Ballistics

Question 1

Define Internal Ballistics

Answer 1

The interior workings of a weapon and the functioning of its ammunition.

Question 2

Define External Ballistics

Answer 2

The flight of the bullet from the muzzle to the target.

Question 3

Define Terminal Ballistics

Answer 3

What happens to the bullet after it hits the target.

Question 4

Define Muzzle Velocity

Answer 4

The speed of the bullet as it leaves the rifle barrel, measured in feet per second. Varies due to a number of factors.

Question 5

Define Line of Sight

Answer 5

Straight line from the eye through the aiming device to the point of aim.

Question 6

Define Line of Departure

Answer 6

The line defined by the bore of the rifle or the path the bullet would take without gravity.

Question 7

Trajectory

Answer 7

The path of the bullet as it travels to the target.

Question 8

Midrange Trajectory/Maximum Ordinate

Answer 8

The highest point the bullet reaches on its path to the target.

Question 9

Bullet Drop

Answer 9

How far the bullet drops from the line of departure to the point of impact.

Question 10

Time of Flight

Answer 10

The amount of time it takes for the bullet to reach the target from the time the round exits the rifle.

Question 11

Retained Velocity

Answer 11

The speed of the bullet when it reaches the target. Due to drag, the retained velocity will be less than the muzzle velocity.

Question 12

Gravity

Answer 12

As soon as the bullet exits the muzzle, gravity begins to pull it down.

Question 13

Drag

Answer 13

Drag is the slowing effect the atmosphere has on the bullet.

Question 14

Leading

Answer 14

Engaging moving targets requires the shooter to place the cross hairs ahead of the target’s movement.

Question 15

Speed of the Target

Answer 15

As a target moves faster, it will require a greater lead.

Question 16

Angle of Movement

Answer 16

A target moving at a 45-degree angle covers less ground than a target moving at a 90-degree angle.

Question 17

Range to the Target

Answer 17

The farther away a , the longer it takes for the bullet to reach it. Therefore, the lead must be increased as the distance to the target increases.

Question 18

Wind Effects

Answer 18

The shooter must consider how the wind will affect the trajectory of the round. A wind blowing against the target’s direction of movement requires less of a lead than a wind blowing in the same direction as the target’s movement.

Question 19

Tracking

Answer 19

Establish an aiming point ahead of the target’s movement and maintain it as the weapon is fired.

Question 20

Trapping/Ambushing

Answer 20

Establish an aiming point ahead of the target and pull the trigger when the target reaches it.

Question 21

Tracking and Holding

Answer 21

Used to engage erratically moving targets. The shooter keeps their cross hairs centered and adjusts his position with the target. When the target stops, the shooter perfects his hold and fires.

Question 22

Snap Shot

Answer 22

Used to engage briefly presented targets. Aim in the vicinity of the target’s expected appearance and fire a shot at the moment of exposure.