Range Report Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

[Sniper1*]

I have been talking to the creator, Tom Holsten, during the development of his IPhone app. He is awesome at listening to suggestions and implementing them. He also has some future plans for his app regarding the use of station pressure and/or density altitude as trajectory variables.

Check it out in the ITunes store. It was released today. So far it has been as accurate as FTE, Bulletflight, Horus Vision and has a few extra features that make it pretty easy to use and helpful!

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Okay,

I downloaded it, what a pain in the ass to be quite honest.

its not very intuitive, can't delete a "target preset" at least I can't figure it out. Target sizes only whole numbers. Limited library of rounds..

More like a $4.99 app than a $9.99 app... and I have them all.

Lots of room for improvement as it pretty basic, generic, inflexible if you ask me.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

LL,

Not sure what your talking about? I have been able to delete my presets- swipe the preset you want to delete to the right and the red DELETE button appears - touch it and it's gone.

Talked to Tom about the library and Litz's information. He is making an effort to try to figure out how to get it done.

My target size shows to the 00.0" (tenths of an inch). However I use it in the find target size mode most of the time.

Maybe you could let Tom know your concerns and he could apply the changes to make it more intuitive. I told him I would post it here and to get ready!

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Why would I want to find target size ?

I want target range ...

Okay I found the delete, again not very intuitive ... I still don't see how to make a target 8.75" or anything like that...

G1, G7, it's all the same and one is not superior to another as long as the program handles it correctly. They both need tweaking.

It definitely needs work though, I am not sure i like that wheel function on the front page.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I would also like to move the reticle around the target and not just have it centered like that... I dont' range from the center, I range from off center.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I'm just saying try it in that mode. I admit it is somewhat confusing, but it seems to make sense when I'm using in that mode. I honestly don't pay a lot of attention to target size as I am more interested in the calculations, which seem to be accurate.

There is a manual on a web page I will try to find an post a link. Maybe that will help!

Again, Tom is open to suggestions and is certainly expecting from this sight I'm sure.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Well let's look at this logically, I want to range the target and have a firing solution to range.

So it wants me to turn the one wheel at the top, which only works in whole numbers, yet we shoot targets that are 8.75" wide, 11.75" wide, etc, it only does whole numbers, then it wants me to turn the wheel on the left to adjust how many mils I see, which I have to use the tiny number on the left because the target is centered on the reticle, it really not showing what I want to see, its just staying centered and changing size. So I have to read the mil read out on the left, which says, what my reading is, which, okay good, but if that is case, I am gonna look in my scope, and read the reticle, then input that number, so kill the reticle completely in this mode so I an just spin the wheel to my mil reading then it can output my solutions.

The preset for target size, again only uses the wheel to add a new target preset, whole numbers only, when clearly for accuracy I need fractions of an inch.

Ballistic solutions are a dime a dozen, if it;s not intuitive to get there, who cares how accurate, I pull out bulletflight spin the wheel to 833 yards solution is there, fire. But this is suppose to help me solve the range and then give me the solution, solving the range means, adjusting target size correctly 1st, then adjusting the mil reading correctly, then reading the range and solutions. Instead of RANGE = Solutions.

it does the range poorly so the solutions is strained.

At least how I see it

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Playing with it more in Target Size mode...

You have to say, the target is .4 mils, then you have to adjust the target size to meet the target size, however if you don't adjust it in the correct order it won't work, so I find it useless. If you do, Target Size, 8.7 and then move the mils to match, it changes the target size on you.

So, you have to adjust the mil wheel, then target size wheel, to get the solution, and then the range is tiny up top.

What he needs to do, remove that reticle except in "training mode" put a wheel like BulletFlight that has Target Size, Mil Reading and then give you the solution or something to that effect.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Okay, another update,

Reading the Manual, there are some hidden ways to change it to meet some of my concerns with it. You can move the target and change the anchor points, but again, you have to know.

Still can't find how to change it to fractions of an inch, only fractions of a foot, yards, meters, etc.

The whole USMC Mil Dot versus Army Mil Dot is played out... the USMC is long since Retired.. it's just round mil dots now, very few ovals on the street anymore, which if you have an oval scopes, wake up, it's 2011... so that needs to retire along with the Unertls that had them.

