Rangefinders and Ballistic Calculators for Long Range Shooting: Balancing Accuracy and Speed
By Drew Foster, Founder & CEO, AllTerra Arms
The Importance of Accurate Data in Long-Range Hunting
When it comes to making accurate shots at long range – and making them quickly – both your custom rifle and your data matter. You need a rifle capable of delivering precision shooting and consistency, with sub-MOA groups for 10-shot sequences and extreme muzzle velocity spreads under 30 FPS with a standard deviation below 20.
Your scope also needs to be up to the task, with enough adjustment range to dial your shots and a reticle that lets you hold the proper amount of wind. But even the best rifle and scope are only half the equation – you also need correct data to account for wind and elevation.
Understanding Ballistic Calculators for Long-Range Accuracy
How Ballistic Calculators Work
Ballistic calculators, also known as solvers, contain mathematical equations that attempt to solve for bullet drop and wind deflection. They provide the shooter with MOA (Minute of Angle) or Milliradian (Mil) adjustments to dial into their scope for a given distance and set of environmental conditions, along with the proper wind hold for a constant wind speed and direction.
Assumptions for Accurate Calculations
In theory, if the correct data is input, the solver’s calculations are accurate, and the shooter properly dials and holds for wind, the bullet should impact their point of aim at any distance and in any conditions.
Of course, this outcome assumes that the rifle, scope, and ammunition perform as specified above and that the shooter executes proper technique, which we will cover in a subsequent blog post.
Limitations of Standard Ballistic Coefficients in Long-Range Shooting
G1 and G7 Ballistic Coefficients: Pros and Cons
The catch is that most solvers oversimplify the complex reality of a bullet’s flight once exiting the barrel. They’re based on variables and constants, but they don’t always consider all the relevant variables. Instead, they compare all bullets to a standard – either the G1 or G7 ballistic coefficient.
Impact on Accuracy for Long-Range Hunters
This standard assigns a numeric value to how a given bullet’s aerodynamic performance compares to the standard. But these standards were developed decades ago and do not capture the full range of variables that affect bullet flight and wind deflection.
The G1 standard is especially limited for most modern bullets, as it’s based on the drag curve of a 19th-century artillery projectile, not a sleek, streamlined rifle bullet. While the G7 standard is a bit better, it still overlooks key variables like the bullet’s center of gravity, cross-sectional density, and shape. This one-size-fits-all approach to modeling bullet trajectories can impact the accuracy of a ballistic solver’s predictions, which is critical for hunters seeking long-range precision.
Advanced Solutions for Long-Range Hunters: The Hornady 4DOF
Advantages of the 4DOF Solver
In contrast, solvers like the Hornady 4DOF (4 Degrees of Freedom) take a more nuanced approach. They use individual bullet characteristics and observed flight paths to generate accurate drop and wind data. Unlike conventional BC solvers, which only adjust for a single variable, the 4DOF accounts for multiple variables, including each bullet’s cross-sectional density, shape, and center of gravity. This approach provides a more accurate prediction of the bullet’s flight path and wind deflection.
Real Bullet Data vs. Interpolated Data
The 4DOF solver relies on a library of bullets, each tested with Doppler radar to track its entire flight path. This means the solver isn’t using interpolated data; it’s based on actual recorded flight data for each bullet type, along with measured cross-sectional data, center of gravity, and bullet shape. Essentially, the 4DOF uses real bullet data to provide hunters with precise information, which is critical for long-range accuracy when every shot matters.
Speed vs. Accuracy: Choosing the Right Ballistic Solver
BC Solvers with Integrated Weather Meters
While the 4DOF provides highly accurate results, it may not always be the fastest option. In practical hunting applications, where animals are on the move or shots must be taken quickly, speed matters. If it takes 30 seconds to input variables and receive settings, the hunter may lose the shot.
Real-World Scenarios: When Speed Matters Most
In these situations, a BC solver with a built-in weather meter—like the Sig Kilo 8K or Zeiss Victory RF—may be more practical. These devices collect all the necessary constants and use them to generate a shooting solution in seconds, allowing the hunter to dial their scope quickly. While these may not match the accuracy of the 4DOF, they get the shooter close enough to hit the target with the necessary precision.
All-In-One Solutions for Faster Long-Range Adjustments
Some products, like the Kestrel ballistic weather meter, incorporate the 4DOF solver while also providing an efficient interface for capturing weather and range data. However, even with the Kestrel, the shooter must gather rangefinder data for horizontal distance, input that data into the 4DOF, and capture the wind speed and direction. This process takes time, and for hunters in high-speed situations, a fast BC-based solver with a weather meter may suffice for hitting the target accurately.
Choosing the Right Ballistic Solution for Your Long-Range Needs
In the end, the best ballistic solver depends on the long-range hunter’s priorities. If time allows and ultimate accuracy is essential, the Hornady 4DOF is an excellent choice. But when speed is critical, a BC-based solver with integrated weather measurement might be a better fit. By understanding the pros and cons of these ballistic calculators, hunters can make informed decisions to elevate their long-range shooting experience.
If you want to learn more about ballistics packages and long-range hunting, visit the long-range packages section on our site or give us a call. Let us help you redefine your range.