ShotMarker minimum velocity

[Doug Beach]

Does any know, or have done testing to see what the minimum reliable target velocity is for the ShotMarker system? We have 5 systems, and we essentially never have missed shots in normal usage. However, we have had consistent missed shots with ammunition that “should” be at ~Mach 1.1 or so, based on muzzle velocity & BC.
Our range goes to 880 yards, and some .308 & .233 ammo does not register at that distance, latest example being the 168TMK’s at a muzzle velocity of 2560. 350’ above sea level.
.223 example was 80SMK’s, muzzle velocity unknown. Obviously, light bullet .223 ammo will not register at distance.

 

[mikeeg02]

Did you try emailing and asking Adam? ( The manufacturer)

He is pretty quick to get back to people.

 

[Doug Beach]

Adam is extremely responsive. I was hoping to utilize the collective knowledge of the interwebs, before bugging the guy who is whipping up my 6th ShotMarker.

 

[Gb300wm]

I think the shotmarker uses 1300 fps minimum as a cutoff for reliable measurements. Just north of the transonic zone...

 

[Monte F]

Does any know, or have done testing to see what the minimum reliable target velocity is for the ShotMarker system? We have 5 systems, and we essentially never have missed shots in normal usage. However, we have had consistent missed shots with ammunition that “should” be at ~Mach 1.1 or so, based on muzzle velocity & BC.
Our range goes to 880 yards, and some .308 & .233 ammo does not register at that distance, latest example being the 168TMK’s at a muzzle velocity of 2560. 350’ above sea level.
.223 example was 80SMK’s, muzzle velocity unknown. Obviously, light bullet .223 ammo will not register at distance.

Plugging in your numbers for the 168TMK, you are at mach 1.166 on target. Need more speed to be picked up reliably. Should be able to do with hand loads, work up carefully of course. Factory ammo may not get there.

 

[Invicta]

I understood that the round only had to be supersonic as it is the shockwave that the mics detect.

 

[243Mendoza]

I understood that the round only had to be supersonic as it is the shockwave that the mics detect.

It also depends on the strength of the shock wave triggering the sensors circuits.

 

[Fairchaser]

I can tell you that the Shotmarker will not pickup a .308 at 1000 yds if you are shooting 200.20x with a muzzle velocity of 2615 FPS and 1403 FPS at 1000 yds . I was at Dead Zero rifle range in Spencer, TN yesterday and their Shotmarker system wouldn’t detect it. At 800 yds, no problem but not 1000. Had it been a warmer day, maybe. I still had fun and it’s a great range.

 

[chkunz]

Take a look at pictures of shock waves in the region just above Mach 1 and it will help visualize the problem.

 

[Dave M.]

Does any know, or have done testing to see what the minimum reliable target velocity is for the ShotMarker system? We have 5 systems, and we essentially never have missed shots in normal usage. However, we have had consistent missed shots with ammunition that “should” be at ~Mach 1.1 or so, based on muzzle velocity & BC.
Our range goes to 880 yards, and some .308 & .233 ammo does not register at that distance, latest example being the 168TMK’s at a muzzle velocity of 2560. 350’ above sea level.
.223 example was 80SMK’s, muzzle velocity unknown. Obviously, light bullet .223 ammo will not register at distance.

My dasher is only Mach 1.2 at the target and I’ve never had a problem at 1000 yards. I’ve seen many .223 guys struggle with shot marker not recording shots because the ammo isn’t super sonic. I’d think anything over 1225fps should register just fine. Have you reached out to Adam McDonald yet?
dave

 

[Doug Beach]

My dasher is only Mach 1.2 at the target and I’ve never had a problem at 1000 yards. I’ve seen many .223 guys struggle with shot marker not recording shots because the ammo isn’t super sonic. I’d think anything over 1225fps should register just fine. Have you reached out to Adam McDonald yet?
dave

I don’t think I’ve discussed this with Adam. However, many thousands of rounds later, I’m comfortable saying that 1300 fps is completely reliable, and 1225 fps, is not very reliable.