Kestrel and Ballistic Computers, Questions and Which One/s?

[Strykervet]

So I finally wanna get this, I know and can do all the math but I'm tired of it. I have a spotter and LRF combo I put together and the LRF is an older long range model and doesn't connect to anything, just outputs a range in meters. One rifle has a cosine indicator. So whatever I get I need to be able to enter all the various data by hand.

A kestrel would be nice for the weather station. Is there a GOOD all in one unit? Computer plus Kestrel? Or would it be best to get a Kestrel and a separate PDA ballistic computer (don't own a smart phone, don't want one, so I'll be needing a good PDA if I have to go this route).

I'd like it to be fast and all in one if that's possible, but I don't wanna cut corners. If there's a vastly superior program to run on a PDA and I have to enter Kestrel and LRF data, that's fine, but if it connected to the Kestrel, that'd be a plus. I'd like to attach all this shit to the spotter tripod in such a way that I can use it (so adjustable maybe?).

Don't wanna spend a fortune but I'll spend whatever it takes and if I have to save up a bit for it, that's fine too. Quality stuff that lasts. One that's fairly simple to use would be nice but I understand if that's not entirely possible given the parameters here.

I'll be using it for everything from 5.56 to .50BMG, and hell, maybe even .22lr. Range could be 3km+ with the .50BMG, I don't know if that matters or not. An ability to store many different custom loads (say around 30?) and their data in several calibers would be a plus if that's possible.

I know some of you guys know these inside and out so I'm depending on your collective knowledge to set me up right. What say you?

 

[tadawson]

5700 Elite Ballistics for the win . . .

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

You want a Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics. Single device, great battery life, and will do firing solutions to 5,000 yards. Supports 30 different rifle/ammo profiles saved on the device, AB custom drag models for tons of projectiles, and the unit itself is rugged and waterproof.

 

[One1Bravo]

5700 Elite Ballistics for the win . . .

Agreed. Takes some time to learn but it does a lot and works very well.

 

[Steel head]

5700 Elite Ballistics for the win . . .

This.
Takes a bit to get comfortable with it but it DOES work.

 

[clcustom1911]

I don't have a 5700, I have a 4500NV with AB software. It's absolutely excellent. I would buy a 5700 but I'm in the process of upgrading my 7mm with a barrel, bedding, etc, etc.

 

[Strykervet]

Well, I guess this one's closed and done! 5700 it is then, I'll start looking into it. A single device will be nice too.

I used to use one a long time ago but those weren't nearly as fancy as they are today and the ballistic computer was still between the ears along with a TI89 calculator. Which I still have and sometimes use.

Thanks guys, I knew this one would be an easy one for 'ya.

 

[usafa77]

With that many guns, get the elite. All the profiles you want to create. And there is a custom drag for for several .22lr bullets.

 

[clcustom1911]

You won't regret it. It's a great piece of equipment. I few of my buddies who, um, shoot long distance for their work to protect out nation have told me the Kestrel with AB is the way to go.