A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Air Rifle Projectile Trajectory AKA External Ballistics Level 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- Did you know that shooting an air rifle “zeroed” at 25 yards at a 1” target only 15 yards away might result in a clean miss? And did you know while it misses at 15, if that same 1” target had been placed at 45 yards you’d have smacked it right in the center? And if you knew that, do you know why?
Maybe you aren’t sure how to decide at what distance to zero your scope?
Or you don’t know what Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is?
Do you believe that pellets travel in an arc on the way to the target?
Maybe you’ve heard that .177 caliber is “flatter shooting” than .22 caliber* but really don’t know what that means...
We are here to help you understand what’s happening from the time the pellet leaves the end of the barrel (or moderator) until it hits the target. And knowing these things is essential to making decisions on how to set up your scope, so that you can get the most out of your set up, whether it’s for target shooting, hunting, trick shots or pest control.
If you want to be able to shoot, and hit what you are shooting at, then understanding the basics of what forces influence a pellet, or slug for that matter, in flight (often referred to as “exterior ballistics”) is critical. Not only is it critical, but if questions (and answers) posted online are any gauge, it is widely misunderstood.
In this video we address the “first level” of understanding, with the intent to dive deeper at a later time. While this is intended to cover basics, we expect some experienced shooters may be able to pick up a thing or two from it. Everyone starts somewhere on the road to knowledge, and it doesn’t hurt to pick up a little along the way!
This information is applicable to both pellets and slugs.
Special thanks to Shooter 1721, for allowing us to use still images from one of his videos. That video can be watched here:
• FX Maverick VP Edition...
*for sub-12 shooters, check out Alpha Militaria’s video on this topic at • .177 vs .22 Trajectory...
PJ , This is truly one of those videos I question how ANYONE could give a thumbs down ??!!! Great Job
Thanks Joe!
@@WiscAirGunners I agree with Joe thanks guys...
I am an engineer, and you explain this with more clarity (and practicality) than any physics professor I ever had. I've watched it a few times now...very, VERY well done!
Thank you very much for that compliment!
that is THE best video on the subject I've ever seen
Thank you very much.
Wow.....what an amazing job at explaining something so critical to good marksmanship. Well done Paul!!
Thank you Bob!
Best video on the topic
Wow! Thanks!
Great Video PJ ! Excellent graphics , and easy to understand explanation
Thank you Joe!
Thank you! Been shooting for 60 yrs and have never seen this topic presented so well.
clearest explanation of trajectory, BC and zero range. Will share this on the forum I use.
Thanks!
easy to understand explanation
Thanks John!
Gold standard- you have a natural ability to teach and explain concepts clearly. You would be doing the airgun world a tremendous service if you choose to make other educational videos such as this. Thanks for elevating our understanding and competence. I know a bunch of youngsters who have been discouraged and left the sport because they didn’t understand why they failed at hitting the targets- I suspect videos like this can help retain our youngsters longer and be advocates for it in adulthood.
Najib. Thank you so much for your kind words. The response to this one has been tremendous, so we will be doing more.
This was one of the most helpful videos on this topic that I have come across. I was finally able to fill in some missing pieces of the trajectory puzzle. Your more slow and deliberate delivery worked great for me. And surprisingly, you did not need any vulgarity to accomplish your purposes. Some folks think they do. That works for me too. Great. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad it helped!
I'm 55 years old and learning about trajectory and coefficients. I just set my sights and go. Just hunting. Last year I purchased a 25 cal and have been taking ptarmigan in my back yard. Now I'm starting to have fun going out with skis and hunting small game. I'm retired from the Fire EMS service and it got me going out. Now I'm considering stalking ducks.
Just the facts Sir… You have done exactly what you set out to do. Just enough physics to validate your simple explanation. Perfect balance.
Thank you!
Like the geese in the background… Great info brother!
Thank you!
Finally, an honest to God explanation...well done...none of the usual exhibitionism (barring the squawking geese).Very useful.
Thanks!
This is brilliant Pj, even i can understand it, lol, well presented and well thought out out my friend, Awesome Thanks for sharing with us, stay safe All the best to you and your family, Cheers
Thank you Casper!
good info- i like the milldots for different distance shooting,not the constant turning of the turrets
Good to have options.
Excellent job in breaking all that Info, Down.
I’m still Relatively New when it comes to PCP’S, and You just Took Me To School 👌🏽
Now I’m Tuned In To Your Station (subscribed)
Excellent Video
All the way from Apopka Florida
Welcome aboard!
