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> Free Android ballistics calculator
Free Android ballistics calculator
@ 01:30 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifI've tried several Android ballistics calculators on my slow Android phone recently. They are all quirky and non-intuitve. Hornady's locks up. All I need to know is drop out to 400 yards with a 200 yard zero. Leica's new "Leica Hunter" app is pretty easy, but once you define a bullet "profile", it's permanent. You can't edit it's name or delete it. Each time you want to reference the chart/table for a bullet profile, you have to navigate several screens and tell it to generate the chart. While this does give you the opportunity to input current, elevation, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, etc., it's annoying. Maybe I'm asking too much for free. |
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@ 01:08 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorAs Magnus said, Strelock has a black background, so no problem using it at dawn/twuljght. I have a single-spaced, 2-column list of crap I need to bring just for a day hunt. Would I have the foresight to print drop charts that I can attach to my scope? Maybe. |
@ 09:50 am (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi again.Here is a photo of the scope for my 6,5x55. The top chart is for the Eld-x 143, and the bottom chart is for the Woodleigh PP 160. Notice that the lower chart says "Legg til 2 klikk". This means "add 2 clicks", as that load has a 2 cm lower POI at 100 meters (with supressor). I prefer to have the true values presented, rather than to work those 2 clicks into the chart. The charts are based on a typical average of altitude and temperature for my hunting. The Eld-X goes to 600 meters, which is a bit further than I will ever use this load for hunting, unless it's for a follow up. Up here at 62° north, the combined effects of spin drift and Coriolis start to become worth considering between 4-600 meters. To compensate for this, I always zero about 1-1,5 cm to the left, depending on how it works out with the clicks/ POI. When I have hunted long range in the southern hemisphere (South Africa), I have ignored spin drift and Coriolis at these ranges. They practically cancel each other out. I have used this setup for 6-7 years now, and it works very well. I still do small changes to the layout every year, as I figure out what works best (quickest) in the field. And as mentioned, I normally dial the scope up about 4 mil-klicks for walking around. https://imgur.com/ZYG5yS2 Scott, here is also a suggestion to how I would design a chart for your 30-06, shooting an Accubond 150 at 2950 fps, 15° C, 1000 feet above sea, 42 mm sight height, using a normal Duplex reticle, with an estimated 3 MOA distance from the cross to where the post gets thick. I have named this value "Post" in the chart. 0,5 Post means half way to the post and so on. Using a Duplex reticle like this is only accurate so far, but if you are able to accurately estimate 1,5x post, it will get you to 400 yards with a 225 zero (2 inch high at 100). I've also included drop in rounded off inches, drop in MOA (in case dialing), and wind in inches (5 mph from the side). This is just a suggestion as to how you could use the software to create a practical chart, that will get the most from your scope/ rifle. When I make these charts (manually in xcell), I always go and verify them in the field at the longest possible range before I start laminating them in tape and stick them to the scope. Might save you a bit of trouble. https://imgur.com/v1aVN7C Like I said, this is just one way of doing it. You can change increments, values, columns, wind speed and whatnot, to whatever suits you best. But if using a Duplex, be aware that there can be quite a difference from the pointy start of the thick part of the post to where the post has reached full width. In my 2-7x Leupold, I believe that small triangular section is almost 1 MOA tall. Just one thing to bring into consideration. Only way to find out accurately, is to clamp up the scope and sight it at a sheet of paper some way off and do the math. |
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@ 09:54 am (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorTrying the photos again...Scope on the 6,5x55 
30-06 suggestion 
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@ 12:39 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorThanks, Magnus. The pics are helpful. Beats advertising your presence waving your gun around, taking eyes off game, reading a drop chart on the stock. And certainly better than relying on a choir of angels dancing on the head of the proverbial firing pin. A sunshieid has more utility than I realized. Last night I re-read the scope sections of "The Pratical Guide to LR Shooting." A bit overwhelming - not the principals or the math - but the sheer number of scopes on the market. I'm leaning towards Leupold. Their headquarters is an hour's drive from me. They offer scopes with exposed, dialable elevation turrets and capped, low profile windage turrets. I imagine they would fix the elevation turret for free if I drop it on a rock, under their lifetime warrantee. The only downside is you have to pay for their stupid "CDS" feature, which I would never use. |
@ 01:40 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi Scott.I'm using Tract optics. Great value I couldn't be happier https://tractoptics.com/riflescopes |
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@ 07:34 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorThanks, Bob. Tract Optics's RESPONSE 2.5-10X42 looks like a great deal. It's only $25 more than the Leupold 3x9 I'm looking at. I'm using Talley's extra low M700 rings, which are a perfect fit for my stock with the 38mm scope I'm using now. I need to measure the objective bell clearance to see it would fit. |
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@ 12:02 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorCheck out the reviews, all good, I can't fault them. They have a link on their site where you can converse to one of the owners. You deal direct with the guys that own them, no middle men, you won't see them in a shop.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-3abc_wyA |
