Online Ballistics Programs

Aimed shotgun, with depth of field image by cdbdi from Fotolia.comOnline ballistics programs assist you in calculating your shots.Online ballistics programs provide an opportunity for hobbyists and professional shooters to calculate their shots in certain conditions. Variables such as wind, bullets used, target range and atmospheric circumstances all influence the shot and how you should aim. Some sites focus on the bullets you use; others display all the information in graph form and some offer simulators to help you visualize the shot and your aim.NT InnovationsThis website offers an online ballistic program for the reloader or serious shooting sportsman who wants to know more about the ballistics of certain loads. The program enables you to compare weapons, targets, cartridges and atmospheric circumstances. You can compare up to eight loads at a time with this software, change existing loads to view the effects or create and save new loads. Each load also displays the model, rifle manufacturer, bullet manufacturer and model, bullet weight, powder type, powder weight and ballistics coefficient. You can use this program online on the site for free if you are a registered user (see Resource 1).BigGameInfo Ballistics CalculatorBigGameInfo Ballistics Calculator is an online calculator that allows you to input and calculate ballistic information such as diameter, ballistic coefficient, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, sectional density, zero range, range interval, max range, sight height, clicks, temperature, altitude and speed. An advanced calculator is also available for frequent users of this program who register with the site. This allows you to change default values of the calculator and save it for your personal use (see Resource 2).GunSim Ballistics SimulatorGunSim features an online shooting simulator that allows you to change wind, range, uphill or downhill and velocity variables before simulating your shot. The site also features ballistics table software, which allows you to print graphs and tables for your gun cartridge. You can print tables for both hot (thin) air or cold air (see Resource 2 and 3).NormaNorma is a commercial website that features a free online Java-based ballistics program for hunting and match bullets. You can access this program by clicking on the "Ballistics" link from the website's main menu. The program allows you to change wind force, wind direction and height of sight line through sliders. Select different bullet types to view a graph comparison of their effectiveness in the selected conditions (see Resource 4). References Big Game Info: Ballistics Software JMB Ballistics: Software Rbytes: Barnes Ballistics ResourcesBallistics NT InnovationsBiggame Info: Ballistics CalculatorBallistic TablesGunSim: Simulator InstructionsNorma