Great explanation and graphic support. This is something my buddies and I talk about frequently to stay on point. Thumbs up bro
Thanks!
Nice job love how the jet flew out of you head at 0:37. Great data one of the best 101 videos ever.
Thank you very much.
I always thought the pellet goes up like a football... a navy seal sniper described it that way but never knew the barrel was tilted/// thanks brotha
Seems like there is always something to learn. There isn't enough rotation on a pellet to create the high-low pressure areas that some of those super fast bullets get lift from.
Like you I’ve been shooting air rifles since childhood. It wasn’t until my late teens that I started studying the effects of bullet weight on trajectory. With a 12 FT/LB rifle I could only shoot out to 50M (55 yards) and be sure of a clean kill. I haven’t bought a new rifle since 2006 but I am quite taken with FX Impact. Now, I live in Switzerland, where hunting with an air rifle is illegal but there are no limits with regards to energy levels. An FX Impact in 25 Calibre running at 65 FT/LBs shooting slugs would be a dream. Thanks for the videos
Thanks for watching. I think you'll enjoy the .25 if you can get it! I was in Utah shooting prairie dogs with an Impact shooting slugs in .25 cal, and hit a prairie dog at 275 yards.
You make a great teacher 👍
Thanks!
Dude this is an awesome explanation! I love the trajectory target! Brilliant way to show trajectory!
Thanks!
Thank you for a great video. I appreciate your clear and paced speaking style.
I appreciate you saying something.
Thank you for a well-spoken and illustrated lecture
Thanks Scott!
🎯 Very good information and understanding on air gun trajectory 🎯
Thank you Phillip!
Very cool my man, I wish I had someone to break things down like that for me when I first started out.
Me too! That's where a lot of the video ideas come from.
Great video PJ !
If you went to a place where the ground is level for miles . Levelled your barrel . At the same time shot and dropped a pellet of same weight , which one will hit the ground first ?
Both hit the ground at same time one at your feet and one a distance from you . But at same time . The faster the projectile the farther away it will be , but both hit the ground at same time . The things we forget about from junior high school ...
There’s an episode of Mythbusters where they did that experiment. Pretty cool when science works.
Myth Busters had a pretty cool episode on the same subject years ago. Pretty cool to watch it actually happen.
Science is like math , you can't change the laws . Like the speed of light is the maximum speed .
So if you were traveling at speed of light and turned on a light , how far would the light shine ?....or would it ....lol
Thanks, PJ, an aside: The two zero principle is how snipers are able to shoot through a small hole in a wall or other concealment at fairly close range in order to hit their actual target at much longer range while remaining completely concealed (but you already knew that). I love the migrating geese in the background, a sound I miss along with bugling elk and squawking seagulls, since moving to Costa Rica. Thanks, man.
Good point!
This was an excellent explanation of trajectory. I look forward to seeing the video you do on wind effects. I'll be thanking my grandson for alerting me to your channel. He often uses my computer to watch you videos.
Fantastic.Glad it helped.
Is he a farmer or a teacher? Wait, you're both right! The single best explanation of trajectory I've seen. Kudos and many thanks. (Subbed)
Thanks!
Thank you for this most interesting video! Learned alot! Very much appreciated!
Thank you Ronald.
I always appreciate the information you provided! I love learning more and more about the airgun world!!!!
Glad to help out!
Thank you SOO MUCH for taking the effort in shooting this video.. It helped me greatly to understand the trajectory. 💪🏻🚀
I’m glad it helped!
Love this kind of content. great video!
Glad you liked it!
Dude, first of all Sconnie rocks, hello from down the road.
Second. Rock on! I stumbled on on your video while researching a pcp. You are correct. The B.C. is a variable, even in metallic cartridge development the published BC is just a starting point you need to verify under different conditions.
Awesome, hope your research is going well.!
Great stuff PJ. thanks for taking the time to put it together
You are welcome John!
awesome overview. outstanding
Thank you!
Great info buddy!!!
Thanks Doug.
You explained everything perfectly so even I got it thank you brother preciate that stay safe
Thank you.
Great video on a not so easy to comprehend topic for us air gunners, Thanks PJ! How about one on reading wind next? ;)
I think the next installment will be to discuss wind. Have to start working out the graphics, but have some real work projects to knock out first.
Excellent video
Thanks Greg!
Excellent job of explaining. Keep up the videos
Thank you!
Great shooting!
Thanks!
PJ, I've just discovered you channel and mate, I could listen to you talk all day. Great video. I'm just starting out, picking up my first airgun in a coupl of weeks - Impact M3 and I'm learning tons from you. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback! The M3 is a great platform. Let me know if you have questions.
