Can temperature changes affect my ballistic app’s accuracy?

Temperature and Ballistics

Temperature changes can impact the speed of the bullet as it travels through the air, which in turn affects its trajectory and accuracy. This phenomenon is known as temperature-induced wind drift. For every 10°F (5.6°C) change in temperature, the speed of a bullet can vary by about 1-2% due to changes in air pressure and density.

Effects on Muzzle Velocity and Trajectory

Muzzle velocity is affected by temperature, and at higher temperatures, the bullet exits the barrel with a higher velocity. Conversely, at lower temperatures, the bullet exits with a lower velocity. This variation in muzzle velocity affects the trajectory of the bullet, causing it to deviate from its intended path. For example, a 308 Winchester bullet that is traveling at 2,700 feet per second (fps) at 60°F (15.5°C) might be traveling at 2,750 fps at 75°F (23.9°C), resulting in a slightly higher trajectory.

Compensation Techniques

To compensate for temperature-induced changes in trajectory, hunters and shooters can use various techniques, including adjusting their ballistic app’s calculations to account for temperature changes. This may involve inputting the actual temperature at the time of shooting, rather than relying on a standardized value. Additionally, using a temperature-compensated scope or optic can help to account for these changes. By understanding and accounting for temperature-induced changes in muzzle velocity and trajectory, shooters can achieve greater accuracy and consistency when sighting in with a rifle.