Kestrel Ballistic calculator

Overmatch Consulting

3 Aug 202234:11

EducationalLearning

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TLDRIn this Fieldcraft Survival Channel episode, the host delves into the world of ballistics, specifically the use of a ballistic calculator for long-range shooting. He discusses the evolution of the device from a Palm Pilot to the advanced Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software. The tutorial covers setting up the device, including inputting atmospheric data, muzzle velocity, and custom drag models. It also highlights features like quick wind, wind dots, and speed drop for memorizing data, emphasizing the calculator's value for hunters and long-range shooters.

Takeaways

🎯 The video is a tutorial on using a ballistic calculator for long-range shooting, emphasizing its importance for accuracy.
📲 The presenter first used a ballistic calculator in 2006 on a Palm Pilot, which has since evolved into more integrated and sophisticated devices.
🌬️ The calculator can be paired with a Kestrel weather meter to input atmospheric data, streamlining the process of adjusting for environmental factors.
📱 The Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software is recommended for its comprehensive features and ease of use.
👁️ Viewers are advised to watch the tutorial first to understand the information before attempting to follow along to avoid confusion.
🔢 The Kestrel device allows users to input various shooting parameters such as elevation, windage, target data, and direction of fire.
🌡️ Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and wind speed can be inputted or updated in real-time to affect the ballistic calculations.
🔍 The 'milling targets' feature helps determine range by measuring the target size in the scope, useful for those without a rangefinder.
🚴 The 'Time' function can calculate the lead for moving targets by measuring the time it takes for the target to move between two points.
🔧 The 'Gun' setup allows users to customize settings for their specific firearm, including muzzle velocity and drag model.
📈 The 'Accuracy First' page offers various shooting aids such as quick wind, wind dots, speed drop, and aerodynamic jump calculations.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a ballistic calculator in long-range shooting?
-A ballistic calculator is essential for long-range shooting as it helps determine various factors such as elevation, windage, and atmospheric conditions that affect the trajectory of a bullet, ensuring more accurate shots.
How has the ballistic calculator evolved over the years according to the transcript?
-The ballistic calculator has evolved from an old Palm Pilot that required manual input of atmospheric data and did not have atmospheric sensors, to a more integrated device like the Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software, which combines weather measurement and ballistic calculation in one device.
What is the significance of the Kestrel Weather Meter in the context of ballistic calculators?
-The Kestrel Weather Meter is significant because it incorporates the ballistics chip inside the weather meter, allowing for the automatic calculation of atmospheric conditions without the need for separate devices, thus streamlining the process for long-range shooters.
What is the importance of 'mil-ing' targets for range estimation without a rangefinder?
-Mil-ing targets is a method of estimating range by measuring the size of a target in the scope's reticle. It's important because it allows shooters to determine the range to a target without a rangefinder, by using the known size of the target and its appearance in the scope's mil-based reticle.
How does the Kestrel device assist in calculating the speed of a moving target?
-The Kestrel device can measure the time it takes for a moving target to travel between two points, and using this time, it calculates the lead required to hit the target at a specific range, considering the atmospheric conditions and other ballistic factors.
What does the 'calc mv' feature in the Kestrel device do?
-The 'calc mv' feature, or calculate muzzle velocity, allows a shooter to determine the actual muzzle velocity of their bullet by observing where the bullet impacts at a known range and adjusting the elevation accordingly. It helps in 'truing' the muzzle velocity based on real-world shooting rather than just the manufacturer's estimates.
Why is it recommended to watch the class first without following along with a ballistic calculator?
-It is recommended to watch the class first without following along to ensure full attention to the information being presented. Trying to follow along with a calculator during the first viewing can lead to half-hearted listening and execution, resulting in not fully understanding the material.
What is the function of the 'environment' settings in the Kestrel device?
-The 'environment' settings in the Kestrel device allow the user to update and lock atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. This is crucial for accurate ballistic calculations as these factors significantly affect bullet trajectory.
How can users transfer gun profiles from the Kestrel Ballistics App to the Kestrel device?
-Users can transfer gun profiles from the Kestrel Ballistics App (Casual) to the Kestrel device by selecting the profiles they want to send and then using the 'Send Profile' feature, which pushes the profiles to the Kestrel device.
What is the significance of the 'custom drag model' in the Kestrel device?
-The 'custom drag model' is significant as it allows for more precise ballistic calculations by using specific drag coefficients for different bullets. It's recommended to use the custom drag model when possible for more accurate shooting results.
What is the 'accuracy first' feature in the Kestrel device and how does it assist shooters?
-The 'accuracy first' feature is a set of tools and formulas designed by Todd Hodnett to assist shooters in memorizing and calculating various ballistic data points such as quick wind, wind dots, speed drop, and aerodynamic jump. It helps shooters to quickly and accurately adjust their shots based on environmental conditions and bullet performance.

