Bullet Drop Calculator

How to Use the Bullet Drop Calculator

The Bullet Drop Calculator is a tool designed to help shooters and hunters determine key ballistic properties of a projectile fired from a firearm. It requires several input parameters to provide accurate calculations.

Step 1: Enter Muzzle Velocity

Start by entering the Muzzle Velocity of your firearm. This is the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps). Ensure that the value is between 100 and 5000 fps. This field is required, and you must enter an integer value.

Step 2: Enter Ballistic Coefficient

Input the Ballistic Coefficient of the bullet. This number typically ranges from 0.1 to 1.0 and indicates the bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. Make sure you provide a value in this range, accurate to three decimal places.

Step 3: Enter Sight Height

Fill in the Sight Height, which is the distance in inches from the center of the bore to the center of the scope or sight. Ensure your value falls between 0.1 and 10 inches.

Step 4: Enter Zero Range

Next, enter the Zero Range, which is the distance at which the firearm is sighted in, measured in yards. Values can range from 25 to 1000 yards in increments of 25 yards. This field is crucial for calculating bullet drop.

Step 5: Enter Target Range

Provide the Target Range, which is the distance to your target, also in yards. Acceptable values range from 0 to 2000 yards, with increments of 25 yards. This input is necessary to calculate bullet drop and wind drift.

Step 6: Enter Wind Speed

Input the Wind Speed in miles per hour (mph). Values should fall between 0 and 50 mph, accurate to one decimal place. This information is needed to calculate wind drift.

Step 7: Select Wind Direction

Select the Wind Direction from the options provided. You can choose between Full Value (90°), Quartering (45°), and Half Value (30°), each of which affects the windage calculation differently.

Step 8: Interpret the Results

Once all the input fields are filled, the calculator will provide the following results:

• Bullet Drop: This indicates the drop of the bullet at the target range, measured in inches. It’s calculated using the physics of projectile motion.
• Wind Drift: Also measured in inches, this shows how much the wind will push the bullet off course at the target range.
• Time of Flight: This value is given in seconds and represents the time it takes for the bullet to reach the target.
• Remaining Velocity: Indicates the bullet’s remaining velocity at the target, measured in fps. This value decreases with range due to air resistance and other factors.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively use the Bullet Drop Calculator to gain insights into the ballistic performance of your firearm and ammunition setup.