Bullet Trajectory

      This laminated card shows the exact bullet trajectory for one of my rifles that is chambered for 300 Whisper.   Even though its 220 grain bullet drops almost 8 feet at 300 yards, this is a very accurate cartridge for long range shooting.   However, like any other caliber at extreme long range, you need to know the exact distance that you're shooting, and you need to know the exact trajectory of your particular rifle and cartridge.   When dealing with an arcing trajectory as severe as this one, you'll need much more than a good guess at judging distance.   A range finder is absolutely required.

      Some shooters aren't too concerned with bullet trajectory, because they always shoot at a specific distance.   Good examples are Benchrest and High Power competition shooters.   They always shoot at "known" distances, and they don't need be quite as concerned with sight settings, except for the particular distance that they always shoot, and when making slight corrections.

      However, bullet trajectory is a different matter for tactical shooters and long-range hunters.   They need to know how to adjust their sights at ANY distance.   Some shooters like to tape a trajectory chart (with sight adjustments) on their stock.   I've made a small laminated trajectory card for each of my rifles, and I keep them handy when hunting.   This information makes the "long shots" much easier.

    Don't guess by "holding over" your target.
Learn to adjust your sights for the long shots.

      I use a custom Leupold scope on one of my tactical rifles.   It has 6 extra aiming points that are accurately positioned at 50 yard increments.   This is a great system for rapid shooting at multiple targets at different distances.   It allows you to shoot while keeping your targets in view at all times.   However, when you have more time and you need to make an accurate long range shot, you will always do much better if you adjust your sights - instead of guessing the amount to "hold over".

      When extreme accuracy is required at long range, you need to understand the term Minute of Angle (MOA) to adjust your sights correctly.   Most rifle scopes (all of mine) have 1/4 MOA adjustments.   This means that each click on your scope will move the impact of your bullet by 1/4" at 100 yards.   If your scope has 1/4" clicks, you only need to remember this about MOA :

1.)   Four clicks will move your bullet impact one MOA at any distance.

2.)   One MOA equals:   1" at 100 yds,     2" at 200 yds,     3" at 300 yds,     4" at 400 yds

3.)   Make all elevation adjustments from your 100 yard zero setting.

4.)   Always return to your 100 yard zero setting (MZ) after the shot.