The utility of seeing your bullet trace - how do you apply it?

[Notso]

A side discussion started up in the Rifle scope forum (Best Scope for a GAP-10 - Money no object, almost). I was saying that I prefer to shoot on high magnification most of the time so I can see the precise impact point at long range to then use the mil reticle to make adjustments for the follow on shot. However, SH member _Broke_ made the counter-point that by being in max magnification - that you would likely not be able to see your bullet trace and maybe miss something during the TOF (like some wind shear at the halfway point) that could help you with the next shot.

My question is: If you are able to see your own trace and you see something like a deviation early on, how do you quantify that into an actual turret adjustment or a POA change??? For example on 1000 steel, if I see the bullet miss by 2 mils left - am I going to do anything different than move the POA 2 mils right for the follow up shot based on seeing the bullet deviate somewhere near the top of its ballistic apex?

This is an honest question, because I really don't know how to apply trace observation to the actual shooting process. I've see trace a lot, usually when spotting for others. But I'm mystified as to how to actually apply the information you observe to the next shot beyond the actual impact point relative to the POA.

So how do you guys specifically apply observation data of bullet trace?

 

[ShtrRdy]

I'm pretty new to applying this sort of information, but I can relate to where trace would have been useful to me this past year. I was attempting to connect with a steel plate at ~1000 yards last fall. There wasn't any sort of a backstop behind the target so I couldn't see where my rounds were going. If I could have observed the trace, I could have seen where my bullet was going and made a more educated adjustment before sending another round.

Observing the trace could help you understand where your estimation was in error. Is there a wind shift downrange that you didn't consider? Is the air density different than you think? Maybe the air density changes over the course of flight.

 

[Notso]

I would only think that would be useful if you were missing by so much that you couldn't see your impacts. So yes, if you have no idea where the bullets are landing, it makes sense to dial out on your magnification so you can follow the trace into where it is actually hitting and then adjust from there.

But if the impacts are within your FOV, I still don't see how trace changes your thinking on what adjustments to make. If you see the bullet impact 3.2 mils left, are you going to do anything other than adjust 3.2 mils right for the follow-up shot, regardless of what you saw the bullet do in flight???

 

[Strykervet]

IMO, spotting is more important than shooting itself. It takes more experience. It also works best with a two man team as the trace is seen best from an angle to the shooter.

I've used trace from a first person standpoint, but it's not always possible. If by myself, I may have to watch for impact. If with a buddy, I'm watching for trace.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Observation of the bullet trace by the spotter/coach may serve as a substitute to the call/strike corollary, that's to say, the call/trace corollary may allow for shooter/target analysis in the absence of being able to see the strike.

BTW, understanding the meaning of the call/strike corollary helps the shooter recognize correct sight adjustment for distance and wind/weather effects. Being able to call the shot is made possible by properly following through. For any shooter, calling the shot is an aid to zeroing and to assure better results for shooting exercises in progress,

 

[kraigWY]

Beside seeing the trace, you have to know what it's doing. Remember there is an arc. You have to know the arc of what you're shooting.

I found that out my first trip to the Wilson Matches shooting the Infantry Trophy Match (Rattle Battle) I was using 10X glasses at 600 saw the trace well above the target. So to me it looked high. My group of shooters shot the hell out of North Carolina's brand new 45 passenger bus.

When we got to the pits they had spotters in the holes showing good groups though. That was the last time they let vehicles in the pits at Camp Robinson.

 

[Notso]

All good info, but no one has addressed the actual question yet. Strykervet came the closest to what I was getting at. As the shooter, which was the question, how would you use trace if you were by yourself? The genesis of the question came from another poster who said they always shoot in low magnification so they can see their own trace. I'm wondering what benefit that has over seeing the actual impact?

But to take it one step further.... let's say you DO have a spotter and he see a "weird" deflection at the top of the arc halfway down range, suggesting some wind shear or something. And then both the shooter and the spotter see the splash 3 mils left, elevation good on the edge of the steel plate. What's the call? Does the weird deflection, wobble or whatever you want to call it seen in the trace change the follow up shot 3 mils right?

 

[Aimsmall55]

All good info, but no one has addressed the actual question yet. Strykervet came the closest to what I was getting at. As the shooter, which was the question, how would you use trace if you were by yourself? The genesis of the question came from another poster who said they always shoot in low magnification so they can see their own trace. I'm wondering what benefit that has over seeing the actual impact?

But to take it one step further.... let's say you DO have a spotter and he see a "weird" deflection at the top of the arc halfway down range, suggesting some wind shear or something. And then both the shooter and the spotter see the splash 3 mils left, elevation good on the edge of the steel plate. What's the call? Does the weird deflection, wobble or whatever you want to call it seen in the trace change the follow up shot 3 mils right?

I think your asking too complex a question with too many variables for a "what if" question. A good spotter can give you the direction so to speak, but its ultimately up to the shooter and spotter to have the communication "flow" where the shooter can react quickly to recommended holds. As far as turning turrets, I really don't see any benefit in dialing when you can quickly just hold ( given you have the proper reticle) with as little time as possible in between shots.
If your by yourself, zoom down, get a good hold, and pull the trigger. Depending on humidity and distance, either you'll see it or you won't. Simply put... The benefit over seeing your trace puts you on target at distance quicker if you don't know your dope. Seeing your impact helps you tighten up those hits. With the quality scopes around these days , your able to do both. (Depending on the shooter/recoil.

 

[Ring]

unless you are running very low power, its rare to see your own trace, unless the light is just right, but you DO want to spot your own impacts..