Ballistics Flashcards
Define Internal Ballistics
The interior workings of a weapon and the functioning of its ammunition.
Define External Ballistics
The flight of the bullet from the muzzle to the target.
Define Terminal Ballistics
What happens to the bullet after it hits the target.
Define Muzzle Velocity
The speed of the bullet as it leaves the rifle barrel, measured in feet per second. Varies due to a number of factors.
Define Line of Sight
Straight line from the eye through the aiming device to the point of aim.
Define Line of Departure
The line defined by the bore of the rifle or the path the bullet would take without gravity.
Trajectory
The path of the bullet as it travels to the target.
Midrange Trajectory/Maximum Ordinate
The highest point the bullet reaches on its path to the target.
Bullet Drop
How far the bullet drops from the line of departure to the point of impact.
Time of Flight
The amount of time it takes for the bullet to reach the target from the time the round exits the rifle.
Retained Velocity
The speed of the bullet when it reaches the target. Due to drag, the retained velocity will be less than the muzzle velocity.
Gravity
As soon as the bullet exits the muzzle, gravity begins to pull it down.
Drag
Drag is the slowing effect the atmosphere has on the bullet.
Leading
Engaging moving targets requires the shooter to place the cross hairs ahead of the target’s movement.
Speed of the Target
As a target moves faster, it will require a greater lead.
Angle of Movement
A target moving at a 45-degree angle covers less ground than a target moving at a 90-degree angle.
Range to the Target
The farther away a , the longer it takes for the bullet to reach it. Therefore, the lead must be increased as the distance to the target increases.
Wind Effects
The shooter must consider how the wind will affect the trajectory of the round. A wind blowing against the target’s direction of movement requires less of a lead than a wind blowing in the same direction as the target’s movement.
Tracking
Establish an aiming point ahead of the target’s movement and maintain it as the weapon is fired.
Trapping/Ambushing
Establish an aiming point ahead of the target and pull the trigger when the target reaches it.
Tracking and Holding
Used to engage erratically moving targets. The shooter keeps their cross hairs centered and adjusts his position with the target. When the target stops, the shooter perfects his hold and fires.
Snap Shot
Used to engage briefly presented targets. Aim in the vicinity of the target’s expected appearance and fire a shot at the moment of exposure.
