Need a top-notch Ballistics App for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod? Start with Ballistic AE, the number 1 (i.e. most installed) App for iOS systems. Ballistics AE (Advanced Edition) is the most popular iOS ballistics program for many good reasons. Full-featured and easy to use, Ballistics AE has been refined over many years, and it supplies rock-solid solutions derived from JBM Ballistics solver (created by James B. Millard). Unlike some other Apps, Ballistics AE is STABLE on iPhones (with various OS levels). What’s cool is that Ballistics AE is now on sale for $12.99.

We’ve used the Ballistic AE program on an iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPad, and it performed well. Here are some of the features we liked:

• 1. Mirrors output from online version of JBM Ballistics we often use for initial calculations.
• 2. Controls are simple to use and (mostly) intuitive.
• 3. Handy comparison feature lets you compare ballistics for different projectiles side by side.
• 4. Advanced Wind Kit allows you to account for complex wind situations.
• 5. Projectile and BC Database is very comprehensive.
• 6. Software is regularly updated to match Apple OS changes.

Ballistic-AE for iPhone, iPad, iPod, $14.99 (Sale) | Ballistic for iPad, $14.99 (Sale)

Comprehensive Projectile Info and BCs
Ballistics AE has very complete data libraries. The program includes 5,000 projectiles, factory loads, military loads, and performance data points from leading manufacturers, military testing, and performance testing.

Ballistic Coefficient libraries include the latest commercial BC data, plus Applied Ballistics’ (Bryan Litz) custom G7 BCs, plus G7 military coefficients from Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

These Videos Explain How to Set Up and Use Ballistic AE:

iPhone owners rejoice. The much-awaited iOS Ballistics App for the Kestrel LiNK Weather Meter is now available. Now you can sync your 5700 Series Kestrel wirelessly with your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. With Apple iOS devices being so popular among serious shooters, this is an important software release. Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics was proud to announce the new development: “Kestrel LiNK Ballistics is now available for iOS! It has been available for Android, and was also recently updated to fix some issues. Android users should be on version 1.67 by now. We say thank you to those who have been patiently waiting for the iOS version”. The software is a FREE download from the Apple App Store. For supporting info and Users’ Guides for both iOS and Android versions, visit the Applied Ballistics Resource Site.

CLICK HERE for FREE Kestrel LiNK Ballistics Application for iOS

This App is designed to work with the new 5700-series Kestrel Elite Weather Meter (5700AL) or Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter (5700SL) with LiNK, powered by Bluetooth Smart.

This free App provides the functionality of NSSF’s WhereToShoot.org website in a smartphone-friendly format. You’ll find listings of literally thousands of ranges and shooting clubs, in locations across the country. Listings are updated frequently with range information in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Click a button to find ranges near you or you can search by state, by zip code, or by keyword. You can also limit your search to specific types of facilities (such as indoor pistol ranges). The App provides specifics about each range, including shooting activities offered and contact information.

The Where2Shoot App also includes news, safety procedures, and firearms tips. New tips for hunters and shooters are also added regularly. Visit the App store to learn more about the Where2Shoot App or download it for free. You can also scan the QR code above with your device to download the free App.

Forum member Allan E. (aka “1066”) discovered that he could use the camera on his smartphone to display and magnify the image of a balance-beam tip. This works via a Magnifying Glass App you can download for free. Just turn on the smartphone, activate the Magnifying Glass App and zoom-in to suit your preference. Alan explains: “This saves those tired eyes. It’s much more accurate because there’s no parallax — the lens is directly in line with the pointer so we can see [the pointer] off the screen from any angle. It’s a much clearer view, and it costs nothing.”

You’ll need to fabricate some kind of stand or clamp for the phone. Allan created a smartphone mount with a bit of wire, rubber bands, and a bullet box. You can see the system working in the video below. (The video starts by showing a webcam + laptop balance-beam monitor system. The Smartphone system demo begins at the 1:30″ time-mark.)

Magnifying Glass Apps for iPhones and Android Phones
There are numerous ‘magnifying glass’ programs for Apple and Android smartphones that use the built-in camera. Most include a zoom function and auto-focus. You might try a couple different Apps and see which works best for you. Some perform better in low light, while others resolve better. All of the following have 4-star or better user ratings:

Magnifying Glass App, (iBeam), Apple iPhone/iPod, $0.99.

Magnifying Glass App, (David Perry), Android OS, Free.

Magnifying Glass App, (Perun Labs), Android OS, Free.

Magnify App, (Appd Lab), Android OS, Free.

Ultra-Magnifier +, (zapDroid), Android OS, include Flashlight Function, Free.

Save Chron Data to Your iPhone
One feature we really like is the Chronograph Mode. We often use a PVM-21. This is a great chronograph, but the PVM’s data recording software is complicated and buggy. So, we usually dispense with a laptop and record our chron data manually. With ShotMuse’s Chrono Mode, you can record your chrono results at the range, and then email the data to your main computer. Note — you must still manually input shot values into the App –ShotMuse3 does NOT automatically connect with the chrono.

