Trajectory Theory

[Badlands]

Yesterday I read, with some interest, some very scientific stuff ----
that has since been deleted because it became too heated.
P.S. magazine has had many pages about Exterior Ballistics and
calculations. I can seldom get very far into the theory and math of
shooting. I love nice rifles and I enjoy loading and shooting.
However, when I am shooting 1,000 yd. BR I don't care what the
bullet is doing between the muzzle and target as long as it hits where I aimed. That bullet could be doing the "Texas Two Step" all the way
down range as long as it hits where I want it. Scientific study is
a good thing, it's just not for me. Badlands

 

[LarryElliott]

I've gotta agree. All the calculations in the world aren't going to do the shooter any good because the bullet and the wind are doing things that can only be predicted. That's different than doing things that are known. Like you say if the bullet is doing the Texas Two Step between the shooter and the target is doesn't matter as long as it hits where it's supposed to.

The distance to the target is either known as in BR or high power, or unknown as in hunting. If the distance is known the shooter has to determine that sight adjustment and be able to read the wind. If the distance is relatively unknown - even if a rangefinder has been used - the shooter has to adjust for the range and hope they know what the wind and terrain might do to the bullet in its flight.

For ballisticians the calculations are neat, for shooters they can be interesting, but otherwise don't give us much if any help.