{"id":2177,"date":"2022-03-14T01:48:12","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T01:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=2177&#038;fishpig=1647911250&#038;preview=true"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:47:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T10:47:18","slug":"why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/#Why_You_Might_Consider_a_Ballistic_Calculator\" >Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/#What_is_a_Ballistic_Calculator\" >What is a Ballistic\u00a0Calculator?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/#Why_Use_a_Ballistic_Calculator\" >Why Use a Ballistic\u00a0Calculator?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/#Using_a_Ballistic_Calculator\" >Using a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/#Ballistic_Calculator_App\" >Ballistic Calculator App<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_You_Might_Consider_a_Ballistic_Calculator\"><\/span>Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Save time, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/finding-the-right-ammo-for-your-rifle\/\">ammo<\/a>, and money by using a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/making-the-shot\/\">ballistic<\/a> calculator to dial your <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"211\">scope<\/a> and shoot more consistently.<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ballistic calculators aren\u2019t the newest technology in <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-the-impact-ballistics-calculator-helps-shooters\/\">shooting<\/a> sports. But this relatively underused tool can change the game during your time at the range or in the field. In the old days, shooters were required to calculate bullet drop and drift through a combination of mathematical equations and experience. Fast forward to the modern day. Contemporary marksmen and women can now access the same data complete with bullet drops and scope holdovers. The best part is that it&#8217;s all with the push of a button.<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Ballistic_Calculator\"><\/span><b>What is a Ballistic\u00a0Calculator?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Distance-shooters have long utilized a \u201cDOPE Card\u201d when preparing to take a shot. These cheat sheets are constructed and modified through experience \u2013 going to the range and slinging lead. After <a title=\"6 Tips for Shooting Tighter Groups\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/6-tips-for-shooting-tighter-groups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting a group<\/a>, the shooter logs a bullet\u2019s impact under various ranges, elevations, and winds and notates the number of clicks needed. The information is utilized like a quick reference guide for later reference when a similar shot is presented.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ballistic calculators drastically shorten both the construction time and the time needed to modify a DOPE Card. A bullet and rifle\u2019s ballistic information is entered into a computer program (or A mobile app), followed by external weather and elevation conditions. With the click of a button, a DOPE Card is created. Calculators <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/scope-sighting-made-simple\/\" title=\"Scope Sighting Made Simple\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1394\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">made by scope<\/a> manufactures will also show the exact holdover for each scope and each reticle, further shortening the process.<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Use_a_Ballistic_Calculator\"><\/span><b>Why Use a Ballistic\u00a0Calculator?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As in with all scenarios, there are pros and cons to using a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/impact-ballistics-program1\/\">ballistic calculator<\/a>. To reach proficiency, shooters need to know exactly where a bullet will hit at various ranges. For example, a .308 sighted in at 100 yards will drop almost 4 inches at 200 yards and over a foot at 300 yards. If a shooter doesn\u2019t fully understand where a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/how-to-better-see-bullet-impacts\/\" title=\"How to Better See Bullet Impacts\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1568\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bullet will impact<\/a> over a variety of distances, a miss is all but guaranteed.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The primary advantage of using a ballistic calculator is how much it eliminates guesses. A shooter using the traditional DOPE method could need hundreds of rounds to be able to properly develop a card. Shooters using calculators are able to have a tremendous head start without firing a single shot, saving ammo, time, and money.<\/span><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_2180\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2180\" style=\"width: 398px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/impact-ballistics-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2180\" title=\"Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1.png\" alt=\"Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" width=\"398\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/1.png 540w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/1-276x300.png 276w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/1-150x163.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2180\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ballistic calculators won\u2019t be <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-cold-weather\/\" title=\"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Cold Weather\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1593\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">extremely accurate however for every rifle<\/a>. Ballistic performance varies from <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-the-2-5-15x-rifle-scope-is-ideal-for-hunting\/\">rifle<\/a> to rifle, even when using the same ammunition. While factory ammunition has improved drastically over the past few decades, performance variances still occur in boxed ammo. As a result, a ballistic calculator should only be a starting point. A modified DOPE session should still be used to check and double check the calculator\u2019s results.<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Using_a_Ballistic_Calculator\"><\/span><b>Using a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since a ballistic calculator relies on data inputs, it\u2019s critical to input accurate data. The primary information <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\" title=\"Air Rifle Competition What You Need?