Bullet Trajectory & MOA

      This handy little card shows the bullet trajectory for one of my rifles.   Even though this 185 grain bullet drops almost 21 feet at 1,000 yards, this cartridge is very accurate at long range.   However, like any other caliber at extreme long range, you need to know the "EXACT" distance that you're shooting, and the "EXACT" trajectory of your particular bullet.   When dealing with a wild arcing trajectory at long range, you'll need much more than a good guess at judging distance.   A range finder is absolutely required.

      Benchrest and High Power shooters aren't that concerned with bullet trajectory, because they always shoot at specific distances.   They rarely make major sight adjustments, except for the particular "known" distances that they always shoot.

      However, bullet trajectory is a different matter for tactical shooters and long-range hunters.   They need to know how to adjust their sights at ANY distance.   Some shooters like to tape a trajectory chart (with sight adjustments) on their stock.   I've made a small laminated trajectory card for each of my rifles, and I keep them handy when hunting.   This information (and a lot of practice) makes the "long shots" possible.

      Most scope turrets are etched with Minute of Angle (MOA) increments.   It is far quicker and easier to learn how to adjust your scope according to those MOA markings instead of counting individual "clicks".   With the slightest bit of practice, and the information on this page, you'll be able to adjust your scope the same efficient way that the best military snipers do it.   Remember to never rely on any trajectory chart, until it is verified with your rifle and your ammo.

      I also use a custom built Leupold scope on one of my tactical rifles.   It has 5 extra aiming points that are accurately positioned at 50 yard increments.   This is a great system for rapid shooting at multiple targets at different distances.   It allows you to shoot while keeping your targets in view at all times.   However, when you have more time and you need to make an accurate long range shot, you will always do much better if you adjust your sights - instead of guessing the amount of "hold over".

      When extreme accuracy is required at long range, you need to understand the term Minute of Angle (MOA) to adjust your sights correctly.   Most rifle scopes (all of mine) have 1/4 MOA adjustments.   This means that each click on your scope will move the impact of your bullet by 1/4" at 100 yards.   If your scope has 1/4" clicks, you only need to remember the following information to understand MOA scope adjustments.

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