September 21st, 2013

Lapua Releases Doppler Radar Data for Lapua Scenar-L Bullets

Lapua has done extensive field testing of its bullets, using sophisticated Doppler radar equipment. Employing radar, Lapua has logged actual observed trajectories with a variety of bullet and cartridge types. And Lapua has just released updated radar data for Scenar-L bullets used with 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5×55 Swede, and .308 Winchester chamberings. You’ll find this new data incorporated into Lapua’s product description tables for these three cartridge types.

Lapua doppler radar dataYou will also find both G1 and G7 BCs for the new line of Scenar-L Bullets in Lapua’s updated Components Table. Ballistic coefficients are based on Doppler radar data and calculated by Quick Target Unlimited Lapua Edition.

To find the BC for a particular bullet, go to the Components Table, select the caliber (on the left) and then look for the G1 or G7 value on the right for particular bullets. For example, the BCs for the new 136gr 6.5mm Scenar-L are 0.545 (G1) and 0.274 (G7).

If you are looking for the most precise trajectory predictions, nothing beats real-world testing like this. Bullet BCs can be calculated, “on paper”, from bullet size, weight, and shape. However, in the ‘real world’ the actual aerodynamic drag forces acting on the bullet change with velocity and other variables. Therefore, a bullet’s BC is NOT actually constant at every point in its flight path. Doppler radar allows Lapua to observe the actual drop of bullets at multiple points along their trajectory.

How much more precise are Doppler-radar-based trajectory predictions than typical drop charts based on modeled BCs? Consider this… when you plug the radar-based numbers for a .338 Lapua Magnum into Lapua’s ballistics software, the error in elevation is less than 2.5 cm (1″) at 1,500 meters. By contrast, the error based on a traditional G1 BC model could be over 1 meter (i.e. more than 40 inches).

Lapua doppler radar data

Free Lapua Ballistics Software for Android OS Devices
If you want to use Lapua’s Doppler Radar data for your own ballistics calculations — there’s a App for that. Lapua’s Quick Target Unlimited (QTU) software for Android OS can be downloaded for free from the Android Market. Predicted trajectories for this software are based on precise Doppler radar ballistic measurements of Lapua bullets, making this program much more accurate than other ballistic programs for mobile phones. Note, however, the Doppler Radar data is offered ONLY for Lapua-made bullets. This App does NOT include radar data for Berger, Sierra or other brands of bullets.

Lapua doppler radar data

Product tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.

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