Ballistic Software SightRamp Compensation

[ThunderDownUnder]

I have often wondered why ballistic software does not come with an entry field for the MOA or angle of the sight ramp fitted to the gun.

I shoot F-Class and use a 25 MOA ramp so I have plenty of elevation adjustment available out to 1000yds. The software I use,Sierra Infinity) has an angle input for shooting up or down hill but as with all the other programs I have seen, nothing for sight ramp angle.

The software has a field for the sight's height so why not for the MOA of the ramp. It seems to me if the scope is at a downward angle to the barrel and not parallel then this must be compensated for in the ballistic program. How hard can it be to add this feature?

The maths to compensate for the sight ramp and ballistic trajectory could easily be included. Maybe I have missed something and the angle of the scope to the barrel makes very little difference. Can anyone please enlighten me on why no one seems to have sight ramp compensation available in their software.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

I sent an email off to Bryan Litz, he is a long range shooter who just happens to be a rocket scientist. I had remembered reading in a previous article on this website that he also has an interest in ballistic software.

I didn't expect to get a reply but hoped he might respond. He emailed me back within a couple of hours with the answer to my question. His response is quoted below...

"Your question is a good one, meaning, I know the answer!
As long as you have a valid zero for your rifle, it makes no difference what angle the scope is mounted at. The slant of the base is just there to allow adequate elevation adjustment, and has nothing to do with the ballistic trajectory, or the proper correction required by the scope.
Hope this makes sense,
-Bryan"

Thanks Bryan!

Now I know why there aren't any entry fields in ballistic software for sight ramp angle. Those of you that are interested in ballistics might want to have a look at his informative website: http://bryanlitz.bravehost.com/index.html