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@ 12:11 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorAhhh wrong link, this ones betterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXpLwVNv7io |
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@ 07:13 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi Bob. I've enjoyed a few Vaughn Precision videos, but hadn't seen that one. He seems to know his shit, but he posted a video of himself bedding a rifle into a Boyd's stock. After setting the barreled action into the compound in the stock, he installed the action screws, advising to cinch them up ever so gently. This method is probably fine, since you're not stressing the action. However, he then shoved the barreled action back in the stock, so the recoil lug would seat against the stock. I thought to myself, 1) I hope there was some clearance behind the tang, and 2) you're going to have a paper thin layer of bedding material behind that recoil lug. In the video you posted, where he reviews the tracking accuracy of the Tract Optics scope, he went to the trouble of checking the tracking by dialing it around, with an assistant presumably holding the rifle stationary. This is consistent with Nathan's recommendations, although Nathan further points out that it's OK if your score's tracking is not spot-on, so long as you know the error factor. One thing I learned watching the video is the scope is made in Japan. I went back to Tract's sight, and discovered that the one I was looking at is made in the Phillipines. I have nothing against Phillipinos, but I realized Tract has 2 lines, the Toric, which Vaughn Precision reviewed, and the Response line, which I was interested in. The Toric has better eye relief. It's quite a bit more expensive, so it is probably better in other areas, too. All I need is dialable elevation. I can handle windage Kentucky-style. Leupold makes scopes with capped windage turrets, and exposed elevation turrets. Their eye relief is great, even on the cheaper models. Plus, I can drive to Beaverton in an hour if I have a problem. Last night I re-read the sections of Nathan's long range hunting book that discuss the 3 inch rule of thumb. He advocates aiming slightly low for moderate range shots. After re-reading that material, my fears of missing high were somewhat allayed. |
@ 09:22 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorOK, just a few things to add here.It can be helpful, after dialing up (to test tracking), to fire a test group at 100 yards. Some of the high end scopes (e.g Swaro) may fail this test, not just the cheap stuff. The POI may be correct but the group may be very large due to the fact that the turret spring is weak when dialed up. This is why I like Sightron's fixed tracking. As we all know, it is important to confirm bullet drop at long ranges via test shooting. By the same token, your 100 yard range work as mentioned above is of vital importance. Try not to put one ahead of the other. Most long range wafflers spend too much time extolling extreme range tricks. 100 yards is the foundation, scope checks, field position checks, acid testing human error etc. This is good news for those of you who don't get too many opportunities to shoot at a range with long range targets. We spend a great deal of our time these days on our phones. When you finally hit the hills hunting, you need to be immersed in the experience, not tied to the phone. If you are tied to the phone, you will not be fully aware of or connected to the environment. Use your phone initially, then try your best to put it aside. Treat it as a critical safety device when you are in the hills. I have seen experienced snipers trying to activate and scroll through their phones while the animal they are targeting is walking away. An utterly embarrassing situation to catch on video. Don't be that guy. Make analog charts and use them. The alternative is to look like some mamas boy / tech geek in the field. As for use of the phone, I use the shooter app. I use it because we are in the business of research. I have dial up scopes on pretty much every rifle so that we can test all pistol / carbine / rifle cartridges through the impact velocity spectrum. The phone is used to study BC's and so forth, also for more extreme work with the long range stuff. But outside of work or making initial charts, I try to avoid using he phone. In other words, I am very grateful to have the technology but I try not to abuse it. Hope that helps a bit. I had a video but Steph states that I need a better example for you all. I will see what I can drum up. Normally I am too fast for the camera and its just a sham if we try and record first. |
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@ 09:35 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi Scott.I was so impressed with Tract scopes after buying a Toric 2-10x42 for my 308 hack rifle, I now have 3 Toric scopes a 2-10x42 with covered turrets, 4-20x50 I also have aa pair of there binoculars. I sold my NXS Nightforce scope in preference I preferred the Toric. I dial for distance shot and these are so repeatable, clear, and great in low light. I had a fall with the 2-10, scratched it, I was concerned but it didn't alter anything. Jon & Jon are so good to deal with, you can contact them anytime during business hours. |
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@ 11:48 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorOK, after being grilled by Steph, I have made the following vid:https://youtu.be/LuTCQmY3lZk |
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@ 01:02 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorNathan, Thanks to you for putting that medley together, to Steph for her editing, and to Riley for her marksmanship. Informative and entertaining! |
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@ 01:07 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorNo worries Scott, glad you enjoyed it. |