ShotMuse 3 Functions and Features:

• Target Practice Mode – This handy feature lets you record shot placements and shot values during practice. As with a manual log-book, you can record wind value and direction for each string, along with temperature and other conditions. A variety of target types can be selected the ShotMuse Target Archive.
• Chronograph Mode – Input shot velocities from your chronograph when doing load development. Weather, distance and range can also be recorded with each string.
• Weapons Database – Keep track of your weapons including weapon data, shot count, strings shot, and any other notes or information you want to record.
• Ammo Database – Track the ammo you use — both store-bought and your own reloads. You can also store notes and photos.
• Timer Mode – The built-in shot timer can record your shot strings. Both individual shot times/intervals and total string time can be recorded. This is useful for action pistol shooters and 3-Gun competitors.

The iPhone version of Winchester’s Ballistics Calculator allows users to choose their type of ammunition and compare up to three different Winchester products with easy-to-read, high-tech ballistic charts and graphs. You can customize shooting conditions by entering wind speed and outside temperature, adjust zero marks for sighting in.

To get the free Winchester App, visit the Winchester Ballistics webpage, and click on the photo of an iPhone on the right side of the screen. You will need to have iTunes configured on your computer to download the Winchester App.

Recommended $9.99 ‘Ballistic’ App
While you’re at the iPhones store, you probably want to download the ‘Ballistic’ App by Jonathan Zdziarski. Powered by the JBM Ballistics engine, the $9.99 ‘Ballistic’ App is recommended by Bryan Litz, and it is one of the most sophisticated solvers available. A new $19.99 iPad version of ‘Ballistic’ has just been introduced.

• Kindle has a HUGE run-time advantage. An iPad can run about 10 hours before it needs recharging. Kindle can run for a MONTH between charges.
• Books and newspaper articles are easier to read on the Kindle’s low-glare, black-on-white “virtual paper” screen.
• The Kindle does NOT require an expensive data plan or web access contract. The Kindle has no connection fees, although you do pay a charge to download most recent book titles.
• The Kindle is lighter and more rugged than an iPad. The new Kindle weighs just 8.7 ounces — less than a paperback book.
• The Kindle has physical keys, and it is easier to flip pages on the Kindle without moving your supporting hands.

Two new Kindles, priced at $139.00 and $189.00 respectively, go on sale today, with delivery starting August 27, 2010. These new units are 15% lighter and 21% smaller than the current basic model, yet the screens offer higher resolution with easier-to-read text. The $139.00 Kindle is WiFi only, while the same-sized $189.00 version offers both WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity. Both the new compact Kindles offer a 6″ viewing screen. That is significantly smaller than the iPad screen, but the iPad starts at about $500, and you could easily pay $700 with memory upgrades. If you prefer a bigger screen, Amazon also offers a large-screen model, the Kindle DX, which costs $379.00.

Editor’s Note: Some readers may wonder what eReaders have to do with shooting. Well, there are thousands of outdoor, hunting, and shooting-related titles offered for Kindles. You can download an eBook for a fraction of the cost of buying the physical version. And the Kindle can hold up to 3,500 titles in a compact device that weighs less than a single paperback book.

In addition, KAC Bullet Flight 3.1.0 comes with a large database of bullet types (including weights, BCs etc.). You can also create your own custom ammo profiles (with velocity, BC, bullet type), allowing you to easily output ballistic plots for multiple firearms, without having to enter the rifle/bullet profile every time.

KAC Bullet Flight 3.1.0 is a very sophisticated program that rivals anything you can run on your home computer. A version of Bullet Flight is already in use with the U.S. Military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Apple iPod touch/iPhone platform was chosen because this is now the #1 hand-held computing platform in the world. (With the iPod Touch, you do NOT need a phone service contract.) Also the Apple operating system and “multi-touch” screen allows an extremely user-friendly, easy-to-operate interface. “Ruggedized” Otterbox carry cases are also available for both first- and second-generation I-pods.

Software Starts at Just $3.99
There are three versions of KAC Bullet Flight, all very affordable. The basic L1 version costs just $3.99. We recommend the L2 version ($11.99) which adds a full calculation screen, the ability to generate a range-card, cosine-angle calculation, and GPS functionality. Finally, the $29.99 Level ‘M’ (Military) version further adds the ability to calculate an actual BC based on bullet drop, two velocities, or flight time. With Level ‘M’ you can also correct for very subtle factors, such as the Coriolis Effects, which come into play at ultra-long ranges.

CLICK HERE for Taurus Shot Timer App Download | CLICK HERE for SureFire Shot Timer FAQ

With either the SureFire ShotTimer or Taurus Timer apps installed, your iPhone/iPod can function just like a dedicated shot timer (such as the PACT Club Timer III), but you no longer need a dedicated unit. All the key functions can be performed with your iPhone or iPod. The screen displays the elapsed time and the split time for every shot fired. You can review time between consecutive shots, shot count, and total firing time. A “start delay” option let you train alone, and you can use the Par Time mode to train “against the clock”.

Once the unit is adjusted, the built-in microphone on an iPhone or iPod should be able to track every shot without fail. Even indoors, anti-echo technology provides reliable shot detection. The software allows you to adjust microphone sensitivity to the unique sound “profile” of the shots. Just tap ‘Adjust Sensitivity’ on the display to raise the sensitivity in 10% increments until the Shot Timer consistently detects all your shots.

With either the SureFire or Taurus Timer Apps, you can hold your iPhone like a traditional shot timer or use the start delay mode with the iPhone placed on a shooting bench, or held in your shirt pocket. The Shot Timer will display both elapsed time and split time for every shot. You can store practice session results in your iPhone’s internal memory.