Question 1

How do you calculate bullet drop?

Accepted Answer

Bullet drop is calculated using the formula: Drop = (g × t²) / 2, where g is gravity (32.174 ft/s²) and t is time of flight. The time of flight is distance divided by average velocity. The calculation must account for your zero range by subtracting the drop at zero distance. Final drop is affected by muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, distance, and environmental conditions.

Question 2

What is ballistic coefficient (BC) and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Ballistic Coefficient (BC) measures a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance. Higher BC means less velocity loss, less bullet drop, and less wind drift. BC values typically range from 0.200 (lightweight varmint bullets) to 0.700+ (heavy match bullets). BC is crucial for long-range accuracy as it directly affects trajectory calculations. Use the G1 or G7 BC provided by the bullet manufacturer for accurate results.

Question 3

How do you convert bullet drop to MOA?

Accepted Answer

To convert bullet drop to MOA (Minute of Angle): MOA = (Drop in inches ÷ Distance in yards × 100) ÷ 1.047. One MOA equals approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards, 2.094 inches at 200 yards, etc. This conversion helps shooters make scope adjustments. For example, 10 inches of drop at 300 yards = (10 ÷ 300 × 100) ÷ 1.047 = 3.18 MOA adjustment needed.

Question 4

What is a good ballistic coefficient for long range shooting?

Accepted Answer

For long-range shooting (600+ yards), look for BC values above 0.500 (G1) or 0.250+ (G7). Match bullets typically have BC values of 0.500-0.700. Hunting bullets range from 0.350-0.550. Higher BC bullets maintain velocity and energy better, resulting in less drop and drift. However, BC is just one factor - bullet stability, accuracy, and terminal performance also matter significantly.

Question 5

How do you calculate retained energy at distance?

Accepted Answer

Retained energy is calculated using: Energy = (mass × velocity²) / 2, where mass is bullet weight in pounds (grains ÷ 7000) and velocity is in feet per second. Energy retention percentage = (Energy at distance ÷ Muzzle energy) × 100. For ethical hunting, minimum energy recommendations are: deer (1000 ft-lbs), elk (1500 ft-lbs), dangerous game (2000+ ft-lbs).

Question 6

What factors affect bullet trajectory?

Accepted Answer

Key factors affecting trajectory: 1) Muzzle velocity - higher velocity means flatter trajectory, 2) Ballistic coefficient - higher BC reduces drop, 3) Bullet weight - heavier bullets resist wind better, 4) Altitude - thinner air at elevation reduces drag, 5) Temperature - affects air density and powder burn, 6) Barometric pressure - influences drag, 7) Humidity - minimal effect compared to other factors.

Question 7

How accurate are ballistic calculators?

Accepted Answer

Modern ballistic calculators are highly accurate when provided with correct inputs. They typically predict trajectory within 1-2 MOA out to 1000 yards. Accuracy depends on: accurate BC data, true muzzle velocity (measured with chronograph), correct environmental inputs, and bullet stability. Always verify calculator predictions with actual shooting at various distances and adjust for your specific rifle and ammunition combination.

Question 8

What is the best zero range for hunting rifles?

Accepted Answer

Common zero ranges: 100 yards - ideal for woods hunting and easy to verify; 200 yards - popular for big game, minimal holdover to 250 yards; 300 yards - for long-range hunting, but may shoot high at mid-ranges. Choose based on typical shooting distances. A 200-yard zero is often optimal for general hunting, providing a flat-enough trajectory for most shots without excessive holdover or holdunder.

Question 9

How do you use MOA adjustments for long range?

Accepted Answer

To make MOA adjustments: 1) Calculate bullet drop in inches at target distance, 2) Convert to MOA using the formula (inches ÷ yards × 100) ÷ 1.047, 3) Dial your scope turret up by that MOA amount, 4) If your scope adjusts in 1/4 MOA clicks, multiply MOA by 4 to get click count. Example: 20 inches drop at 500 yards = 3.8 MOA, requiring 15 clicks with 1/4 MOA adjustments.

Question 10

What is time of flight and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Time of flight (TOF) is the time a bullet takes to reach the target, calculated as distance divided by average velocity. TOF matters for: 1) Moving targets - must lead based on TOF, 2) Wind drift - longer TOF means more drift, 3) Drop calculation - critical for trajectory prediction, 4) Hunting ethics - faster bullets minimize animal movement. Typical TOF: 0.1s at 100 yards, 0.3s at 300 yards, 1.0s+ at 1000 yards.

Hornady Ballistics Calculator - Bullet Trajectory & Ballistics Calculator

Ballistic Results

Ballistics Calculator Types & Applications

Quick Example Result

How Our Ballistics Calculator Works

Key Ballistic Formulas

Understanding Ballistic Coefficient

Sources & References

Ballistics Calculator Examples

Input Parameters:

Calculation Results:

Long Range Example

Varmint Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Found This Calculator Helpful?

Related Calculators