He has some good features, but he hides them and I would move some of the information around, make the Windage and Elevation solution bigger, move the windage over, drop the LOS down a where the windage is now.

But the more I play with it, and read the manual, the better it is getting, I will up it to an $7.50 app from a $4.99 app. LOL

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

This is why he wanted me to post it here! He wants input to improve his program.

Frank I knew you have some direct and candid input! I do think he is on track to make this a very useful program with feedback from guys that are willing to give it.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

In regard to the target size numbers- how far do you think they should be broken down? 1/4" - 1/8"

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I would think at this point someone needs to pay somebody for consultation and technical support. At least a sponsor.

 

[Ol' RD]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would think at this point someone needs to pay somebody for consultation and technical support. At least a sponsor. </div></div> Dude you read my mind.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Are you guys serious? Frank obviously had no problem putting his input on the board and I'm sure he would be the first to sound off if he felt that way.

A guy wants input to put a program together for shooters that would do the things they want it to do and you two are worried about a consultation fee or a sponsorship. I have no financial interest in this as I'm pretty sure none of you do either. This was brought here to figure out what shooters want. This I not a thread to peddle a program. As usual a few show up to start shitting on things that have apparently little to nothing to do with them or they would offer some constructive criticism or advice! Neither of which I feel has been offered in the above post besides LL!

Feel free to try the program and/or email the creator and negotiate your consultation fee! I'm sure your fee is much higher than mine or Franks, or at least you think it should be. That'll drive the price up and then guys can complain about it costing too much.

How about we get over ourselves and help create a product we could use for as cheap as we can get it!

Wow!

Franks thanks for the input and since I know you have the program you can email the creator if you require his financial support for consultation or sponsorship!

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I never asked for anything and I think he has some good elements to his program, re-arranging them a bit would help win me over, but like you said, I already have so I have paid in so I am out... so to speak.

In terms of size, 1/4 is enough...

Personally I am very into the human engineering aspect of programs that do something similar to others, we already have BulletFlight and Ballistics so the point of this one would be to make it easier from ranging to shot, or even doing both at the same time but in a way that makes it faster, clearly, in a word more intuitive, at least for me.

it's not bad, just not that easy without going through ever section of the manual, which after using enough of these, one would think you can do without.

I don't need a fee, nor do I want one from the creator. I just want it too work good for everyone.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Exactly my point!

Once again, thanks Frank!

btw, he has an update ready to come out that will let the user select 1", 1/2", or 1/4" target size increments along with a few other changes!

 

[Chanonry]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Sniper1,

I found a very useful button called "Ignore this user". Helps me keep my blood pressure down and stops the urge to send similarly stupid replies

Perhaps it should be more prominently displayed??

Andy

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Chanonry - I didn't know about that until now! Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Must have missed my thinly veiled sarcasm.

 

[mouse07410]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Hmm... IMHO one would have to work really hard to be more intuitive and easier to use than Bullet Flight. I've seen no program so far that would compare, interface-wise.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hmm... IMHO one would have to work really hard to be more intuitive and easier to use than Bullet Flight. I've seen no program so far that would compare, interface-wise.</div></div>

it's an apples and oranges program in a way...

Bulletflight assumes you know the range... this puts the ranging aspect up front and provides the firing solution at the same time. So it's different.

Bulletflight is better suited for guys with Lasers, this is more for Mil or MOA ranging people... which again is very old school, but for someone doing a match it would be a bit faster by cutting out some steps. It's all done from one location at the same time.

 

[mouse07410]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Bullet Flight: <span style="font-style: italic">Utils -> Range Estimator</span> bring me to a perfect screen that allows you to enter - in <span style="text-decoration: underline">any</span> (useful) units and <span style="text-decoration: underline">without further ado or conversion necessary</span> - object size (inches, feet, yards, cm, m) and object span (MOA, mRad). The range is immediately reported in both yards and meters (probably to keep both you and me happy

). Then two <span style="font-style: italic">Done</span> clicks - and the firing solution is in front of me in another second or so.

