As you likely already know, bullets spin during flight, due to the rifling of the barrel. But, you may have asked yourself: why do they need to spin? The answer has something to do with bullet shape. In this article, I'll show you the reason behind bullet spin with regard to bullet shape. Understanding this concept is useful to understand other bullet flight behavior that … [Read more...]
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Long Range Shooting: Triangulate Distance With Your Scope
Need to know how to measure distances with your scope’s reticle? In this article I’ll show how to master this valuable long range shooting technique. In the previous article about range estimation, I talked about the importance of measuring the distance between you and your target with the maximum degree of accuracy possible. I’ve listed some of the most used methods for … [Read more...]
Long range Shooting: External Ballistics – Rifle Cant Error
In previous long range shooting articles, I've talked about the effect of light and the error derived from shooting uphill/downhill—both aiming and perspective related errors. In this article, however, I'll talk about another aiming-related error: shooting with the rifle not perpendicular to the ground. When shooting with a canted rifle, the round won't land where you are … [Read more...]
Long Range Shooting: External Ballistics – Light Effects
In both Bullet Trajectory Part 1 and Part 2, I mentioned how light can act as a variable that affects point of impact. Light doesn't directly affect bullet trajectory, but it changes the way you see the target through the telescopic sight. Essentially, you perceive the target in a different way, e.g., larger or smaller, and/or in a different place, depending on the sun's … [Read more...]
Long Range Shooting: How To Choose a Rifle Scope, Part 1 – Common Features
Owning the best rifle scope is maybe the most important component in a precision weapon system. It is the connection between you, and the target; it is your fire control system. Your success in long range shooting depend on the quality of the scope, on the quality of the scope's mounts, and on how it’s installed on the rifle. In this article, we are going to examine the desired … [Read more...]
Long Range Shooting: Range Estimation
After months of theory and preparation, you are finally out with your rifle, ready to take your first long range shot. The first thing you need to do, is to compensate for bullet drop, and to do that you need to know the distance from your target. If you are in the comfort of a shooting range with clear range markings, you'll already know the distance from your target, so all … [Read more...]