@@WiscAirGunners I certainly will, and I appreciate you replying. Thanks
Nicely done PJ
Thank you!
Excellent job, a big help. Thanks
Thanks Don!
Thank you very much, I learned much,, Explained very well,,,,
I’m glad to help out.
Very good information...
Thank you.
That video was awesome. I’ve been shooting air rifles mostly Springers since I was 10 years old, I’m 63 now. I recently bought my first PCP, of course it’s a air Venturi avenger 25 caliber . I can’t believe that I’ve been shooting Springers for this long and have not bought a PCP sooner. I am having the time of my life with it. I can’t wait for some good weather to do some tuning and to stretch it out. I see you’re from Wisconsin, I live in the Green Bay area. Good weather can be tough to come by in these parts. I hope to see more of your videos soon!
Today was beautiful and I'm excited for more!
Very helpful and easy to understand PJ. Cheers.
Glad it's been helpful.
PJ. Slugs need a high twist rate on a barrel. This is important to mention because if a slug needs spin, high BC and speed then the barrel has to have the appropriate twist rate. 😉
Right, though high is a subjective word in this discussion. If it isn't high enough you won't get the gyroscopic stabilization and you have a piece of tumbling lead flying downrange.
@@WiscAirGunners Exactly. I like shooting my Maverick .30 but when I want pin point accuracy even at say 80+ yards out and slugs are a necessity I got pull out the Uragan .30. That CZ barrel is....amazing.
Very informative video!
Thanks!
Cool, another great video.
Thank you!
Superb!
@@usernamemykel glad you liked it.
Great job PJ, it gets really interesting in .25 at sub 12 in the uk with Kings @ 460FPS, we are not limited by caliber, I am even using .30 340FPS with superb results at
That’s awesome. I’d have to calculate the retained velocity on that...if you are hunting I’d love to know what kind of penetration you are seeing!
the smaller caliber will have the better penatration ,with the same 12 ftlbs, those big pellets will give a big punch ,but you will see that at some time they will not reach the internal organes.
Great video, look forward to LEVEL 2 and beyond........ ?
Working on it soon.
Great video and great info
Thank you PJ
Thank you Nick!
Very well explained.
Thank you!
Excellent!
Many thanks!
Great video, man.
Thanks!
Great video.
Thank you Scott!
Thanks Man , great job. This helps me so much.
Glad it helped!
Darling ! Eccellente, Grazie Mille !
Thanks!
Thanks for the info it really helps Thanks for sharing 👍 bsafe
Thank you Chris.
Thank you PJ ! Great video
Looking fwd to part 2 if you do one. On wind or related info.
? Where is the BC calculator/info on Pyramydair? I'll have to try and find that, didn't know it existed.
Go Packers 🏉🏆
Here you go.
www.pyramydair.com/widgets/
Thank you, very helpful ....
Thanks Wayne!
Bravo!
Thanks!
thanks
Thanks Todd!
Great job Pj.....👍 For a few different moments I did feel like the Element Jesus was standing over me! The heavens were behind you!! I was confessing my ballistic sins of my Airgunning past in hope that you would bless me with your grace and mercy!! FORGIVE ME Element Jesus for not using my Strelok Pro as much as I should be!! 🔥I REPENT!!🔥....... 😂🤓😂
Love the content Pj!!.....Let's keep going with this! Meaning I'm game for following & discussing! The milk and the meat!! I love it all! 🤓
You’re forgiven!
@@WiscAirGunners Hahahahaha! I had a feeling you would! Haha!!👊
Excellent video PJ. Is the part of a series or a standalone? Can’t see to find a followup.
I have some ideas on some other topics, but this one was meant to stand alone.
Great video and very informative! Thank you for putting in the time and sharing you knowledge on this subject. Could you please give the name of the software you use?
Thank you for the video PJ, I was just doing further research into the BC of the Hades pellet just yesterday. It seems our beloved 15.89 grain Hades sheds speed much faster than it's15.89 domed counterpart (the Hades has a much lower BC). My assumption was that the two similar pellets had the same BC (incorrect) thus it caused misses in the field and left me puzzled.
