Ballistic table

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Example of a ballistic table for a given 7.62x51mm NATO load. Bullet drop and wind drift are shown both in mrad and MOA. Ballistic table for 7.62x51 mm NATO (mrad and moa).png
Example of a ballistic table for a given 7.62×51mm NATO load. Bullet drop and wind drift are shown both in mrad and MOA.

A ballistic table or ballistic chart is a tool which predicts the trajectory of a projectile, and is used to compensate for physical effects in order to increase the probability of the projectile reaching the intended target. Ballistic tables are used in hunting, sport shooting, military and scientific applications. Corrections in ballistic tables are given relative to a zero range. [1] Ballistic charts are often given in angular measurements, with units in either milliradians (mil) or minutes of arc (moa). [2]

Contents

The tables are usually generated using specifically designed computer programs built on mathematical functions, known as ballistic calculators. The number of inputs to the ballistic calculator can sometimes vary depended on the specific generator, or the user may choose to only input certain variables.

For example, a very simple drop table can be made using inputs for the sight adjustment value (in mil or moa), the zero range, intended target ranges, muzzle velocity, caliber, ballistic coefficient and bullet weight. [3] Some of the environmental effects that play a role in calculating the trajectory are gravity, projectile spin, wind, temperature, air pressure and humidity. More advanced tables can take more factors into account to ensure a more accurate prediction of the trajectory, which becomes increasingly important on longer ranges.[ citation needed ] Some of these variables may have a negligible effect on shorter ranges.

See also

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References

  1. "External Ballistics - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc". hornady.com. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
  2. "Shooting Illustrated | Mil, MOA or inches?". shootingillustrated.com. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
  3. "Ballistics Charts | Ballistic Tables for Remington, Federal, Winchester | Sportsman's Guide - Guide Outdoors". guide.sportsmansguide.com. Retrieved 2018-08-20.