Visualize rifle bullet paths for precise, confident shooting. Customize ballistics, distances, wind, and target profiles. Download trajectory tables as convenient CSV and PDF files.
The following example uses a muzzle velocity of 800 m/s, firing angle of 2°, initial height of 1.5 m, gravity 9.81 m/s², no wind, and distances in meters.
| Distance (m) | Time of Flight (s) | Height (m) | Drop (m) | Wind Drift (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0.0000 | 1.5000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 |
| 100 | 0.1250 | 1.7130 | -0.2130 | 0.0000 |
| 200 | 0.2500 | 1.6270 | -0.1270 | 0.0000 |
| 300 | 0.3750 | 1.2410 | 0.2590 | 0.0000 |
These numbers are illustrative only. Real-world trajectories depend on air resistance, temperature, pressure, and bullet design.
This calculator models the bullet path as a projectile in a uniform gravitational field, ignoring aerodynamic drag and spin. The horizontal and vertical motions are treated separately.
Here, \( v_0 \) is muzzle velocity, \( \theta \) is the firing angle, \( h \) is the initial height above ground, and \( m \) is bullet mass in kilograms.
Your rifle barrel and optic do not point along the same line. The bullet starts below the sight line, climbs as it leaves the barrel, then eventually falls back through that line. This calculator focuses on the barrel line, using your entered height as the reference.
Muzzle velocity drives the whole trajectory. Faster rounds spend less time in the air, so gravity and wind have less opportunity to move them. Chronograph measurements give the most reliable numbers. Consistent ammunition helps the calculator predictions match your real-world group patterns at distance.
Many shots are not perfectly horizontal. Uphill and downhill angles change effective gravity along the path. Small hunting angles produce subtle shifts, while steep mountain shots can move impact noticeably. Entering a realistic angle helps the computed drop, timing, and velocity match field conditions more closely.
Initial height represents how far the muzzle sits above the ground or chosen reference plane. Larger values delay the moment when the trajectory intersects the ground. Using a realistic value creates more accurate drop numbers, particularly for low-lying targets or shooting from elevated positions over open terrain.
Wind drift is proportional to time of flight. Slow, heavy bullets moving long distances spend more time being pushed sideways. Even gentle crosswinds can move impact several inches or more. This tool highlights how reducing range, increasing speed, or waiting for calmer conditions shrinks lateral spread.
Kinetic energy estimates how much work the projectile can do on impact. While it never replaces judgment, energy trends help you recognise where your load stays effective. Watching energy drop with distance encourages selecting realistic maximum ranges for hunting, target steel, and reactive training silhouettes.
The MOA and MIL values provide a starting point for dialing or holding on your optic. Real rifles, scopes, and ammunition add extra variation. Always confirm suggested corrections on paper or steel, then record proven dope cards tailored to your rifle and typical environmental conditions.
No, the calculator uses a simple vacuum-style projectile model without drag. Real bullets slow down in flight, so actual drop and drift will usually be greater. Always verify data with live-fire testing before relying on it.
You choose one distance unit at a time, either meters or yards. Internally, all calculations convert to meters, but the displayed table, CSV, and PDF stay in your selected unit.
MOA and MIL values are geometric estimates based on ideal drop over distance. They ignore barrel harmonics, scope tracking errors, and drag. Use them as a starting point, then refine adjustments using real groups.
Enter the actual projectile weight, not the entire cartridge. The value only affects kinetic energy, not trajectory shape. If you are unsure, read the box or manufacturer’s data sheet for your ammunition.
Yes. Change the gravity field value to match the environment you are modelling. Distances, times, and angles will update accordingly, though the simple model still ignores atmosphere, drag, and rotation effects.
Negative height values mean the bullet has dropped below the ground reference level defined by your initial height input. In practice, this usually indicates the projectile has already hit terrain or passed the target.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.