In regards to the BC being dependent on velocity (fps). Why don't pellet/slug manufactures show the BC for the pellet at multiple speeds? I would think a chart with the projectile from 500 to 1000 FPS with a row for each 50 FPS showing the different BC for each speed. That way, if my gun shoots the pellet at 850 FPS I could easily put the data into software. If your gun shoots it at 550 FPS then you would use that different BC based on the speed from your gun. I wouldn't have to shoot the pellet over my chronograph at the muzzle and then at 20 yards (or whatever distance) to calculate the BC myself. Am I missing something (would twist rate or barrel type greatly change the BC between guns after it leaves the muzzle at a specific speed), why isn't BC for airgun projectiles provided this way (in speed increments)?
Thank you for your time, it is much appreciated.
That chart would get pretty messy. They’d have to list starting speed, then distance to target. For example, pellet A fired at xxx speed will have an average BC out to 30 yards. It would be different at 40, 50, etc.
There is some evidence that different rifles will generate different BC’s because some rifles rifling scars the pellet more than others, which changes the aerodynamics.
As to the Hades, I think it’s the indents in the head that reduce the BC.
I see you are using Sterloc Pro Could you show the chart that has Foot Pounds of Energy at say 10 yard increments out to 100 yards.It would be interesting to see the chart for 177,22,25, and 30 and to see how far you can go before you get below 3FPE for squirrel shotting. Thanks for the time and effort I like to know the Y of things Tom
We could do something like that.
Can’t believe this was pretty much 1, 2 takes well done! Get yourself a camera stand can’t believe you had to film the whole thing standing like that, still a good vid for beginners👍🏽
Was somewhere without my regular gear and time to spend on the project. Hope I didn’t induce motion sickness.
🔥
Thank you sir. Have you seen the Alpha Militaria video on .177 vs .22 cal drop? He did a nice one that helped me understand pellet drop.
@@WiscAirGunners don’t think I have
Man what did we do before software and those clicky scopes. We are spoiled. We had to get out there and shoot and do quazi-math in our heads. I think the term is point blank which is reslly misused due to Hollywood. You basically want to find out the area of the parabola (which apparently doesnt exist) that is flatest. Like if I zero for 45 yards, between 35 and 50 yards my shots will all be in the kill zone (kill zone being a big variable here but probably a constant if a deer gun). The shots may be 2 inches high or low. If you practice at other yardage then you are covering a lot of range. Yeah for air guns it needs a lot more development but I'm not shooting cans at 300 yards (or even pesting at 100). You guys do a good job at that. My chairgun calculator has failed me so you have to or should go out and shoot to make sure. However, I am known as not being the smartest tool in the deck.
Chairgun is a good tool, but it has some limitations, namely proofing BC. I try to run real world trials at the point a rifle is "set" where I validate trajectory in 5-10 yard increments out to 100 yards. Once that is done and all the data is validated, I'll trust Strelock to give me solutions at longer distances.
Good primer. Even for a Cheesehead! 😝
🤣😂🤣
i thought b c ment beer consumption
Good one!
What software do u reccomend to create a ballistic bullet drop ? Pr what calculator software is good
Strelock Pro.
I like what you did on the paper to prove out Strelok. My curiousity now has me wondering about approach angle of the projectile. Especially seeing guys shooting 3,4,500+ yards these days at ballons and eggs and such. I hope to find a video on this topic somewhere. It also relates to velocity \ energy on target as well. Thats pretty easy to find out with strelok and the like, but Im not sure I have have ever seen approach angle in software. Anyone know any?
I don’t know how you’d calculate it, but I’m sure it can be done. I was shooting between 2-300 yards on prairie dogs in Utah and you have to get the range just right because holding too high dropped the slug behind them and holding too low didn’t hit it low, it landed in front of them.
Thank you for the video, It was very good. If i may ask, .22 at 755lbs and shoot at 10 feet to
25 yards, What distance would you zero the scope?
Probably at 25 and work the trajectory backwards.
What exactly is it to make some air rifles great slug guns and other ones only want pellets
That's a good question. There are a couple of factors that wrap up into the reasons, plural.
Most air guns are produced specifically for pellets. Because of the physical layout of a pellet there are minimal points of contact between the lead and the surface of the barrel. This means that there is relatively little friction which allows a less powerful airgun to get that pellet up to speed. The slug has more bearing surface and therefore will take more to get it to a stable speed.
Related to that is the twist rate of most pellet barrels. Most airguns do not have aggressively twisted barrels, because it isn't necessary when shooting pellets. The heavier the slug, the more aggressive the twist rate needs to be in order to spin stabilize it.
The third factor has to do with a choke, or a narrowing of the barrel near the muzzle. Many pellet rifles have choked barrels, which can help the Airgun shoot pellets more accurately. Because of the less forgiving nature of the size and shape of the slug, it doesn't do very well with it goes through that choke. There are some exceptions to this, but if I was looking at airguns that I thought were likely to be good with slugs, I would be looking for an unchoked barrel.
