RANGE ESTIMATION METHODS
100-Yard / Meter-Unit-of-Measure Method. To use this method The shooter must be able to visualize a distance of 100 yards / meters on the ground. For ranges up to 500 yards / meters the shooter determines the number of 100-meter increments between the two objects it wishes to measure. Beyond 500 yards / meters, it must select a point halfway to the object and determine the number of 100-meter increments to the halfway point, then double it to find the range to the object.
Appearance-of-Object Method. This method is a means of determining range by the size and other characteristic details of the object. To use the appearance-of-object method with any degree of accuracy, the Shooter must be familiar with the characteristic details of the objects
as they appear at various ranges.
Range-Card Method. The shooter uses a range card to quickly determine ranges throughout the target area. Once the target is seen, the shooter determines where it is located on the card and then reads the proper range to the target. Also you can label your targets as "TRP" Target Reference Point.
Combination Method. Some times only one method of range estimation may not be enough for a shooter. Terrain with much dead space limits the accuracy of the 100-yard / meter method. Poor visibility limits the use of the appearance-of-object method. However, by using a combination of two or more methods to determine an unknown range, an experienced shooter should arrive at an estimated range close to the true range.
Mil-Relation Formula.
The mil-relation formula is the preferred method of range estimation. This method uses a mil-scale reticule located in binoculars, spotting scopes or rifle scopes with a Mil-dot recital. The shooter must know the target size in inches yards or meters. Once the target size is known, the team then compares the target size to the mil-scale reticule and uses the following formula:
Size of target in yards x 1,000 / Size of target in MIL's = range in yds
Size of target in inches x 27.778 / Size of target in MIL's = range in yds
Size of target in inches x 25.4 / Size of target in MIL's = range in meters
Range in YARDS
Height or width (inches) X 27.77 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height of target (yards) X 1,000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Range in METERS
Height or width (inches) X 25.4 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Height in (meters) X 1000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Conversions
Your MOA DOPE divided by 3.438 = MIL DOPE
Your MIL DOPE X 3.438 = MOA DOPE
Yards - 10% = Meters
Meters + 10% = Yards
1 mil equals 10 centimeters at 100 meters - or 1 meter at 1,000 meters
1 mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards - or 36 inches at 1,000 yards
Height or width (inches) X 27.77 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height of target (yards) X 1,000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height or width (inches) X 25.4 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Height in (meters) X 1000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
EFFECTS OF WEATHER
For the highly trained sniper, the effects of weather are the main causes of error in the strike of the bullet. Wind, mirage, light, temperature, and humidity affect the bullet, the sniper, or both. Some effects are minor; however, sniping is often done in extremes of weather and all effects must be considered.
WIND CLASSIFICATION
Wind poses the biggest problem for the sniper. The effect that wind has on the bullet increases with range. This is due mainly to the slowing of the bullet's velocity combined with a longer flight time. This allows the wind to have a greater effect on the round as distances increase. The result is a loss of stability.
a. Wind also has a considerable effect on the sniper. The stronger the wind, the more difficult it is for him to hold the rifle steady. This can be partly offset by training, conditioning and the use of supported positions.
b. Since the sniper must know how much effect the wind will have on the bullet, he must be able to classify the wind. The best method is to use the clock system. With the sniper at the center of the clock and the target at 12 o'clock, the wind is assigned three values: full, half, and no value. Full value means that the force of the wind will have a full effect on the flight of the bullet. These winds come from 3 and 9 o'clock. Half value means that a wind at the same speed, but from 1,2,4,5,7,8, 10, and 11 o'clock, will move the bullet only half as much as a full-value wind. No value means that a wind from 6 or 12 o'clock will have little or no effect on the flight of the bullet.
WIND VELOCITY
Before adjusting the sight to compensate for wind, the sniper must determine wind direction and velocity. He may use certain indicators to accomplish this. These are range flags, smoke, trees, grass, rain, and the sense of feel. However, the preferred method of determining wind direction and velocity is reading mirage (see paragraph d below). In most cases, wind direction can be determined simply by observing the indicators.
a. A common method of estimating the velocity of the wind during training is to watch the range flag.
The sniper determines the angle between the flag and pole, in degrees, then divides by the constant number 4. The result gives the approximate velocity in miles per hour.
b. If no flag is visible, the sniper holds a piece of paper, grass, cotton, or some other light material at shoulder level, then drops it. He then points directly at the spot where it lands and divides the angle between his body and arm by the constant number 4. This gives him the approximate wind velocity in miles per hour.
c. If these methods cannot be used, the following information is helpful in determining velocity.
- Winds under 3 miles per hour can barely be felt, although smoke will drift.
- A 3 to 5-mile-per-hour wind can barely be felt on the face.
