Re: Wind Calls?
Two ways, observation and calculation.
As lifelong computer geek, I'll tell you that while calculation may appear to be the slam-dunk answer to such questions; it falls flat on its greatest weakness; the validity of the data that gets fed to it.
Simply put, it's very hard to get anything but estimates about downrange wind conditions. Rock solid solutions cannot be built on a foundation of estimates.
Learn how to assess (note, I do not say 'read') mirage by focusing the spotter scope at several intermediate distances. Then shoot under those conditions without making any effort to correct for wind, and see how such conditions actually deflect the bullet. It is by such observations, trial, and error that we gain reliable insight into wind employment.
That's right, I said 'employment'.
The wind is not an opponent. It is neither a good thing nor a bad thing; but what it definitely is, is a real thing. When we want real answers, we use real things.
A markeman learns to employ aiming offsets, the gravity, <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> the wind to ultimately guide the bullet <span style="font-style: italic">back into</span> the intended small impact zone.
Just as we aim upward and allow gravity to bend the trajectory back down onto the target, we also aim upwind and allow the wind to guide the same bullet back over into the same desired small zone.
It's a dance, and the wind is your partner. Seek her out, dance with her often, make her the ally you long to rejoin and caress with greatest satisfaction. Things go badly when the marksman and the wind have their squabbles. Guess who always wins.
Greg
