Calc Bullet Drop in MOA or Clicks come up ballistics

bgallaher77
6 Oct 201207:09
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive guide on calculating bullet drop in minutes of angle or clicks, essential for long-range shooting accuracy. It explains the need for ballistic data, such as bullet velocity and ballistic coefficient, and how to convert this into minute of angle for precise scope adjustments. The script also details the process of creating a 'cheat sheet' for quick adjustments in the field, using exact measurements or approximations, and emphasizes the importance of understanding bullet trajectory due to gravity for successful shots.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ“Š To calculate bullet drop, you need ballistic data, which can be obtained from online programs, purchased software, or reloading manuals.
  • ๐Ÿ”ข Ballistic data is initially in inches of drop but can be converted to minutes of angle (MOA) or clicks on a scope for ease of use in the field.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ For precise adjustments, having a 'cheat sheet' with range and corresponding scope adjustments can simplify the shooting process.
  • ๐Ÿ” Essential data for ballistic calculations includes the bullet's ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and the rifle's zero distance.
  • โš™๏ธ Some advanced calculations may also require the scope's height above the bore, altitude, and temperature.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Using a reloading manual's long-range ballistic table, you can find the exact drop in inches at various distances and your zero setting.
  • ๐Ÿ“ An approximate method for MOA is assuming 1 inch of drop equals 1 MOA at every 100 yards, but for precision, use the exact values from the table.
  • ๐Ÿงฎ To find drop in MOA, divide the drop in inches by the MOA value at that distance.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Understanding how many clicks per MOA your scope offers is crucial for converting MOA to scope clicks for bullet drop compensation.
  • ๐Ÿ“ When creating a 'come up' chart, round to the nearest whole number of clicks since scopes typically do not allow for half-click adjustments.
  • ๐ŸŒณ The concept of bullet drop is due to gravity's effect on the bullet's trajectory, causing it to arc downwards over distance, necessitating scope adjustments to hit the target.
Q & A
  • What is the purpose of calculating drop in minute of angle or clicks for a shooter?

    -Calculating drop in minute of angle or clicks helps a shooter to accurately adjust their scope for different shooting distances, compensating for the bullet drop due to gravity.

  • How can one obtain ballistic data for their specific ammunition?

    -Ballistic data can be obtained from online ballistics programs, purchased software, or reloading manuals, which provide information on bullet drop at various distances.

  • What is the significance of converting ballistic data from inches to minute of angle?

    -Converting to minute of angle allows for a more precise adjustment of the scope, as it provides a unit of measure that is directly related to the angular movement of the reticle in the scope.

  • Why would someone choose to zero their rifle at 100 yards instead of 200 yards?

    -Zeroing at 100 yards is often chosen for convenience and because many shooters' shots are under 200 yards. It simplifies the initial setup and adjustment process for shorter ranges.

  • What are the factors that can affect the accuracy of ballistic calculations?

    -Factors such as bullet ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, rifle zero, altitude, and temperature can affect the accuracy of ballistic calculations.

  • What is the term used to describe the distance the scope sits above the rifle bore?

    -The distance the scope sits above the rifle bore is referred to as the 'scope height' and it can affect the point of impact.

  • How can a shooter determine the number of clicks needed to adjust for bullet drop at a specific distance?

    -A shooter can determine the number of clicks needed by dividing the drop in inches at a certain distance by the scope's minute of angle per click.

  • What is a 'cheat sheet' in the context of long-range shooting?

    -A 'cheat sheet' is a reference guide that a shooter tapes to their rifle, which lists the number of scope clicks needed for various distances to compensate for bullet drop.

  • Why is it important to round to the nearest whole number when calculating clicks for bullet drop?

    -It is important to round to the nearest whole number because scopes typically do not allow for half-click adjustments, ensuring practical and achievable adjustments.

  • How does a hunter typically use the information from a ballistics table?

    -A hunter uses the information from a ballistics table to understand the bullet drop at different distances and to adjust their scope accordingly, ensuring accurate shots at varying ranges.

  • What is the concept of 'point-blank range' in shooting?

    -The point-blank range is the distance within which the bullet's drop is so minimal that it does not significantly affect the point of impact, typically considered to be less than three inches up and down.

Outlines
00:00
๐ŸŽฏ Understanding Ballistic Data for Scope Adjustment

This paragraph explains the process of calculating bullet drop in minutes of angle or clicks using ballistic data. It suggests obtaining this data from online programs, purchased software, or reloading manuals. The data, initially in inches, is converted to minutes of angle and then to clicks for ease of use in the field. The speaker recommends creating a cheat sheet for quick adjustments based on estimated range. Essential elements for this calculation include the bullet's ballistic coefficient, velocity, and rifle zero. The paragraph also touches on the importance of considering the scope's height above the bore, altitude, and temperature for precise calculations. An example using a 270 Winchester with a 130 grain bullet is provided to illustrate the process of finding drop in inches from a ballistic table and converting it to minutes of angle for scope adjustment.