- With a 5 to 8-mile-per-hour wind, the leaves in the trees are in constant motion.
- With a 12 to 15-mile-per-hour wind, small trees begin to sway.
d. A mirage is a reflection of the heat through layers of air at different temperatures and density as seen on a warm day.
With the telescope, the sniper can see a mirage as long as there is a difference in ground and air temperatures. Proper reading of the mirage enables the sniper to estimate wind speed and direction with a high degree of accuracy. The sniper uses the M49 observation telescope to read the mirage. Since the wind nearest to midrange has the greatest effect on the bullet, he tries to determine velocity at that point. He can do this in one of two ways:
(1) He focuses on an object at midrange, then places the scope back onto the target without readjusting the focus.
(2) He can also focus on the target, then back off the focus one-quarter turn counterclockwise. This makes the target appear fuzzy, but the mirage will be clear.
e. As observed through the telescope, the mirage appears to move with the same velocity as the wind, except when blowing straight into or away from the scope. Then, the mirage gives the appearance of moving straight upward with no lateral movement. This is called a boiling mirage.
A boiling mirage may also be seen when the wind is constantly changing direction.
For example, a full-value wind blowing from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock suddenly changes direction. The mirage will appear to stop moving from left to right and present a boiling appearance. When this occurs, the inexperienced observer directs the sniper to fire with the "0" wind. As the sniper fires, the wind begins blowing from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, causing the bullet to miss the target therefore, firing in a "boil" can hamper shot placement. Unless there is a no-value wind, the sniper must wait until the boil disappears. In general, changes in the velocity of the wind, up to about 12 miles per hour, can be readily determined by observing the mirage. Beyond that speed, the movement of the mirage is too fast for detection of minor changes.
A spotter is the most experienced member on a sniper team and the spotter does the following:
Shooting References by Lindy Sisk
http://www.arcanamavens.com/LBSFiles...ds/References/
Mil and Moa Range Formulas for different Combinations
https://www.scribd.com/doc/2069052/M...t-Combinations
Mils and Moa Simplified
https://www.scribd.com/doc/4617008/M...Moa-Simplified
Mils and MOA; A Tactical Shooters Guide
https://www.scribd.com/document/2068...Shooters-Guide
100-Yard / Meter-Unit-of-Measure Method. To use this method The shooter must be able to visualize a distance of 100 yards / meters on the ground. For ranges up to 500 yards / meters the shooter determines the number of 100-meter increments between the two objects it wishes to measure. Beyond 500 yards / meters, it must select a point halfway to the object and determine the number of 100-meter increments to the halfway point, then double it to find the range to the object.
Appearance-of-Object Method. This method is a means of determining range by the size and other characteristic details of the object. To use the appearance-of-object method with any degree of accuracy, the Shooter must be familiar with the characteristic details of the objects
as they appear at various ranges.
Range-Card Method. The shooter uses a range card to quickly determine ranges throughout the target area. Once the target is seen, the shooter determines where it is located on the card and then reads the proper range to the target. Also you can label your targets as "TRP" Target Reference Point.
Combination Method. Some times only one method of range estimation may not be enough for a shooter. Terrain with much dead space limits the accuracy of the 100-yard / meter method. Poor visibility limits the use of the appearance-of-object method. However, by using a combination of two or more methods to determine an unknown range, an experienced shooter should arrive at an estimated range close to the true range.
Mil-Relation Formula.
The mil-relation formula is the preferred method of range estimation. This method uses a mil-scale reticule located in binoculars, spotting scopes or rifle scopes with a Mil-dot recital. The shooter must know the target size in inches yards or meters. Once the target size is known, the team then compares the target size to the mil-scale reticule and uses the following formula:
Size of target in yards x 1,000 / Size of target in MIL's = range in yds
Size of target in inches x 27.778 / Size of target in MIL's = range in yds
Size of target in inches x 25.4 / Size of target in MIL's = range in meters
Range in YARDS
Height or width (inches) X 27.77 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height of target (yards) X 1,000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Range in METERS
Height or width (inches) X 25.4 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Height in (meters) X 1000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Conversions
Your MOA DOPE divided by 3.438 = MIL DOPE
Your MIL DOPE X 3.438 = MOA DOPE
Yards - 10% = Meters
Meters + 10% = Yards
1 mil equals 10 centimeters at 100 meters - or 1 meter at 1,000 meters
1 mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards - or 36 inches at 1,000 yards
Height or width (inches) X 27.77 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height of target (yards) X 1,000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in yards.
Height or width (inches) X 25.4 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
Height in (meters) X 1000 - divided by target size in mils = Range in meters.
EFFECTS OF WEATHER
For the highly trained sniper, the effects of weather are the main causes of error in the strike of the bullet. Wind, mirage, light, temperature, and humidity affect the bullet, the sniper, or both. Some effects are minor; however, sniping is often done in extremes of weather and all effects must be considered.
