Windage / Elevation Adjustments

[TMU]

Greetings. I have a question regarding long-range shooting, and I figured this would be the place to get the right answer. First of all, I'm not military or LE (I'm a USAF CCT Officer gonnabe), but I belong to a long-range black powder silhouette club. I'd like to find out some "tricks of the trade" when it comes to determining how to properly gauge the amount of windage and/or elevation adjustment needed. Without barometers, anemometers, etc., what's the best way to accurately determine wind velocity, actual direction, and the presence of wind abnomalities downrange? And, most importantly, what is the best way to figure out the right adjustments to make without sending too much lead downrange?

I shoot a Winchester high-wall replica made by Browning, chambered for .40-65 (black powder). The slugs are 530-grain, round nose, solid cast lead. I use 62 grains of Goex black powder. Muzzle velocity is approximately 1100 fps. Target distances range from 200 meters to 1000 meters. All sights are aperture-style peep sights with vernier adjustment (open sights only, telescopic sights are not permitted).

I currently do OK; I can generally hit 13 or 14 out of 25 targets on a regular basis, and I usually place in the Top 3 in our monthly matches. But, I just can't seem to get over the hump and start hitting 18 - 20 targets regularly. This is due to my having to make more than 1 or 2 shots to get the right sight settings for the longer targets. I was hoping some of you guys that made your living by getting it right the first time might be able to offer me some advice. I would greatly appreciate all feedback received. Thanks in advance.

[snip1er]

Reading mirage is the number one indicator. Just as a refresher, mirage is the heat waves that come up off the ground. Use your spotting scope...focus on the target and then back it off a 1/4 turn so the target goes out of focus. You should now be able to see the mirage, how far the waves are tilted side ways (which will indicate speed and direction). This takes lots of practice to learn what each speed and or condition looks like, but this will get you started in the right direction.

Try this for more info...http://www.snipersparadise.com/Marksmanship/weather.htm

[Gunny Hicks]

Hmmmm...mirage. Great on those days when temperature cooperates. But what about when it doesn't.

I seem to recall a hell of a time reading Mirage in three feet of snow.

Lets not forget to tried and true methods of reading the wind. You know, five o'clock wind at 3-5 MPH.

I don't think they allow spotter scopes at the black powder competitions.

[snip1er]

Gunny Hicks,

I don't know the rules on black powder comps so you could be very right. I also don't know how many of the comps are held in the snow, but if they are, then again you got me.

Well, I guess we can keep this simple. Since you are on a range they probably have range flags and may even allow you to put some out like the benchrest shooters. If there are no flags and rules say you can't put 'em out, then start watching grass and tree tops. Going by feel works too, but it doesn't tell you what the wind is doing down range. You may have a left to right at the muzzle but a right to left halfway to the target. I have seen the wind do some pretty crazy things like I bet Gunny Hicks has. Reading wind takes lots of practice.....then it still jumps up and bites you! ---Thomas

[Gunny Hicks]

Roger that.

A few of the rondezvous that I am aware of (mountain men reenactors/living history get togethers) seem to have all occured in late fall or early spring.

Reading windage is about the only thing allowed at the comps for these. It is a learned but diminishable skill. And yes..it is very tricky.

Good luck with your black powder. I shoot a Hawkens .50 Cal. when I fire black powder. Otherwise it is the Marine COrps issue M40A1.

[Sharky]

Definitely agree with the above info. IMHO the biggest point is that the only way to learn to read the wind is to spend a LOT of time on the range. By a LOT I mean months and years. There is no fast way to learn to read wind. There are some great wind charts that will help you out somewhat but in the end it all boils down to putting in the time on the range.

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F.I.D.O.

[TMU]

Thanks, fellas, for all the feedback. I'm going to be spending as much time as I can at the range. There are so many variables that affect black powder long range. The biggest factor in the Houston area being the heat and humidity. Those two factors will play a big part in how fast the fouling in the barrel hardens. The bore has to be completely cleaned after just 4 or 5 shots to maintain any accuracy.

Sharky, where can I get some of the wind charts you referred to? I realize they won't completely cure my problem, but they may help a little. Thanks again!

[TonyM]

Here's something you might try, it works for some. I've always been lousy at the math side, figuing all the formulas,tables, etc. I use a "method of visualization". I'm not sure how to describe it, but think of actually being able to see the path of the bullet before you shoot as if you were throwing a football at the target. We all know how to throw things with factors like slope, wind, etc. Try to visualize the same thing. It works for me, but still required lot's of paractice and loads of rounds down the range. Gopher shooting on the prairies helped lots too, talk about wind.

[Sharky]

TMU, I probably should have been clearer in my statement. Wind charts are out there from just about anybody in the business but they are generally for centerfire rifle calibers. I would assume that it is possible for blackpowder rifles to have their own windcharts but I've never seen one personally and have ZERO experience with blackpowder shooting. JY or Riflemaster might be able to provide more info. Sorry I can't help.

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F.I.D.O.

[RifleMaster]

TMU,

I do not know of any wind tables for blackpowder Lead bullet/ball trajectories. However, I think you could develop your own if you knew your MV and bullet BC (estimate)and used one of the Ballistic Programs.

Hope this helps!

Carl

[Razor]

Damn, Jim, Sharky is asking you to remember back to your first issued firearm, the Brown Bess musket! http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif How the hell are you, old man?