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@ 07:28 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorI try to educate myself a little before posing questions here. So I re-read the relevant sections in "The Practical Guide to LR Hunting" just now. I did so because, whilst shopping for scopes, I encountered this statement, which I believe to be BS:"Parallax with a fixed parallax scope is only an issue at ranges below the fixed range . . . so a scope with parallax set at 150 yards is parallax-free at 150 and beyond." The reason I ask is, I'm interested in 400-500 yard max accuracy. Do I need to spring for a scope with adjustable parralax? "The Practicle Guide to LR. Hunting" says the important factor is technique - a repeatable cheek-weld, butt-stock position, etc. |
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@ 08:07 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi Scott, it depends to some extent on the actual magnification (also the true rather than advertised mag).Lets say you have bought a base model Leupold 4-12x40 Tri MOA optic and fitted an aftermarket elevation turret. The zoom range is not so severe that it puts the sight picture out of focus. The reticle is also fairly heavy. On top of this, you are not expecting to shoot too far. Under such conditions, you would find this set up to work adequately. I have used a basic VX1 out to 1000 yards and beyond but it takes weekly practice to become proficient at this. |
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@ 08:25 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorChris Murphy, if you happen across this thread...Scott is a fan of Leupold. Would you be so kind as to post the model of Leupold you are using. From memory, yours ticked all of the boxes, compact yet far reaching. The sight picture was clear out past 1k when I looked through it and it tracked well. |
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@ 09:38 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorChris Murphy, your friend in Portland? I'm partial to Leupold because their factory is an hour's drive from me. I consider their CDS feature a marketing ploy. For example, their new "350 Legend" model, "450 Bushmaster", "AR", etc. They've discontinued more scopes than they've sold. I suppose those purpose built turrets could work within 200 yards, even given the vagaries of different barrel lengths, rifling, muzzle velocities, etc. But for other rounds you're paying up front for them to make you a custom dial you can set at 100, 200, 300, etc. Seems pretty far-fetched. A little throat wear and your custom dial ain't so great anymore. |
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@ 09:58 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorLeupold is also owned by multiple extended family members trying to live the good life off their ancestor's largess. Not a particularly good recipie. Nosler used to own them, but they pooled their resources and bought it back. |
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@ 10:37 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorI forgot I could search the forums. I see Chris Murphy is from NZ. Yeah, reticle thickness is huge factor, too. Too thin, and you can't see it against vegetation at dawn/twilight. Too thick and it covers half the deer at 450. My question was parallax at <=500 yards. I think at this point I have to resign myself to finding a scope with a thin reticle, if I want to verify accuracy at 400 yards. Parallax adjustability is unnecessary for my purposes. |
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@ 01:05 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorLeupold's website lists 113 reticle choices. When you click on one you might like, it takes you to a list of scopes available with that reticle. Problem is, they're all discontinued! |
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@ 01:38 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorSorry for all the comments. I should have entitled this thread, "My scope blog." The other issue I've got is, with a 90 degree bolt throw and extra-low rings, eyepiece size is a major issues. I think I'll take my rifle up to Leupold and see if they'll make me a 38-40mm scope with their (discontinued, of course) German #4 reticle. |
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@ 07:01 pm (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorHi.Whatever scope you end up with, just be aware that the German 4 has a lot more distance to the thick part of the post than a typical duplex. 2-3 times more (2-3 mils/ 7-10 moa) on the ones I've measured at least. So not usable as a holdover point. Perhaps if you don't let that Leupold factory be a deciding factor, and at the same time accept a step up in ring hight, there is an ocean of reasonnably priced scopes to choose from in then 12x range. |
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@ 07:11 pm (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorAlso, there is much more chance for a second hand quality scope with open turrets at the same price as a new budget scope. |
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@ 02:24 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Free Android ballistics calculatorLeupold's 113 reticle choices was no exaggeration. If I went to the local, big-box store, they might have 2 or 3 examples of those reticles in stock. Leupold's "custom shop" is shuttered. Picking a reticle on the Internet is like picking an off-white paint shade for your living room online. I checked the local listings for used scopes. A guy has a VX-3 for sale. He wants $25 more than the big box store wants for a new one, typical of most used rifle sellers around here. My plan now is to buy a cheap scope, to see if the magnification range will work for me. I can always resell it on Ebay with minimal collateral damage. Vortex has a cheap 2x7 with "resetable dials," a plus. Problem is, here's their description of the hash mark's on the reticle:"Hashmarks on the vertical crosshair are spaced at 1.5 MOA, 4.5 MOA and 7.5 MOA. The top of the bottom vertical heavy crosshair is 11 MOA from center. Horizontal hashmarks are spaced at 2 MOAs." Why they didn't space the vertical hashmarks at 2 MOAs is a mystery that only Edgar Allen Poe could solve. |
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