Bullet Drop & Drift: Consider These 2 Factors for Your Shot

Bullet drop is the term used to describe the effects of gravity on a fired projectile.

The word “drop” in this context refers to the vertical distance between the line of sight and the point of impact on the target. Bullet drop impacts the range, accuracy, and lethality of a projectile.

It is important for shooters to understand the effects of bullet drop and wind drift in order to make the most accurate shots possible. Even if you’re off by even a few inches, your shot could end up being completely off target.

There are two main types of bullet drop: linear and non-linear.

Linear bullet drop is when the projectile falls in a straight line from the muzzle to the target. A non-linear bullet drop is when the projectile falls in an arc from the muzzle to the target.

The majority of firearms are designed to fire projectiles with a linear trajectory. This means that the sights on most guns are calibrated for bullets that will fall in a straight line.

However, there are some exceptions, such as sniper rifles and long-range target rifles, which are designed to fire projectiles with a non-linear trajectory.

When calculating the effects of bullet drop, it is important to consider the range to the target, the type of firearm and ammunition being used, and the wind speed and direction.

Calculating Bullet Drop:

You can calculate your bullet drop by using the following formula:

Bullet drop (in inches) = muzzle velocity (in feet per second) x time of flight (in seconds) x 32.2

where 32.2 is the constant for the acceleration of gravity.

So, if we have a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second and a time of flight of 0.5 seconds, our bullet drop would be:

Bullet drop (in inches) = 2,700 feet per second x 0.5 seconds x 32.2

= 882 inches

or approximately 73 feet!

Drift:

The faster the wind, the greater the effects of drift will be. Drift is when the projectile is blown off course by the wind.

For example, a common rule of thumb for rifle shooters is that for every MPH of windspeed, the bullet will be blown off course by 1 inch for every 100 yards of range. So, if you are shooting at a target that is 500 yards away and there is a 10 MPH crosswind, your bullet will likely hit 5 inches to the left of your point of aim.

To account for the effects of bullet drop and wind drift, shooters will often make adjustments to their point of aim. This is usually done by using a scope or other type of optical sight. By adjusting the elevation and windage controls on the scope, the shooter can compensate for the effects of gravity and wind.

Click here to learn more about the science behind gravity and wind impacting your shot!

Holdover Method:

Some shooters also use holdover methods to account for these drops. This involves estimating the amount of drop and compensating for it by holding the crosshairs above the target. For example, if you are shooting at a target that is 500 yards away and you know that your bullet will drop 10 inches at that range, you would hold the crosshairs 10 inches above the target.

While holdover methods can be effective, they are not as precise as using a scope or other type of optical sight. They also require the shooter to have a good understanding of the effects of bullet drop and wind drift.

Now you know!

Bullet drop can impact the range of a rifle because the projectile falls from the muzzle on its way to the target.

By adjusting their point of aim or using holdover methods, shooters can account for the effects of bullet drop and wind drift. This allows them to make more precise shots and increases the chances of hitting their target.

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