\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1764\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">needed centers on rifle<\/a> setup, cartridge performance and environmental factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <a title=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mount height of a scope<\/a> is an important measurement that can cause variance in calculator input vs. actual rifle performance. While this may seem like a small detail, small differences can lead to big misses in <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videoscategory\/rifle-scope\/shooting-skills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"precision shooting\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"397\">precision shooting<\/a>. Since a scope is mounted above the barrel instead of looking directly through the barrel, the calculator and any subsequent holds must <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/compensating-for-shooting-angle\/\" title=\"Compensating for Shooting Angle\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1708\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compensate for the downward angle<\/a> of the scope. Measure your mounted <a title=\"Why the 2.5-15x Rifle Scope is Ideal for Hunting\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/why-the-2-5-15x-rifle-scope-is-ideal-for-hunting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope\u2019s height from the middle of the scope\u2019s tube perpendicular to the middle of the bore of the rifle<\/a>. Use a tape measure, and don\u2019t guesstimate.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bullet velocity is another gray area for ballistic calculators. While ammunition boxes list a cartridge\u2019s muzzle velocity, lots of things, such as barrel length, can cause the velocity of a round in your rifle to vary from the manufacturer\u2019s stated velocity. A chronograph is a critical piece of equipment to verify your specific rifle\u2019s performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_2179\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2179\" style=\"width: 434px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/impact-ballistics-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2179\" title=\"Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/2.png\" alt=\"Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" width=\"434\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/2.png 540w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/2-276x300.png 276w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/03\/2-150x163.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2179\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ballistic Calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Entering the correct Muzzle Velocity is important to obtaining accurate ballistic data.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Environmental factors also play a part. Wind speed is an obvious influencer of bullet performance. Barometric pressure, air temperature, and humidity levels can also affect performance. Heavy, moist air can produce a significant amount of drag and friction on a bullet and can lessen velocity and increase drop. Similarly thinner air at higher elevations reduces drag as the bullet flies through thinner air with less dense molecules. Use a barometer and a wind meter for the most precise results.<\/span><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ballistic_Calculator_App\"><\/span><b>Ballistic Calculator App<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">TRACT has developed the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/impact-ballistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Impact Ballistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> program, one of the most comprehensive, industry-leading ballistic calculators. This program is available as a desktop version or a mobile app. Pre-set with all of our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/moa-vs-mrad-rifle-scopes\/\" title=\"MOA vs MRAD Rifle Scopes\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1871\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scopes and reticles<\/a>, shooters can visually see their holdovers without needing to read a chart. Environmental data and weather information is preloaded after geolocating the phone\u2019s location. Additionally, a traditional DOPE Card can be printed from the site for shooters who will need to know yardages and holds beyond the reach of cell service. Backcountry hunters should consider printing an abbreviated dope card and taping it to the side of the gun\u2019s stock or the inside of flip-up scope covers.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/shooting-22lr-rifle-in-a-whole-new-way\/\" title=\"Shooting a 22LR Rifle in a Whole New Way\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"573\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> beyond a couple hundred yards, knowing accurate holds is critical to making an accurate shot. Consider using a ballistic calculator to shorten the needed practice time and more quickly dial in on your intended target.<\/span><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1991\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1991\" style=\"width: 467px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/impact-ballistics-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1991\" title=\"Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP.png\" alt=\"Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" width=\"467\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP.png 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1991\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ballistic Calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0 | TRACT design and engineer performance-grade optics without the added retail costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2179,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2265,2273],"tags":[2358,2359,2360,2361,2363,2373,2374,2375,2381,2382,2876,2899,2906,3032,3189],"class_list":["post-2177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rifle-scope","category-tractoptics","tag-ballistic-calculator-rifle-scope","tag-ballistic-calculator-scope","tag-ballistic-program","tag-ballistics","tag-ballistics-calculator","tag-bdc-reticle-calculator","tag-bdc-rifle-scope","tag-bdc-scope-for-308","tag-best-12x-binoculars","tag-best-all-around-deer-caliber","tag-impact-ballistics","tag-long-range-rifle-scope","tag-long-range-shooting","tag-rifle-scope","tag-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2177"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12762,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2177\/revisions\/12762"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}