Quick Answer
Elevation impacts bullet trajectory by approximately 3-4 feet per 100 yards of altitude change, with the direction of the impact depending on whether the shot is taken uphill or downhill.
Understanding Elevation and Bullet Trajectory
When a shot is taken uphill, the bullet must travel through denser air, which results in a greater drag force. This increased drag slows the bullet down, causing it to drop more than expected. As a result, the bullet will hit higher than predicted, potentially leading to a “high” shot.
Calculating Elevation Impact
To calculate the impact of elevation on bullet trajectory, you can use the following formula: Impact (in inches) = (Elevation change in feet) x (1.2 - 1.4). For example, if you’re shooting uphill 200 feet, the impact would be approximately (200 x 1.3) = 260 inches or 21.67 feet.
Downhill Shots and Elevation Impact
When a shot is taken downhill, the bullet travels through thinner air, resulting in less drag force and a flatter trajectory. However, the reduced air resistance also means that the bullet will not slow down as quickly, potentially leading to a longer range than expected. To account for this, hunters and shooters often use a “downhill correction” factor, which can range from 1-3 inches per 100 yards, depending on the specific rifle and ammunition being used.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.