Practical D.O.P.E. Video Offers Tips on Ballistics Data
In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, explains how to gather and organize D.O.P.E. (Data On Previous Engagements) and how to organize this information to make it readily available in the field. As the term is used by Cleckner, D.O.P.E. includes observed bullet drop information at various distances, as well as the effects of wind, temperature changes, humidity and other environmental variables.
If you know your muzzle velocity, and bullet BC, a modern Ballistics App should be able to calculate bullet drop with great precision at distances from 100-1000 yards — often within a couple 1/4-MOA clicks. However, because a bullet’s BC is actually dynamic (changing with speed), and because ballistics solvers can’t perfectly account for all variables, it’s useful to collect actual, verified bullet drop data.
It’s smart to start with ballistics data from a solver app, but, as Cleckner explains: “Odds are, you’re going to have to fine-tune that data to your gun and your system. Every scope and every rifle and every bullet [type] act differently. Your scope may not track the same from rifle to rifle, so it’s important you get the data that’s unique to you.” Cleckner also explains that the ballistic data supplied with some factory ammo may only give you a crude approximation of how that ammo will actually shoot through your gun.
Keeping Your Drop Data with the Rifle
Cleckner also offers some good advice on how to record D.O.P.E. on simple index cards, and how to keep your ballistics data with your rifle. This can be done with a laminated drop chart or data transferred to a scope cover (photo right). CLICK HERE, to learn more about creating handy field data cards.
At the 4:15 mark on the video, Cleckner shows a calibrated tape he has fitted around the turret of his riflescope. The tape shows distance numbers (e.g. “4” for 400 yards, “5” for 500 yards etc.) that correspond with the number of clicks (rotation) required to be zeroed at that particular distance. With that system, you simply “dial your distance” and your point of impact should equal your point of aim. It takes some skill (and the right software) to create these tapes, but the concept is great.
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Tags: ballistics, Bullet Drop, Drop Chart, NSSF, Ryan Cleckner
I’m cheap and I like to keep things simple with large print for when I get in a hurry. What works for me is a 7-8″ strip of blue paper masking tape with indelible black magic marker. I attach the tape to the stock under the scope. This is utterly cheap and easy to read, replace or edit.
Add your bullet, date and MV in small print so you remember where it came from.
I dope each 100 yards to a 1000 and interpolate intermediate ranges.
I figure my wind correction at 2mph, which I’ve found is about 1 MOA at 600 yards for most .308 Win similar cartridges. I used to use 10mph but using 2mph keeps it in my mind how significant a little wind is. It also seems to be a little easier in a pinch (for me) to add up additional 2mph increments than it is to divide down winds less than 10mph.