Ballistics: Trajectory and Key Concepts

Mid-Range Trajectory (MRT)

• It's the altitude the bullet reaches midway to the target.
• For a 1000-yard shot, the mid-range trajectory happens at 500 yards.

Maximum Ordinate

• This is the highest point the bullet attains along its path.
• Measurement is taken from the line of sight through the sights, not from the ground or bore line.
• The maximum ordinate will not occur before the Mid Range Trajectory (MRT).
• Maximum ordinate happens further than the MRT as range increases.

Falling Branch

• The part of the trajectory after max ordinate descends towards the target.
• It ends when the bullet hits the target or another medium.

Line of Bore (LOB)

• An imaginary line representing the angle (measured in Mils or MOAs).
• It indicates barrel elevation required to send the bullet to the target.

Line of Sight (LOS)

• A straight line from the shooter's eye through the optical or iron sight to the aiming point.
• Often confused with the line of bore.

Factors Affecting Long Range Trajectory

• Sight Height
• Zero Range
• Initial Velocity
• Aerodynamic Jump
• Acceleration due to gravity
• Actual Horizontal Range
• Wind Angle/Speed

Effects of Atmospheric Elements on Ballistics

• Temperature Correction
• Humidity Correction
• Altitude Correction

Fall Angle (Striking Angle)

• The degree of arc representing the bullet's trajectory at target impact.

Vertex or Culminating Point

• The highest point above the line of sight that a projectile achieves in its flight to the target.
• It happens slightly beyond the halfway distance the bullet travels.

First Catch

• The point where a projectile strikes the top of the target.

Point of Graze

• The point where the trajectory intersects the horizontal plane through the weapon.
• Sometimes referred to as the "ballistic point of graze."

Dangerous Space

• At a specific range, the distance between the first catch and the first graze points.
• It is influenced by various factors.

Understand the trajectory of a bullet in flight, including mid-range trajectory (MRT), maximum ordinate, and falling branch. Learn about the line of bore (LOB) and line of sight (LOS) and how they affect projectile motion. This knowledge enhances precision in shooting.