Henry Rifle Forums

Anyone use this ballistics calculator? What's your opinion about it?

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/niko ... index.page

Have used it for years and has provided me with useable info, but, as with any ballistic software program, I place a priority on actual range time and use the software as a supplement. In other words, I use the software as a place to start when I get to the range and do some actual shooting, but would never use any software program as a substitute for actual shooting. The Nikon app, though, gives me a good place to start as to sighting in when I get to the range. That, and it's fun to use.

North Country Gal wrote:Have used it for years and has provided me with useable info, but, as with any ballistic software program, I place a priority on actual range time and use the software as a supplement. In other words, I use the software as a place to start when I get to the range and do some actual shooting, but would never use any software program as a substitute for actual shooting. The Nikon app, though, gives me a good place to start as to sighting in when I get to the range. That, and it's fun to use.

Back in the dark ages when I first started shooting (around 1955) there was no such thing as a computer, let alone a "ballistic software", so it was all done on paper at the range. I've only started playing around with this modern tech in the last 4 years or so. That said, it does have some advantages over paper and pencil as long you've got electricity (batteries or wired). I feel the same way about GPS vs compass and map.

GunnyGene wrote:Back in the dark ages when I first started shooting (around 1955) there was no such thing as a computer, let alone a "ballistic software",....

dark ages understood, lived them .... we use Nikon scopes and have several that are setup for use with this program ... don't have a clue how to use and unless I happen on a person who could sit down and teach me how to use it, I never will

The Spot on is basically designed to be used with the various Nikon BDC scope reticles, but I just use the program to tell me how low or high I need to hit at 25 yards to be on at 100 yards or whatever, prior to actual sighting in. Does help in saving ammo and time.

that's what I use JBM Ballistics program for and doing so most certainly helps save ammo


http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj-5.1.cgi

I used to use the Hornady on line Balistics calculator.
I could copy and paste the results in to a excel spread sheet and print range cards.
New computer the sight won't work.

I use Strelok now.
Compare weights, speed, and relative settings.
Realy helps when setting up sights at the range.

I'll mirror what NCG said. I like the Nikon program.

North Country Gal wrote:The Spot on is basically designed to be used with the various Nikon BDC scope reticles, but I just use the program to tell me how low or high I need to hit at 25 yards to be on at 100 yards or whatever, prior to actual sighting in. Does help in saving ammo and time.

Yeah, the user manual says to use Spot-on to determine BDC ranges based on the external ballistics of the particular ammo you're using. That can vary quite a bit, depending on barrel length and other factors. Doesn't seem like it would be of much use except as you've mentioned.

My experience, too, so when trying to use those Nikon BDC reticles, so I just head to the range and do some shooting. To be honest, though, I'm still very much old school and find myself using holdover/holdunder, rather the using those ballistic type reticles. Just don't like a lot of clutter when I look through a scope. Prefer to keep things, simple. Yup, I'm a dud when it comes to being tacti-cool.

agree ....

I use a Balistics program the most when developing loads.
I have to develope a hunting load for some new Nosler Etips.
They need at the minimum 1800fps at the target.
I can use the Balistics program to see how far out different MVs will be effective.
2300fps MV will reach out to 200 meters max. Even better speeds (performance) at 50 to 150 meters.
Tim