, their benchrest range and a PD range. The main range there has some as close as 92 yards. This scenario is more common than you'd think.

If you were going to do turret click value truing I'd not trust the laser and use a 300 foot tape measure.

ETA:
Just noticed your odd wind holds in your screenshots. You likely have the incorrect latitude set and spin drift and Aero jump all enabled. Firmware update will change all of those.

 

[Jardinski]

ETA:
Just noticed your odd wind holds in your screenshots. You likely have the incorrect latitude set and spin drift and Aero jump all enabled. Firmware update will change all of those.

I checked the Latitude, but do you recommend removing Spin drift and Aero Jump?

 

[6.5SH]

To get to a baseline, yes.

 

[Near miss]

Hi, please considering adding these functions to Kestrel.
-compass that reads in 1/6000th and 1/6400th instead of just degrees
-Add bullet length to the information that is shown under the BC data. (already BD and weight are included in there)

 

[RedDawn]

After a PRS rimfire match I was able to confirm data on my AR I’d like to use in competition. I use the Kestrel 2700 for rimfire and I can’t get it to show me the results I confirmed on impact. Maybe you can help me figure a way to use this in a match or do I need the Kestrel 5700 to have a better custom curve for this rifle ?

AR 18” 223W 1:8
IMI 77gr Razor BC 0.190 and MV 2690
2.75” height above bore

Magnetospeed V3 - at 1’
Max: 2709
Min: 2658
Avg: 2685
SD : 18.7

MOA
100 - 0
200 - 0.75
300 - 3.50
400 - 6.00
500 - 9.25
600 -15.25
700 - 19.50

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

The only adjustment in a 2700 is Cal MV for truing supersonic distances, you should try that, it may get you where you need to be.

Regarding your 22lr the 5700 elite has drop scale factor which allows you to true the meter for shots in the subsonic distances, which is just about all distances for 22lr. 2700 is designed for supersonic hunting shots. If you are getting good results that is good, but not expected.

 

[6.5SH]

After a PRS rimfire match I was able to confirm data on my AR I’d like to use in competition. I use the Kestrel 2700 for rimfire and I can’t get it to show me the results I confirmed on impact. Maybe you can help me figure a way to use this in a match or do I need the Kestrel 5700 to have a better custom curve for this rifle ?

AR 18” 223W 1:8
IMI 77gr Razor BC 0.190 and MV 2690
2.75” height above bore

Magnetospeed V3 - at 1’
Max: 2709
Min: 2658
Avg: 2685
SD : 18.7

MOA
100 - 0
200 - 0.75
300 - 3.50
400 - 6.00
500 - 9.25
600 -15.25
700 - 19.50

My guess there is you are not truly zeroed at 100 yards. Confirm the distance and that the group is centered on the POA.
Based on the clear outlier at 200 you seem to be ~.75 MOA high and that error carries all the way to 600.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Hi, please considering adding these functions to Kestrel.
-compass that reads in 1/6000th and 1/6400th instead of just degrees
-Add bullet length to the information that is shown under the BC data. (already BD and weight are included in there)

Bullet length is in your gun profile as a submenu of bullet diameter. You can go further into the menu and use auto calc or manually enter. Compass request is noted.

 

[RedDawn]

The only adjustment in a 2700 is Cal MV for truing supersonic distances, you should try that, it may get you where you need to be.

Regarding your 22lr the 5700 elite has drop scale factor which allows you to true the meter for shots in the subsonic distances, which is just about all distances for 22lr. 2700 is designed for supersonic hunting shots. If you are getting good results that is good, but not expected.

Yeah like you said I tried the MV Cal and it pushed my velo over the capable pressure's of the round. So I definitely need the 5700

As far as the 2700 for 22lr yeah it does work when I use a 50 yd zero avg MV from the Magnetospeed V3 to 100yd then adj the BC to fit my confirmed ele at 200 yd and tweak the MV and BC to match the middle ground. I end up with a close but not what manufacturers say the BC is for their ammo.
Granted if I’m using a 16.5” and the standard from the manufacturer is using a 27” barrel obviously I know there will be variances.
Maybe this helps Kestrel to help those that use the 2700 for 22lr be more efficient.