@@WiscAirGunners that makes a lot of sense. There's so much more that goes into this than you would assume. My AEA challenger is more of a slug gun and Gauntlet is more pellet friendly.
I appreciate the advice man🙏
@@jumpkickman1993 any time.
Have you used the ATN X-Sight with the ABL. if so, does it work well?
I have not. The biggest issue I have heard of is that the ABL setup doesn't map pellet trajectories as well as other systems.
I like your measured, easy-to-follow explanations. I like your illustrations which are clear and well-made. I do not like your decision to video yourself as you do with sun glare and intensity making you squint.
Since your explanations, your speaking, is not dependent upon where you are when speaking, why not use a softer, more controlled environment? Video yourself, for example, sitting comfortably, perhaps indoors. You'd get better audio as well as better video.
The way you are doing your videos of yourself is not serving you well.
Note: I am a new viewer so I have not seen any of your more recent programs. Perhaps you have already made some of the changes I mention?
Thanks for the way you delivered your feedback. In this case I had an opportunity in terms of time, but not an ideal location. It was a do or do not choice, and I chose to do it despite not having a perfect location.
I'd like to think that the channel keeps improving, both in terms of location and equipment. I guess you can let me know when you watch newer videos.
The channel doesn't generate very much revenue and most of what I've made has gone back into gear or one kind or another. I do everything solo...from idea to filming to editing...so that's a factor as well.
I appreciate you watching and taking the time to offer your opinions. Shoot safe.
Will a 13,40 gr .22 pellet at around 700 fps gave the same trejectory as a .177 pellet? Is there even any way to get a .22 to have a flat trajectory ?
Yes or No. It depends on how you were asking the question. The slower the projectile the I more gravity has an opportunity to pull it down. Two projectiles going at the same speed will be pulled down at the same rate. The one with the lower ballistic coefficient will do you celebrate faster, so by the time it gets to the target it will be going slower than the other one and it will hit lower because gravity has had more time to work on it.
A lot of the time when we're comparing .177's and .22's the comparison winds up centering around one manufacturer is gone that has two models, each with its own caliber. In this case the .177 version tends to have a listed higher maximum velocity. That's usually because it's able to propel the lighter pellet faster than it's .22 caliber counterpart. In this case the .177 will seem to have a flatter trajectory but that's almost entirely based on speed not something magical about that pellet.
@@WiscAirGunners So a .177 will fly flatter than a .22 even if the .177 pellet has the same weight and velocity as a .22 pellet?
@@williamthegunnut3839 In that case it will depend on the ballistic coefficient of each pellet. The one with the higher BC will fly "flatter." Just keep in mind that you have described a pretty rare set of circumstances.
@@WiscAirGunners ok i think I understand. Thanks for the help 👍
Why is the camera in a box?
So it's strange in the UK that my air rifle shoots around 34 ft/lbs in .22, or .25 shoots at 46 ft/lbs, .30 around 70 ft/lbs 🤣
Same rifle in different caliber configurations or three different rifles?
the first computer was made for trojectory and bust the german codes
Good to know.
11:08 haha realtime
😊🤝👍🏻
Thanks!
I’m sticking tape on my gear tomorow. Goodnight. P.s platinum GBA is 200fps faster and 35x distance than all GR pellets and slugs. Spent thousands doing this. The label tells the complete truth. And they are non toxic around water and to nature. which is massive
The future of lead is uncertain in lots of areas, I hope the industry takes the development of new materials seriously.
You mentioned Strelok. That ballistics software is no longer available and was pulled by our government because of its association with Russia and their action in Ukraine. Do have another alternative?
Fortunately for people who have already downloaded it it still works, but without updates.
I’ve played with the Sig BDX, Element Optics, Ballistic AE and Hornady. Honestly, none are as good. Applied Ballistics has a paid version. It doesn’t get great reviews, but it might be the best. I think it gets dinged for being complicated.
That’s why it’s called TEDs holdover
Exactly!
Coriolis effect is a myth. Applies to 2 mile snipers? But not an f16? At 1500mph? Unreal. Shits a joke. The earth is not moving.
The bigger question is how it effects landing gliders on top of tall buildings.
@@WiscAirGunners bahahahahahhahahaj exactly. It don't wind and bullet drop. That's it👍👍
Dude, i don't want to look up your nose!
A smaller screen is recommended.