5 Ways the Impact Ballistics Calculator Helps Shooters

5 Ways the Impact Ballistics Calculator Helps Shooters

We developed the Impact Ballistics calculator and mobile application to help hunters and shooters increase accuracy at long-range distances.

We live in an increasingly data-driven society. Data is important in everyday decision-making, and it’s long been a part of rifle shooting, especially with the advent of long-range optics over the last half-century. 

We developed the Impact Ballistics calculator and mobile application to give shooters the data required to make precision long-distance shooting as easy as possible. The IMPACT Ballistics calculator provides the most comprehensive database of ballistics data with 70-plus ammo manufacturers and more than 360 cartridges from centerfire to rimfire and muzzleloader. 

Ballistics data paired with your particular TRACT scope and reticle will provide long-range holdovers, wind holds, and angle holds. Not to mention it saves your load data and improves your shooting knowledge and provides a higher level of confidence in your setup.

Getting Started With the IMPACT Ballistics Calculator

To get started using our IMPACT Ballistics calculator, download the application on your phone or head over to the TRACT website to use the desktop version. Then enter your scope and reticle information and ammunition type. Atmospheric condition data, temperature, wind speed will automatically import when you click Get Conditions. Please note you’ll need to enter altitude, but a quick Google search of the area you’re in will give you the elevation. 

The app will then compute all of this data to present you with the necessary information for the distances related to the dots or hash marks in your scope. Below are some of the ways the IMPACT Ballistics calculator will aid in your time behind the trigger.

1. Extreme long-range (ELR) holdovers

Shooting at very long distances increases the amount of time gravity has to affect your shot. A holdover refers to the positioning of the reticle above the desired target to account for the effect of that gravitational force and the drop of the bullet. Over extreme ranges, minor miscalculations can throw a round far, of course. If used properly, the Impact Ballistic application gives the shooter the data needed to calculate every elevation hold at most distances. Don’t guess your hold. Know your hold.  

2. Wind holds

Wind direction and wind speed are two of the atmospheric inputs referenced above. After both are calculated, the reticle chart shows a shooter exactly which direction and how much to account for wind. Wind is a much larger factor as the shot distance increases and the bullet slows down. So we wanted to take the guesswork out of wind speed and direction. 

The IMPACT Ballistics calculator comes with the most comprehensive database of ballistics data for centerfire, rimfire, and muzzleloader. Learn more by watching our latest video.

3. Firing angle holds

When shooting a bullet on flat ground, the bullet moves parallel to the earth while gravity gradually pulls it downward. When shooting on a slope, the drop of a bullet caused by gravity decreases. 

Imagine you were shooting straight up into the sky. There would be no gravitational pull on the perpendicular side of the bullet because gravity would be pulling the round straight backward instead. With that idea in mind, bullet drop will be lessened as your shot angles increase away from parallel. 

If you are shooting at an angle and input that variable into the “Shooting Uphill/Downhill” index in the conditions section of the ballistics calculator, the corresponding reticle chart produced by the app will also take this into account and adjust the reticle marks accordingly. Once again, distance multiplies everything and the software can reduce the guesswork.

4. Saving your specific load data 

This function is a real lifesaver for hand loaders and really anyone who’s trying to marry their rifle to a specific cartridge. Once your specific cartridge information is in the system, you can save it in the app and create a miniature library that is readily available at your fingertips. For shooters wanting to build rounds that are “outside the box,” good luck finding load recipes in places with no cell service or in the absence of a load manual.

Instead, build your loads ahead of time and refer back to the app whenever you’re shooting a wildcat off the grid. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about keeping up with paper charts that could get lost or ruined in the elements. 

5. Continued Learning

The app is worth the download for this reason alone. You’ll find a wealth of tutorials and informational videos that can help you dial in your optic, get the most out of the ballistics calculating function, and improve your long-distance shooting. Simply click on the LEARN icon at the bottom of the app. Be sure to click the “See All” button under each topic heading to unroll a whole series of detailed videos on each topic.

Not only is the IMPACT Ballistics calculator designed to help in your long-range shooting endeavors, it will also save time and money by reducing the number of shots needed to dial in your scope at longer ranges. Additionally, personalized ballistics information is at your fingertips before you ever fire a shot.

The program allows you to sight in at distances you may not have the range to shoot. When you’re ready, head over to the app store to download IMPACT Ballistics or fill out a printable version at TRACTOptics.com.