 

[RedDawn]

My guess there is you are not truly zeroed at 100 yards. Confirm the distance and that the group is centered on the POA.
Based on the clear outlier at 200 you seem to be ~.75 MOA high and that error carries all the way to 600.

I did verify 2xs the actual zero at 100 yds because I saw the pattern. Still throws me off wondering if it’s the angle. I will need to verify now the range finder results on each range I took shots. Process of elimination takes time but hopefully gives results I’m seeking. Thanks

 

[Near miss]

I did verify 2xs the actual zero at 100 yds because I saw the pattern. Still throws me off wondering if it’s the angle. I will need to verify now the range finder results on each range I took shots. Process of elimination takes time but hopefully gives results I’m seeking. Thanks

By default centerfire should take you very close even with a bit wrong values (few % margin in MV and BC)

1. I suggest doing a box test.

2. Did you experience weird windage? It would indicate the reticle is moving in tilted fashion. This should show up in box test too, just do few more tests with clicks turned up.

 

[giumau1]

Scenario: 5700E with kilo 3000 bdx, @Kestrel Ballistics thank you for your patience and help.
Maybe I am beating a dead horse here please excuse the rookie question but search did not help much.
Don’t understand why the bdx sends everything to the kestrel in Los mode ( angle and distance ) but not the DoF and you have to point the kestrel also to the target and get that angle manually too besides the wind direction.
Wonder why it is that way, if this is gonna change or not…I understand, not a big deal but yes, I am a lazy bitch.

 

[NiteQwill]

Scenario: 5700E with kilo 3000 bdx, @Kestrel Ballistics thank you for your patience and help.
Maybe I am beating a dead horse here please excuse the rookie question but search did not help much.
Don’t understand why the bdx sends everything to the kestrel in Los mode ( angle and distance ) but not the DoF and you have to point the kestrel also to the target and get that angle manually too besides the wind direction.
Wonder why it is that way, if this is gonna change or not…I understand, not a big deal but yes, I am a lazy bitch.

Because the 3000BDX does not have a compass.

 

[Wormydog1724]

I am having a few recent issues with my Kestrel 5700 Elite.
Model 5700AL
SN XXX816
FW 1.49
BOOT 1.00

1) a few firmware updates ago I started experiencing battery drain like I never have before. It was happening fast during a match and I'd need to change the battery before the next match, and/or if I didn't shoot for 3 months then the battery was dead the next time I used it. I know the start screen battery indicator isn't accurate so I go into the system settings to verify and it would be draining extremely fast, twice dying in matches when I didn't change the battery beforehand. I am using Energizer Lithium (Max?) and the Lithium setting on the Kestrel.

2) The Bluetooth connectivity on the Kestrel seems to be defective or very intermittent, which it hasn't ever been until recently. I have the LINK app on my phone and I routinely send ballistic profiles to the Kestrel or update the ballistic profiles from my Kestrel back to the Link app for storage. I go into the correct bluetooth setting on the Kestrel but it doesn't seem to 'turn on' and connect to my phone, the bluetooth indicator in the top right corner isn't present unless see #3. Also my Sig Kilo 2400BDX will no longer pair with the Kestrel at all. I really relied on that pairing to quickly get ranges with my firing solution in the HUD. The Sig will still connect to the Sig BDX app on my phone. I am in the right setting on the Kestrel for device pairing/connection also and I've tried the 'bonding' action in the Sig, but no connection/pairing.