Outlines

00:00

🎯 Introduction to Ballistics Calculator

The speaker introduces a video on ballistics, focusing on the use of a ballistic calculator for long-range shooting. They reminisce about the early days of using a Palm Pilot for ballistic calculations and the need for a separate weather meter due to the absence of atmospheric data. The video promises a step-by-step guide on using the calculator, with a focus on the Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software. The speaker advises viewers to watch the video first to understand the concepts before following along with the calculator.

05:01

🌬 Understanding the Kestrel Weather Meter

This paragraph delves into the features of the Kestrel weather meter, which integrates ballistic calculations with weather data. The speaker explains the different parts of the device, including the anemometer, temperature and humidity sensors, and the data plug. They discuss the various modes available on the Kestrel, such as ballistics, easy mode, and weather mode. The focus is on setting up the device for ballistic calculations, including entering elevation and windage, and using the device to measure target distance and direction of fire.

10:02

📐 Milling Targets and Calculating Muzzle Velocity

The speaker explains how to use the Kestrel for milling targets, which involves measuring the size of a target in the scope to determine range without a rangefinder. They also discuss how to calculate muzzle velocity using the 'calc mv' feature on the Kestrel, emphasizing the importance of engaging targets within 10% of the transonic range. The process involves shooting at a known distance, adjusting elevation, and using the Kestrel to recalibrate the muzzle velocity based on bullet drop.

15:03

🔧 Customizing the Ballistics Calculator for Your Gun

This section covers how to customize the ballistic calculator for your specific firearm. It includes setting up the gun profile with details like bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, and muzzle velocity. The speaker also touches on the importance of using the custom drag model for accuracy and how to input environmental conditions like wind speed and direction, as well as target speed, to refine the ballistic calculations.

20:05

📊 Exploring Advanced Features of the Ballistics Calculator

The speaker introduces advanced features of the Kestrel's ballistic calculator, such as the 'Accuracy First' page, which includes tools for quick wind calculations, wind dot values, speed drop, and aerodynamic jump. They explain how these features can help shooters remember their ballistic data and make more accurate shots, especially in varying wind conditions and at different ranges.

25:09

⚙️ Setting Up the Environment and Using Weather Mode

This paragraph discusses how to set up the environmental conditions for accurate ballistic calculations. The speaker advises on when to use the 'live' feature for real-time updates and when to 'lock' the atmospheric data. They also cover the importance of accurate temperature readings and how to avoid potential issues with solar loading or incorrect temperature readings due to the device's location.

30:10

📲 Using the Kestrel Ballistics App for Device Management

The speaker demonstrates how to use the Kestrel Ballistics (Casual) app for managing gun profiles and target cards. They explain the process of building a gun profile on the app and pushing it to the Kestrel device, as well as pulling existing profiles from the device to the app. The video also covers how to create and manage target cards within the app for use in ballistic calculations.

🛒 Conclusion and Advice on Using the Ballistics Calculator

In the final paragraph, the speaker wraps up the video by emphasizing the value of the Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software for hunters and long-range shooters. They provide a discount code for the Kestrel product and the Magnetospeed chronograph, encouraging viewers to invest in these tools for accurate and efficient ballistic calculations. The speaker invites viewers to ask questions and promises to address them in a future video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ballistics

Ballistics is the science of the motion of projectiles and the forces acting upon them. In the context of this video, it refers to the study of how bullets travel through the air and the factors that affect their trajectory, which is crucial for long-range shooting. The script discusses the use of a ballistic calculator to predict bullet drop and wind drift, which are essential for accurate long-range shots.

💡Ballistic Calculator

A ballistic calculator is a tool used to determine the trajectory of a bullet based on various factors such as muzzle velocity, wind speed, and atmospheric conditions. The script emphasizes the importance of having a ballistic calculator for serious long-range shooting and describes the evolution from an old Palm Pilot to a modern device integrated with a weather meter.

💡Atmospherics

Atmospherics refers to the environmental conditions that affect the flight of a bullet, including air pressure, temperature, and humidity. The script mentions that the ballistic calculator used to require manual input of atmospheric data, but modern devices can automatically measure and integrate these conditions into their calculations.

