Wind is always a major factor that can affect the accuracy of a bullet when shooting center fire rifles. Certainly, the air currents can torment you in the field. When a bullet is fired, it is subject to the force of the wind, which can cause it to drift off course. This is especially true for long-range shots. Selecting bullets for optimum performance in wind drift conditions:
- Choosing an Ultra Low-Drag (ULD) bullet design with a High B.C. is the best solution in wind.
- Pick a bullet in the heaviest weight possible for your rifle to manage windy conditions.
Selecting Bullets to Manage Wind Drift
There are several factors that can affect the amount of wind drift that a bullet experiences. These include the bullet’s weight, shape, and velocity. Heavier bullets are less affected by wind than lighter bullets. Bullets with a more aerodynamic shape are also less affected by wind than bullets with a blunter shape. When choosing bullets for windy conditions, it is important to consider all these factors.
In addition to a bullet’s weight, shape, and velocity, there are a other conditions that can affect wind drift. These include the temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. It is important to consider all these points when choosing bullets for windy conditions.
Tips for Shooting in the Wind
If you are shooting in windy conditions, there are a few suggestions that you can do to minimize the effects of wind drift. These include:
- Use a heavier bullet: Heavier bullets in your caliber are less affected by wind than lighter bullets.
- Use a bullet with a streamlined shape: Bullets with a streamlined shape, such as an Alco, are less affected by wind than bullets than those with a blunt design.
- Use a good wind meter: A wind meter will allow you to measure the wind speed and direction, which will help you to adjust your aim accordingly.
- Shoot at a closer range – The closer you are to your target, the less the wind will affect your shot.
- Utilize a rangefinder to help you find objects to identify wind direction down range that will affect your shot.
- Utilize a ballistic calculator which will allow you to enter the wind speed and direction, as well as the distance to your target, and it will calculate the correct aiming point for your shot.
- A bipod will help you stabilize your rifle, which will help you to make more accurate shots.
- Practice shooting in windy conditions – The more you practice, the better you will become at compensating for wind drift.
By following these tips, you can minimize the effects of wind drift and improve your accuracy when shooting in windy conditions. With a little practice and patience, you can learn to shoot accurately in windy conditions. Be patient: Don’t take a shot if you are not confident that you can make it.
ALCO Bullets Design Advantages for Wind Conditions
Alco Bullets provides custom made extreme long-range ultra-low drag (ULD) precision rifle bullets for long-distance shooters. The bullets are all engineered to have very high ballistic coefficients (BC) and to hold in wind conditions. Long-range shooters and hunting re-loaders appreciate the accuracy of these bullets. Our bullets feature custom metal tips which are precision CNC machined to be longer than other tips which move the center of gravity and enhance in-flight stability for the competitive long-distance shooter or hunter. The aerodynamic ballistic tip results in tighter groups and reduced drag.
The ALCO bullet advantage specifications includes a rebated boat tail design instead of the standard boat tail for about 15% gain in accuracy by reducing muzzle-blast-induced dispersion. Alco also includes a CNC machined needle point metal tip to increase the ballistic performance of the bullet that is not offered by other manufacturers. The ULD design, along with all these elements, ensures precision shooting for target shooters and sportsmen giving them an edge in the wind.
Be Safe and Shoot Well
Photo credit to Kevin Thomas, Lapua USA, Camp Perry, Ohio