A ballistic table or ballistic chart, also known as the data of previous engagements (DOPE) chart, is a

reference data Reference data is data used to classify or categorize other data. Typically, they are static or slowly changing over time. Examples of reference data include: * Units of measurement * Country codes * Corporate codes * Fixed conversion rates e.g. ...

chart A chart (sometimes known as a graph) is a graphics, graphical representation for data visualization, in which "the data is represented by symbols, such as bars in a bar chart, lines in a line chart, or slices in a pie chart". A chart can repres ...

used in

long-range shooting Long range shooting is a collective term for shooting disciplines where the distance to the target is significant enough that the shooter has to put effort into calculating various ballistic factors, especially in regards to the deviating ...

to predict the

trajectory A trajectory or flight path is the path that an object with mass in motion follows through space as a function of time. In classical mechanics, a trajectory is defined by Hamiltonian mechanics via canonical coordinates; hence, a complete tra ...

of a

projectile A projectile is an object that is propelled by the application of an external force and then moves freely under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Although any objects in motion through space are projectiles, they are commonly found ...

and compensate for physical effects of

gravity In physics, gravity (), also known as gravitation or a gravitational interaction, is a fundamental interaction, a mutual attraction between all massive particles. On Earth, gravity takes a slightly different meaning: the observed force b ...

and

wind drift Wind is the natural movement of air or other gases relative to a planet's surface. Winds occur on a range of scales, from thunderstorm flows lasting tens of minutes, to local breezes generated by heating of land surfaces and lasting a few ho ...

, in order to increase the probability of the projectile successfully reaching the intended target. Ballistic tables commonly are used in

target shooting Shooting sports is a group of competitive and recreational sporting activities involving proficiency tests of accuracy, precision and speed in shooting — the art of using ranged weapons, mainly small arms (firearms and airguns, in forms such ...

hunting Hunting is the Human activity, human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, and killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to obtain the animal's body for meat and useful animal products (fur/hide (sk ...

, military sharpshooting and ballistic science applications. Ballistic chart data are typically given in

angular measurement In Euclidean geometry, an angle can refer to a number of concepts relating to the intersection of two straight lines at a point. Formally, an angle is a figure lying in a plane formed by two rays, called the '' sides'' of the angle, sharing ...

s with units in either

milliradian A milliradian (International System of Units, SI-symbol mrad, sometimes also abbreviated mil) is an SI derived unit for angular measurement which is defined as a thousandth of a radian (0.001 radian). Milliradians are used in adjustment of ...

s (mil/mrad) or

minutes of arc A minute of arc, arcminute (abbreviated as arcmin), arc minute, or minute arc, denoted by the symbol , is a unit of angular measurement equal to of a degree. Since one degree is of a turn, or complete rotation, one arcminute is of a tu ...

(MOA), arranged in a

table Table may refer to: * Table (database), how the table data arrangement is used within the databases * Table (furniture), a piece of furniture with a flat surface and one or more legs * Table (information), a data arrangement with rows and column ...

format with the rows representing different reference distances and the

column A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member ...

s corresponding to categories of information (e.g. angular deviations, actual drop/drift distance, " click" count, etc.) in which the shooter is interested. After

ranging Length measurement, distance measurement, or range measurement (ranging) all refer to the many ways in which length, distance, or range can be measured. The most commonly used approaches are the rulers, followed by transit-time methods and the ...

the intended target, the shooter can then read off the chart data to estimate the ballistic correction required (relative to a

zero 0 (zero) is a number representing an empty quantity. Adding (or subtracting) 0 to any number leaves that number unchanged; in mathematical terminology, 0 is the additive identity of the integers, rational numbers, real numbers, and compl ...

ed range) and

calibrate In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known ...

the aim accordingly by turning the adjustment knobs on the scope and/or using the reference markings on the scope's

reticle A reticle or reticule, also known as a graticule or crosshair, is a pattern of fine lines or markings built into the eyepiece of an optical device such as a telescopic sight, spotting scope, theodolite, optical microscope or the electronic v ...

. Ballistic tables are usually generated using specifically designed

computer program A computer program is a sequence or set of instructions in a programming language for a computer to Execution (computing), execute. It is one component of software, which also includes software documentation, documentation and other intangibl ...

s built on

mathematical function In mathematics, a function from a set (mathematics), set to a set assigns to each element of exactly one element of .; the words ''map'', ''mapping'', ''transformation'', ''correspondence'', and ''operator'' are sometimes used synonymously. ...

s known as ballistic softwares, and an

electronic device Electronics is a scientific and engineering discipline that studies and applies the principles of physics to design, create, and operate devices that manipulate electrons and other electrically charged particles. It is a subfield of physics and ...

that runs ballistic softwares is called a ballistic calculator or ballistic computer. The number of inputs to the ballistic calculator can sometimes vary depended on the specific generator, or the user may choose to only input certain variables. For example, a very simple drop table can be made using inputs for the sight adjustment value (in mil or MOA), the zero range, intended target ranges,

muzzle velocity Muzzle velocity is the speed of a projectile (bullet, pellet, slug, ball/ shots or shell) with respect to the muzzle at the moment it leaves the end of a gun's barrel (i.e. the muzzle). Firearm muzzle velocities range from approximately t ...

caliber In guns, particularly firearms, but not #As a measurement of length, artillery, where a different definition may apply, caliber (or calibre; sometimes abbreviated as "cal") is the specified nominal internal diameter of the gun barrel Gauge ( ...

ballistic coefficient In ballistics, the ballistic coefficient (BC, ''C'') of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. It is inversely proportional to the negative acceleration: a high number indicates a low negative acceleration—the ...

and bullet weight.{{cite web, url=http://guide.sportsmansguide.com/ballisticscharts/, title=Ballistics Charts | Ballistic Tables for Remington, Federal, Winchester | Sportsman's Guide - Guide Outdoors, website=guide.sportsmansguide.com, accessdate=2018-08-20 Some of the environmental effects that play a role in calculating the trajectory are gravity, projectile spin, wind, temperature, air pressure and humidity. More advanced tables can take more factors into account to ensure a more accurate prediction of the trajectory, which becomes increasingly affected by gravity and wind drift over longer distances due to the more prolonged bullet flight. Some of these variables may have a negligible effect on shorter ranges.

References

External links

Buckmasters.com - How to Read a Ballistics Chart

Long Range Shooting - Intro to Ballistic Tables - The Loadout Room

JBM Ballistics
a free online ballistic calculator. Projectiles Aerodynamics Ballistics

See also

References

External links