since there are way too many different calibers and nuances to each individual cartridge , for sake of argument lets just ask how much does shooting up hill , or down hill does gravity affect any given bullet in relation to its particular mid to max to sweet spot range in relation to a flat shot , is POI really that noticeable?
dumb question : just how much does shooting up hill/down hill affect bullet drop
- Thread starter micmacman
- Start date
Greater angle from horizontal = less drop. Straight up or down means no drop.
This is an overly basic explanation, and there is more to it than this, but may help get the concept across.
Imagine you are on level ground and have to shoot at a sniper at the top of a tall building.
Only the straight down pull of gravity matters, so if the building is 300yds away, it is drop over 300yds even if the bullet travels 360yds to get to the top of the building.
But it is also velocity over level ground, so your velocity is slightly lower as well.
So at close range where dope changes slowly (100 level vs 120 bullet path) it doesn't matter much.
At longer ranges (600 level vs 720 bullet path) or with steeper angles it can be significant.
Imagine you are on level ground and have to shoot at a sniper at the top of a tall building.
Only the straight down pull of gravity matters, so if the building is 300yds away, it is drop over 300yds even if the bullet travels 360yds to get to the top of the building.
But it is also velocity over level ground, so your velocity is slightly lower as well.
So at close range where dope changes slowly (100 level vs 120 bullet path) it doesn't matter much.
At longer ranges (600 level vs 720 bullet path) or with steeper angles it can be significant.
If you're using ballistic software, there’s likely a field where you can input shot angle. It will tell you exactly the change in drop is. Easy to play with different angles.
- Nov 3, 2010
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Just use the cosine of the angle to calculate the true horizontal distance and dial that into your elevation.
For example, let's say that the target is registering 575 yards on your laser range finder, but you are elevated such that you are looking down at a 15 degree angle toward the target. The cosine of 15 degrees is .96592582628, so multiply that by 575, and you get 555. Dial your scope for 555 yards, and you should be dead on the target if all else is correct (wind, etc.).
For example, let's say that the target is registering 575 yards on your laser range finder, but you are elevated such that you are looking down at a 15 degree angle toward the target. The cosine of 15 degrees is .96592582628, so multiply that by 575, and you get 555. Dial your scope for 555 yards, and you should be dead on the target if all else is correct (wind, etc.).
What's Your Angle
How do you figure out the horizontal distance a bullet will travel for an angled target? Trigonometry! We'll show you how to hit your target using angles.
- Nov 3, 2010
- 10,790
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I did not even know that was available - I am too simplistic in how I use the app, I guess. I need to grow more familiar with it. I have liked all of the functions I have used so far.
the reason i was asking , i hoping to get my 400 yd range set up this summer , i am nestled between two mountains with my fields between ,i own most of the two mountains and i will be setting it up from one to the other but if i am looking to have multiple distances the angle changes , the 400 yd point will be almost flat across , its if i want to increment closer and further i will be angled down the less distance and angled up with the further distance , its a great natural back drop , i have a 100 - 150 yd , and a pistol area , but nothing further out , want to do a shack with a decent bench
always been more of a steel dinger , but i got a ban era Bushy DCM and a Ban Era Colt Match Target , and the M1a ive never put to paper at distance past 150 yds , and a few others now that i think about it that i would like to play with
always been more of a steel dinger , but i got a ban era Bushy DCM and a Ban Era Colt Match Target , and the M1a ive never put to paper at distance past 150 yds , and a few others now that i think about it that i would like to play with
I liked what Frank said during a clinic shooting uphill at Mifflin one year...."in the Marines our plan shooting uphill was to aim for their balls and you will hit them in the body somewhere"! LOL
My notes, which are plagiarized, use at your own peril...
A shooter starts seeing the angle of trajectory influencing the trajectory beyond 30 or 45 degrees, depending on the
distance. The reality of high inclines in long-range shooting is such that most topography does not offer extreme long range
shots at extreme angles. Notwithstanding mountainous terrain, in all probability beyond 1000 yards the rifleman
will not see targets at angles greater than 10 to 15 degrees. When necessary, it is important to account for inclined angles.
Change elevation to adjust for the inclined angle but still adjust for wind at the slope-range distance.
A shooter starts seeing the angle of trajectory influencing the trajectory beyond 30 or 45 degrees, depending on the
distance. The reality of high inclines in long-range shooting is such that most topography does not offer extreme long range
shots at extreme angles. Notwithstanding mountainous terrain, in all probability beyond 1000 yards the rifleman
will not see targets at angles greater than 10 to 15 degrees. When necessary, it is important to account for inclined angles.
Change elevation to adjust for the inclined angle but still adjust for wind at the slope-range distance.