05:01
๐Ÿ“ Precision Shooting: Minute of Angle and Click Calculations

The second paragraph delves deeper into the precision of shooting by discussing the importance of minute of angle (MOA) and click adjustments on a scope. It explains the difference between approximate and precise MOA calculations and how these affect the number of clicks needed for adjustments at various distances. The speaker uses the same 270 Winchester example to demonstrate the calculation of clicks required at different yardages, emphasizing the need to round to the nearest whole number due to the impossibility of half-click adjustments. The paragraph also includes a visual representation of bullet drop and the necessity of adjusting the scope to compensate for gravity's effect on the bullet's trajectory. The concept of point-blank range is briefly introduced, where the bullet's arc is minimal, and any rise or drop within six inches is considered part of this range. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of these calculations for accurate shooting.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กBallistic Data
Ballistic data refers to the information regarding the behavior and performance of a bullet in flight. This includes factors such as drop, velocity, and trajectory. In the video, ballistic data is crucial for calculating drop in minute of angle or clicks, as it provides the necessary measurements to make accurate adjustments to a rifle's scope.
๐Ÿ’กMinute of Angle (MOA)
Minute of Angle (MOA) is a unit of angular measurement used in shooting to describe the precision of a firearm. One MOA is approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. The video discusses how to convert ballistic data into MOA to determine the bullet drop and make scope adjustments, ensuring accurate shots at various distances.
๐Ÿ’กClicks
Clicks refer to the incremental adjustments made to a rifle scope, typically in fractions of MOA. Each click changes the point of aim by a small, precise amount. The video explains how to convert MOA into clicks, allowing shooters to quickly adjust their scopes based on the distance to the target.
๐Ÿ’กBallistic Coefficient
The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. A higher BC indicates a more aerodynamic bullet that retains velocity better. The video mentions the BC as one of the key pieces of ballistic data needed for accurate shooting calculations.
๐Ÿ’กRifle Zero
Rifle zero refers to the specific distance at which a rifle's sights or scope are calibrated to hit a target precisely. Common zero distances are 100 or 200 yards. The video discusses how zeroing affects bullet drop and how shooters must know their rifle's zero to make accurate ballistic calculations.
๐Ÿ’กReloading Manual
A reloading manual is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the specifications and performance of various bullets and powders. It includes ballistic tables that are essential for calculating bullet drop and other factors. The video suggests using a reloading manual to obtain accurate ballistic data.
๐Ÿ’กVelocity
Velocity refers to the speed at which a bullet travels after being fired. It is a crucial factor in determining bullet drop and trajectory. The video emphasizes the importance of knowing the bullet's velocity to perform accurate ballistic calculations and adjust the rifle scope accordingly.
๐Ÿ’กAltitude
Altitude affects bullet trajectory due to changes in air density. Higher altitudes generally result in less air resistance, allowing bullets to travel further and with less drop. The video mentions considering altitude when making precise ballistic calculations, especially when using custom dials or online calculators.
๐Ÿ’กTemperature
Temperature impacts the air density and, consequently, the bullet's flight path. Warmer temperatures reduce air density, causing bullets to experience less drag and drop. The video includes temperature as a factor in detailed ballistic calculations to ensure accurate shooting in varying conditions.
๐Ÿ’กCustom Dial
A custom dial is an adjustable turret on a rifle scope that can be customized based on specific ballistic data, such as bullet drop and trajectory. This allows shooters to quickly adjust their scope for different distances. The video mentions using custom dials for precise adjustments without manual calculations.
Highlights

Introduction to calculating bullet drop in minutes of angle or clicks for precision shooting.

Explanation of obtaining ballistic data from online programs, purchased software, or reloading manuals.

Conversion of ballistic data from drop in inches to minutes of angle and then to clicks for ease of use in the field.

The importance of having a cheat sheet for quick adjustments in the field.

Essential elements for ballistic information: bullet's ballistic coefficient, velocity, and rifle zero.

Different preferences for rifle zeroing at various distances and their implications.

Technical considerations for custom dials or online calculators, including scope height above the bore.

Factors like altitude and temperature that can affect ballistic calculations.

Example of using a reloading manual to find ballistic tables for a specific hunting load.

How to use the long-range table to find drop in inches at different distances.

Approximate method for calculating minute of angle at distance assuming 1 inch drop per 100 yards.

Precise method for calculating minute of angle using exact measurements from ballistic tables.

Conversion process from drop in inches to drop in minutes of angle at a specific distance.

Understanding scope clicks and how they relate to minute of angle for bullet drop compensation.

Practical example of calculating clicks needed for bullet drop at various distances.

The significance of rounding to the nearest whole number when calculating clicks for bullet drop.

Differences between approximate and precise calculations for bullet drop at various yardages.

Diagram illustrating the concept of bullet drop and the need for scope adjustment to hit the target.

Discussion on point-blank range and how bullet trajectory affects shooting within that range.

Conclusion emphasizing the value of understanding ballistic calculations for improved shooting accuracy.

Transcripts
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