Practical Long Range Calculator
Professional ballistics tools for hunting and precision shooting
Common Hunting Scenarios
Click any scenario to see the ballistics calculations and learn what adjustments are needed
Professional Ballistics Calculators
Hunting MOA Calculator
"Your deer is at 450m across the valley. You know your .308 drops 52 inches at this distance..."
A typical .308 Winchester with 168gr bullet at 450 meters requires significant elevation adjustment.
Wind Drift Calculator
"There's a steady 15 mph crosswind and your shot is 300 yards. How much will the bullet drift?"
Wind is the #1 cause of missed shots beyond 200 yards. Even moderate wind significantly affects bullet path.
Scope Click Converter
"Your scope is in MOA but the ballistic app shows MRAD. Quick conversion for field use..."
Most hunting scopes use MOA (1/4 MOA clicks). Tactical scopes often use MRAD (0.1 MRAD clicks).
Ki__ Zone Calculator
"How big does a deer's vital zone appear in your scope at 400 yards? Is your group tight enough?"
Deer vitals ≈ 8 MOA, Elk ≈ 12 MOAYour rifle's accuracy must be smaller than the animal's vital zone for ethical shots.
Practical Long-Range Hunting Ballistics
Most hunting shots occur between 100-400 yards, where bullet drop and wind drift become critical factors. A .308 Winchester drops over 50 inches at 450 meters, requiring significant scope adjustment. Understanding these calculations transforms good hunters into precision marksmen.
Essential Scope Adjustments for Field Use
Your rifle scope is your most important tool for long-range accuracy. MOA adjustments allow precise bullet placement at extended ranges. Most hunting scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA clicks, meaning 4 clicks equals 1 inch of adjustment at 100 yards. Learn your scope's adjustment values.
Wind Reading for Hunters
Wind compensation separates successful long-range hunters from the rest. A 15 mph crosswind moves a bullet 9+ inches at 300 yards. Study vegetation movement, mirage patterns, and your shooting environment. Practice wind calls at various distances and conditions.
Ethical Hunting Range Determination
Determine your maximum effective range by comparing your rifle's accuracy to the animal's vital zone size. Deer vitals span approximately 8 inches, while elk vitals are about 12 inches. Your rifle must consistently group smaller than these measurements at your intended shooting distance for ethical, clean kills.
