Aim Higher in Rain or Fog?

by
posted on June 7, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (3)

True or False: You should aimhigher in rain and/or dense fog because humidity increases air resistance.

The Expert Deferral: "The Bullshooter’s Bible" (aka, the NRA Firearms Fact Book) says:

"Many target shooters have noticed that bullets seem to impact higher on the target when fired in rainy conditions. Changes in humidity have little effect on the air density, and thus on the flight of the bullet. Changes in barometric pressure, on the other hand, do have an effect. In general, fair weather in accompanied by a high barometer, which means more air density and more resistance to the bullet. Likewise, rainy weather is likely to occur at times of low barometer, when air pressure is low, producing less air density and resistance to the bullet. A drop of 1” in the barometric reading will increase the ballistic coefficient by about 3 1/3 percent."

The Second Opinion: While numbers don't lie, several retired Navy SEALS have been operating a long range shootingschool for hunters, called the Sportsmans All Weather, All Terrain (SAAM) course that's offered atTexas' FTWranch. The SEALSconfirm that humidity occurs in times of LOW pressure and does not effect bullets like high barometric pressure does.However, after 600 students and several tours in the desert, they have also learned some practical lessons; afterall, that's what the class is all about. And one of those is: For hunting ranges, shots inside of 600 yards or so, the hunter shouldn't worryabout compensatingfor air pressure.

Conclusion: False. In fact, it's the opposite, but hunters shouldn't ever worry about rain. And If you don’t believe the Fact Book, believe our Navy SEALs.

Latest

LEDE John&Jim
LEDE John&Jim

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.