I hear what you're saying about having the ranging aspect up front and providing the firing solution <span style="text-decoration: underline">at the same time</span>. Yes, I imagine it could - in certain circumstances - save the shooter some time (a couple of seconds, probably, at most?).

I'll probably stay with Bullet Flight for the "quick firing solution" (which also enjoys great support), and Ballistic FTE for (predictive) comparison of performance of different rounds/loads... Until there's a very good reason to change...

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

The Ranging utility is more than a 3 step process...

You have to open the app, hit the Utility icon,

Utility is open then you have to hit the Range Estimation icon, open that, input the variables to get the range.

Close the Range Estimator

Close the Utility

Open the Rifle you need

Then, slide the wheel to the range...

The Mil Dot apps is all done from the opening of the apps... you spin the wheel for target size, no keyboard inputting and you spin the wheel on the same page with a different finger for mil size and your solution is presented.

I would recommend sticking with one program, but I have them all to be clear, in fact I have more than them all, I have them all for the Iphone as well as more than 3 for the PDA and each has strengths and weaknesses.

Bulletflight is my preferred iPhone Apps, but Mil Dot is handling information in a slightly different way. I can open my calculator, run the formula there or a range, hit the multi function to open Bulletflight right to my rifle and be faster than running their range estimation utility.

I think I know my way around the apps a bit... lessons on using Bulletflight are not necessary.

 

[mouse07410]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I know my way around the apps a bit... lessons on using Bulletflight are not necessary.</div></div>
No disrespect meant or implied.

 

[Shawnjon250]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I have this app and with the Sierra 168 HPBT profile with a 200 yard zero and 2650fps it says it drops -9 inchs at 300 that's pretty far from what the box of 168 FGMM says with -4.3 inch drop. Am I missing something with the app?

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Not sure why or where but a couple of the apps I have inputted your info into puts out close to 9" drop from 200 yard zero to 300 yards. Have you actually shot the load you are speaking of or just comparing it to the box?

BTW, a new update just came out to be able to adjust the target Unit of Measure (1", 1/2", or 1/4"), Anchor Points and a few other things.

 

[phideaux]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

and there will be a Droid version soon ?

 

[JustCallMePapa]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

just downloaded the app...great fishing, you've caught the big fish(like LL) and some small fish(like me) now add data book pages and catch a whole lot more fish.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

It never hurts to ask!

Post what information you want on the pages and maybe how you would like to see it laid out and I can let him know!

Or

If you go to Mil-Dot Rangefinder Ballistics and go to support you can let him know directly what you would like to see.

 

[Distance Dave]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I found a new ballistic solver called the "Whiz Wheel" developed by Palma Champion Shooter and Allied Ballistics owner Bryan Litz and the folks at Accuracy 1st Development Group. Looks like a great product to use in case the batteries die on your iphones. Take a look and tell me what you think.

 

[Sniper1*]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I looked at it and I like it! Bryan's stuff is very good from what I've seen. I don't own one but would like too some time. I would love to T&E one before spending $ just to check accuracy with my actual system. I shoot IPHY scopes and last I checked they were only offered in MOA and Mil. With the software I can tweak it to work very closely.

I make my own data cards now but the "Whiz Wheel" and "FDAC" are very useful tools for some guys. Battery proof and from what I've heard proving themselves in the field.

 

[Distance Dave]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

I have reviewed the FDAC and it is nice; however, they are limited to the calibers that ACT selected not what an individuals shoot. I talked to the guys at Accuracy 1st Development Group and theirs can be customized to any caliber, grain weight, mv, scope height, twist rate. They write the programs and laser the solver wheels in house, they are a fully functional machine shop and was told they will be producing more products in the future. BTW, they appear to be in your neck of the woods.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

Or, at no charge, you can build your own Density Altitude Dope Card customized for your load using JBM:

Making Ballistic Cards Using Density Altitude

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Mildot Ballistics - New IPhone App (updated vers.)

There are other whiz wheels on the market... this one has been out since 2008

http://www.globalsecuritymarketing.com/tas_home

And contrary to tales being spread by certain folks, the Adaptive guys didn't infringe on any patent data...