3) Sometimes, although not every time, if I remove the battery from the Kestrel and I have my Link app open, the Kestrel will pair with my phone. (Still will not pair with the Sig Kilo 2400BDX). By removing the battery I have to recalibrate the compass and I haven't figured out if this is messing with the bluetooth or if it's just coincidental. The bluetooth seems to go away on the Kestrel either way, the little bluetooth symbol in the top right hand corner goes away, again I'm not sure if its after the compass calibration or after I shut the Kestrel off then back on.

 

[6.5SH]

The Energizer MAX are not lithium, they are alkaline. AFAIK the battery setting on the Kestrel just has to do with the accuracy of the battery % indicator, not actual drain.

If it really is draining that fast I'd suggest contacting Kestrel for warranty repair.

 

[parshal]

Be sure Auto Store is turned off in Memory Options. If that's on it will kill the battery fast. That used to be changed to On every time an update was done so I ensure it's turned off after every update. It hasn't been changing with the last few updates, though.

 

[MDof2]

The Energizer MAX are not lithium, they are alkaline. AFAIK the battery setting on the Kestrel just has to do with the accuracy of the battery % indicator, not actual drain.

If it really is draining that fast I'd suggest contacting Kestrel for warranty repair.

X2. I'd reach out to the Kestrel folks directly and get it in for a look. Shouldn't burn batteries that quickly.
Mine (when using a lithium battery) the battery level when you power it on in the cold (20, 30, 40*) is always low or none.... but will run all day. This is an issue with lithium batteries though, not the meter.

 

[Wormydog1724]

The Energizer MAX are not lithium, they are alkaline. AFAIK the battery setting on the Kestrel just has to do with the accuracy of the battery % indicator, not actual drain.

If it really is draining that fast I'd suggest contacting Kestrel for warranty repair.

Energizer Lithium Ultimate is what I’m using. Couldn’t remember at the time.

Kestrel reached out to me via pm.

Thanks.

 

[one66stang]

Kestrel is connected via BlueTooth and shows that on phone and Meter. When trying to upload a gun profile it then says "Must be connected"

running 1.49

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Kestrel is connected via BlueTooth and shows that on phone and Meter. When trying to upload a gun profile it then says "Must be connected"

running 1.49

Please reboot your phone/mobile device and this should clear this error.

 

[Jardinski]

So I want to make sure my understanding of entering Zero Height and Zero offset are correct since the web page explaining them isn't very clear to me and cuts off mid sentence.

Kestrel 5700 Applied Ballistics Basic Manual

Hand-held wind and weather trackers from Kestrel Meters. Shop online from the entire line of Kestrel weather instruments. Free, Same-Day Shipping.

kestrelmeters.com

"ZH/ZO – Zero Height (elevation) and Zero Offset (windage) are used when the addition of a suppressor, a change in ammunition, or the addition of night vision optics changes the point of impact of your zero. For example, if adding a suppressor shifts the point of impact of your zero up one inch and to the left half an inch, input 1 for ZH and -0.5 for"


I made a diagram of my understanding. Assume A, B, C and D are groups you are zeroing off of. Please let me know if this is correct.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

So I want to make sure my understanding of entering Zero Height and Zero offset are correct since the web page explaining them isn't very clear to me and cuts off mid sentence.

Kestrel 5700 Applied Ballistics Basic Manual

Hand-held wind and weather trackers from Kestrel Meters. Shop online from the entire line of Kestrel weather instruments. Free, Same-Day Shipping.

kestrelmeters.com

"ZH/ZO – Zero Height (elevation) and Zero Offset (windage) are used when the addition of a suppressor, a change in ammunition, or the addition of night vision optics changes the point of impact of your zero. For example, if adding a suppressor shifts the point of impact of your zero up one inch and to the left half an inch, input 1 for ZH and -0.5 for"


I made a diagram of my understanding. Assume A, B, C and D are groups you are zeroing off of. Please let me know if this is correct.

Correct

 

[Jardinski]

Ok, thanks! So just one more time to 100% verify. If I shot a group in quadrant C, I would put something like -0.5'' in for ZH and -0.5'' for ZO?