[Range Rat]

I just got a ballistics calculator from my son as a birthday gift. I have only had it a few days, and have not unpacked it. It is essentially a complex hand-held calculator, and reminds one of those engineering calculators that math/science students use at the university.

The brand is "Ballistic Wizard" and it was shipped from the NRA store.

It is a very complicated calculator with many buttons labeled things like "SGT COR" and "Twist Max Hgt Trm Vel Mrp."

Does anyone own or use one of these? I am into rifles and reloading, and have dabbled a bit in benchrest. I don't hunt anymore.

Does anyone own something like this, and do you find yours of any practical value?

Thanks in advance--

[Palladin8]

the one I use is an app on the iphone called Ballistic FTE. Great program and works pretty well. There was a guy I was talking to at the SHOT show this year that was talking about his and it seemed pretty complicated.

I think they have a use even for non competitive shooters.

[Ranger-6]

I use a ballistic calculator with new bullets or with a new scope. I usually get the calculations before going to the range so I have some written plan to work with. If I plan to shoot distance targets then I will pre-calculate trajectory prior to the shoot.

Handloads.Com Ballistic Calculator

[swedesrus]

This is also the one that I use, Handloads.Com Ballistic Calculator
But to answer your question, does it have much practical value ? NO, John Q. Public, the guy that just goes out & shoots just for the hell of it will never use it.........

[Pumpkinheaver]

I have one on my I phone. I use it about once every month or so when I want ballpark figures about bullet drop or wind drift concerning a new load I'm working on. The only waay to absolutel way to know is to actually shoot the gun at the various yardages and see how far she drops.

[nathangdad]

Most people can look at standard ballistic tables for various calibers to get a general idea of what to expect.

Nothing takes the place of practice.

Best wishes.

[Jim Rau]

Quote:       Originally Posted by nathangdad

Most people can look at standard ballistic tables for various calibers to get a general idea of what to expect. Nothing takes the place of practice. Best wishes.

From a practical stand point there is no 'real' need for one if you are a 'hunter'. Few shots are more than 200 yds, and even fewer are 400 yds.
If you use about any of the most popular big game calibers there is very little difference at 200 yds. At 400 yds there is enough of a difference to 'miss' but the probability is still slight if you practice.
I like the new calculators because I am a person who gets into the 'academics' of shooting as both a business and a hobby. Unless you are a competitive shooter or a sniper they are of little practical use.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[turkn8r1]

I have and use several. I agree that if you are the average hunter/shooter then it is of no practical use. I do like to shoot long range but even if I didn't as a re-loader I like being able to chronograph new loads and calculate trajectories and theoretical mil adjustments. It also comes in handy when comparing different calibers and projectiles.

[roggom]

The calculators and programs are useful for the average to advanced shooter. As you know there is valid and quantifiable science behind shooting. The ballistics can, for the most part, be calculated and verified in field prior to hunting, competition or for professional use.

Of course there are so many environmental variables that can effect the bullet path, but the calculator will allow the shooter to take most of the variables (wind, density altitude, pressure, temp, angle, etc) into account and predict the placement of that first important shot. Also, instead of shooting and validating at 100, 200, 300, etc, you can set your zero and then validate your long distance shot. The algorithm with populate the remaining distances.

Not to get into a ethical debate, but as technology in bullet making, powders and glass has advanced, people are challenged to push the Max effective range of their rifles.

Calculators and programs can help make for a more succesful hunt or competition.

Personally, I use the G7 / LRBC program form Gunwerks gseven - Home . This program has a vast library of bullets and ballistic coefficient info. You can validate your info at the range, then update the data for actual drop data for your rifle and elevation. Also if you have a Nightforce or Vortex scope you can print out reticle drop cards.

So in a nutshell, if you son reloads and likes to crunch numbers / collect data, then a calc is a good buy. Now that particular calculator is not as intuitive as most iphone apps, but it will be a nice addition to the range bag.

[graytown]

blah blah blah. Yes, I use one & would enjoy another as a gift.