💡Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the speed of a projectile as it leaves the muzzle of a firearm. It is a critical parameter in ballistic calculations, as it affects the bullet's trajectory and drop over distance. The script discusses how to measure muzzle velocity using a chronograph or by 'truing' the gun to the calculator.

💡Windage

Windage refers to the adjustment made to the sights of a firearm to compensate for the effect of wind on a bullet's trajectory. In the script, windage is mentioned as one of the settings in the ballistic calculator, allowing the shooter to input wind speed and direction to calculate the necessary adjustments for a shot.

💡Elevation

Elevation, in the context of shooting, is the vertical adjustment made to the sights of a firearm to compensate for the drop of a bullet over distance. The script explains how the ballistic calculator provides elevation data based on the inputted variables, which the shooter can use to adjust their scope for accurate long-range shooting.

💡Inclination Angle

Inclination angle refers to the angle at which a shooter is shooting uphill or downhill. The script mentions that the ballistic calculator can adjust its calculations based on the inclination angle to account for the effect of shooting at an angle on the bullet's trajectory.

💡Target Speed

Target speed is the rate at which a target is moving. The script discusses the importance of knowing the target speed for calculating the lead required to hit a moving target and how the calculator can determine the appropriate lead time based on the target's speed and distance.

💡Drag Model

A drag model is a mathematical representation of how air resistance affects the flight of a bullet. The script mentions different types of drag models, such as G1 and G7, and encourages the use of a custom drag model for more accurate ballistic calculations.

💡Accuracy First

Accuracy First is a company that specializes in long-range shooting solutions, including proprietary ballistic formulas and tools. The script references the 'Accuracy First' app and its features, such as quick wind, wind dots, and speed drop, which help shooters to calculate and remember ballistic data for more accurate shooting.

💡Transonic

Transonic is the range of speeds at which a bullet transitions from supersonic to subsonic flight. The script explains that the calculator can help find a target within 10% of the transonic speed of the bullet, which is important for accurate shooting as the bullet's flight characteristics change during this transition.

💡Environmental Lock

Environmental lock is a feature that allows the shooter to 'lock' the current atmospheric conditions into the ballistic calculator, preventing it from updating in real-time. The script advises using this feature to avoid inaccurate readings from the device's sensors, ensuring consistent and reliable data for shooting calculations.

Highlights

Introduction to the fifth class in a series on ballistics, emphasizing the importance of a ballistic calculator for long-range shooting.

Historical context of ballistic calculators, starting from an old Palm Pilot in 2006 to modern integrated devices.

The necessity of pairing a ballistic calculator with a weather meter for accurate atmospheric data input.

Evolution of technology, integrating the ballistics chip inside weather meters for a single piece of equipment.

Overview of the Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics software as a state-of-the-art ballistic calculator.

Advice for users to watch the class first to understand before following along with their own ballistic calculator.

Explanation of the Kestrel's features, including sunlight-readable face, anemometer, temperature, humidity, and data plug.

Instructions on navigating the Kestrel's ballistics mode, including setting elevation and windage.

Demonstration of how to build and store target data within the Kestrel for quick access.

Guide on using the Kestrel for 'milling targets' to determine range without a rangefinder.

Process of capturing direction of fire and calibrating the compass for accurate readings.

Adjustments for inclination angles when shooting on uneven terrain and how the Kestrel compensates for it.

Setting target speed and using the Kestrel to calculate lead for moving targets.

Configuring wind speed and direction presets in the Kestrel for accurate ballistic calculations.

Setup and customization of the gun profile in the Kestrel, including muzzle velocity and drag model.

Explanation of the 'calc mv' feature for trueing muzzle velocity based on actual bullet impact.

Utilization of the 'Accuracy First' page in the Kestrel for quick wind calculations and wind dot values.

How to use the 'speed drop' feature to memorize and calculate elevation holds for various ranges.

Discussion on the environmental settings of the Kestrel, including locking atmospheric data for consistency.

Integration of the Kestrel with the Kestrel Ballistics App (Casrol) for easier gun profile management.

Final thoughts on the value of the Kestrel 5700 Elite for hunters and long-range shooters, and a discount code.

Transcripts

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Ballistics Long-Range Shooting Tutorial Kestrel Weather Meter Atmospherics Rifle Setup Accuracy Tips Hunting Gear Shooting Techniques