WIND CLASSIFICATION
Wind poses the biggest problem for the sniper. The effect that wind has on the bullet increases with range. This is due mainly to the slowing of the bullet's velocity combined with a longer flight time. This allows the wind to have a greater effect on the round as distances increase. The result is a loss of stability.
a. Wind also has a considerable effect on the sniper. The stronger the wind, the more difficult it is for him to hold the rifle steady. This can be partly offset by training, conditioning and the use of supported positions.
b. Since the sniper must know how much effect the wind will have on the bullet, he must be able to classify the wind. The best method is to use the clock system. With the sniper at the center of the clock and the target at 12 o'clock, the wind is assigned three values: full, half, and no value. Full value means that the force of the wind will have a full effect on the flight of the bullet. These winds come from 3 and 9 o'clock. Half value means that a wind at the same speed, but from 1,2,4,5,7,8, 10, and 11 o'clock, will move the bullet only half as much as a full-value wind. No value means that a wind from 6 or 12 o'clock will have little or no effect on the flight of the bullet.
WIND VELOCITY
Before adjusting the sight to compensate for wind, the sniper must determine wind direction and velocity. He may use certain indicators to accomplish this. These are range flags, smoke, trees, grass, rain, and the sense of feel. However, the preferred method of determining wind direction and velocity is reading mirage (see paragraph d below). In most cases, wind direction can be determined simply by observing the indicators.
a. A common method of estimating the velocity of the wind during training is to watch the range flag.
The sniper determines the angle between the flag and pole, in degrees, then divides by the constant number 4. The result gives the approximate velocity in miles per hour.
b. If no flag is visible, the sniper holds a piece of paper, grass, cotton, or some other light material at shoulder level, then drops it. He then points directly at the spot where it lands and divides the angle between his body and arm by the constant number 4. This gives him the approximate wind velocity in miles per hour.
c. If these methods cannot be used, the following information is helpful in determining velocity.
- Winds under 3 miles per hour can barely be felt, although smoke will drift.
- A 3 to 5-mile-per-hour wind can barely be felt on the face.
- With a 5 to 8-mile-per-hour wind, the leaves in the trees are in constant motion.
- With a 12 to 15-mile-per-hour wind, small trees begin to sway.
d. A mirage is a reflection of the heat through layers of air at different temperatures and density as seen on a warm day.
With the telescope, the sniper can see a mirage as long as there is a difference in ground and air temperatures. Proper reading of the mirage enables the sniper to estimate wind speed and direction with a high degree of accuracy. The sniper uses the M49 observation telescope to read the mirage. Since the wind nearest to midrange has the greatest effect on the bullet, he tries to determine velocity at that point. He can do this in one of two ways:
(1) He focuses on an object at midrange, then places the scope back onto the target without readjusting the focus.
(2) He can also focus on the target, then back off the focus one-quarter turn counterclockwise. This makes the target appear fuzzy, but the mirage will be clear.
e. As observed through the telescope, the mirage appears to move with the same velocity as the wind, except when blowing straight into or away from the scope. Then, the mirage gives the appearance of moving straight upward with no lateral movement. This is called a boiling mirage.
A boiling mirage may also be seen when the wind is constantly changing direction.
For example, a full-value wind blowing from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock suddenly changes direction. The mirage will appear to stop moving from left to right and present a boiling appearance. When this occurs, the inexperienced observer directs the sniper to fire with the "0" wind. As the sniper fires, the wind begins blowing from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, causing the bullet to miss the target therefore, firing in a "boil" can hamper shot placement. Unless there is a no-value wind, the sniper must wait until the boil disappears. In general, changes in the velocity of the wind, up to about 12 miles per hour, can be readily determined by observing the mirage. Beyond that speed, the movement of the mirage is too fast for detection of minor changes.
A spotter is the most experienced member on a sniper team and the spotter does the following:
- Helps locate targets
- Prioritizes target engagement
- Confirms target distance LRF, Mil-Dot or Range Card.
- Calls the wind "a sniper only dials what the spotter calls"
- Calls trace or splash "Hit or miss"
- If there is a splash, calls immediate corrections for 2nd round hit.
- Helps record all data in log book
- Pull's security to and from hide
Shooting References by Lindy Sisk
http://www.arcanamavens.com/LBSFiles...ds/References/
Mil and Moa Range Formulas for different Combinations
https://www.scribd.com/doc/2069052/M...t-Combinations
Mils and Moa Simplified
https://www.scribd.com/doc/4617008/M...Moa-Simplified
Mils and MOA; A Tactical Shooters Guide
https://www.scribd.com/document/2068...Shooters-Guide
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