Long Range Shooting Error — Why People Miss
Applied Ballistics has created a new series of YouTube videos about precision long range shooting. Featuring ace long-range shooter and professional ballistician Bryan Litz, these videos address various topics of interest to long-range marksmen. In this week’s video, the second in the series, Bryan Litz examines the most common causes of ballistics shooting errors at Long Range.
Watch Applied Ballistics Video about Common Mistakes in Long Range Shooting:
Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics often hears the question: “What are the main reasons people miss their target at long range?” To answer that question, in this video, Bryan explains the most important variables in Long Range shooting. Bryan says: “Probably the number one thing is range — you have to have a [precise] range to your target because your bullet is dropping, and to hit the target you need to correct for bullet drop.” Distance may be indicated on the target bay (or berm), but for open ranges you should ascertain distance-to-target with a quality laser rangefinder. Even when the distance to target is shown with a sign or marker, you may want to confirm the distance with your rangefinder. (You may be surprised — we’ve seen marked target distances at commercial ranges off by 25+ yards!) Bryan says: “Get a good laser range to the target and you’ll be within a couple yards”.
After distance to target, the most important variable is the wind. This is the most challenging factor because the wind is constantly changing. Bryan explains: “After 300 or 400 yards, the wind [will] move your shots off the target if you don’t correct for it. The best way to account for the wind is to measure it at your location with a Kestrel. The Kestrel can give you the speed and direction of the wind at your location, which can baseline your wind call for your long-range shot.” Bryan acknowledges that there will still be variables: “The wind isn’t always blowing the same downrange as at your location… and the wind is always changing”. Bryan notes that you need to account for variances in wind between the time you gauge the wind angle and velocity and the time you actually you take your shot.
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Tags: Applied Ballistics, Bryan Litz, Kestrel, Laser Rangefinder, Long-Range, Wind
I greatly appreciate everything that is Bryan Litz, however I have to really take issue with this video. Key issues to missing at Long Range, Range & Wind Est, really you don’t say, I had no clue, thanks for sharing those priceless words of wisdom! I am expecting some really deep, new, high end information, which only someone like Bryan could supply, and instead I get the most basic and simple information that ANYONE could have provided. Sorry but IMHO, if you aren’t going to do any better than that, don’t bother, because that information (actually better info) is already all over the place from many free resources.
LRShooter101,
You’re correct that the information in these videos is basic, introductory information. That’s actually the point. Applied Ballistics puts out high end information on long range shooting but we’re also interested in growing the shooting sports and general interest in long range shooting from beginners on up.
The critical nature of range and wind measurement may be second nature to experienced long range shooters, but there was a time when we had to learn it too. We all started somewhere and were all ‘green’ at one time. New shooters looking to learn about LR on the internet are likely to encounter more non-sense about obscure theories than actual good information. Some of these videos aim to help bridge the gap for those green horns with good BASIC information.
Believe it or not, my most common criticism is that the information put out by AB is TOO high end, catering only to the elite and ignoring the beginners. These videos contain topics which are intended to span the range from novice to expert. If this video wasn’t at your personal level, stay tuned, the next one might be more interesting.
Bryan, you must be one classy dude. Against the flood tide of ego above, I think I would have had trouble maintaining the level of composure you just did.
Just keep doing what you’re doing. It’s working, for those that will listen.
-Nate
I’ve always seen Bryan reply to post like that above the exact same way: cool as a cucumber.
I’ve always seen Bryan reply to post like that above the exact same way. Cool as a cucumber.
Bryan has it exactly right. This is good basic information. And like any good scientist, Bryan must establish a baseline for the information and proofs to be submitted after.
I used to think I was smart…until I met Bryan.
Bryan, I own and use everything that you have produced (books, DVDs, software). Your knowledge on Long Range Shooting is in my opinion second to none. That being the case, I have no idea why you are worried about making extremely basic videos for new shooters? That would be like Einstein doing a skit on physics for kids on Sesame Street. I could applaud your efforts for trying to expand the shooting sports and educate new shooters, but there are hundreds of other people who can do that. You on the other hand, are the only person who has the ability and knowledge to address the very advanced and detailed long range shooting topics/issues. PLEASE do what you and only you can do which is tackle the high end engineering / ballistics issues that are truly critical for successfully Long Range Shooting. No disrespect intended, just frustration that talent like yours is not being utilized to its fullest potential. Thanks!
I am an intermediate lr shooter and I am not to proud to say that I need a reminder on these subjects now and again….
Great list Bryan. Even the most experienced can get lazy from time to time and try to shortcut this list, which on a long range shot, is a big mistake.
long range shooting is not so simple and this knowledge is very useful for the beginners because the method of self-knowledge is very difficult to have this knowledge
I need a scope for such shooting, I can’t decide what will be best for static targets