Does Rain Lower Your Bullet's Point of Impact?

by
posted on July 31, 2014
** 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 (9)

undefinedThe Myth
Shooting in the rain causes bullets to impact lower than normal.

The Reasoning
It's simple, right? A bullet flies horizontally, raindrops hit the bullet from above, imparting their mass on it, causing the bullet to fall faster and impact the target lower.

The Facts
Sometimes the physics are counter-intuitive.

Fact is, bullets normally impact higher than normal when it's raining, as anyone who has shot extensively in the rain knows. Why? As the NRA Fact Book states: "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 is 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 3.33 percent."

The Answer
Shooting in the rain generally causes bullets to impact higher than normal, not lower.

And oh, what a glorious feeling ... to be shooting in the rain!

Latest

Industry Legends
Industry Legends

Industry Legends Step Up to Support Hunting

The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is holding its third annual Protecting Outdoor Pursuits raffle and some of the industry’s finest have donated to help ensure the future of hunting, fishing and the outdoor sports. Total value of this year’s prizes comes in at $220,000. One-hundred and twenty-five winning names will be drawn on Oct. 21.

New for 2026: Millennium Marine Big Daddy Boat Seat

Millennium Marine has introduced its Big Daddy Boat Seat (BD-100). Built on the same design as the company's B-100 Boat Seat, the BD-100 delivers the comfort and durability on a wider seating platform for those who prefer additional space.

#SundayGunday: CZ-USA CZ 457 American

Get a closer look at the CZ-USA CZ 457 American, the latest addition to our #SundayGunday series.

The Fox Model B That Keeps on Hunting

Do you have a favorite old firearm that just won't quit? Then this story, from George Perryman of Lexington, N.C., is for you.

Hardware Review: Marlin Trapper Model 1894 10mm Auto

Whenever a gunmaker introduces a new handgun or a carbine chambered in a pistol round, one of the social media comments to immediately follow will be: “Are you going to make it in 10mm?” Marlin Firearms has answered this question with a resounding "Yes!"

Top 5 Budget Hunting Riflescopes

There are few joys as great as a shooting with a high-end, premium optic, with its crystal-clear image from premium lenses. There are also the realities of a modest hunting budget, and staying within your financial means makes for a happier home. Curious about the latter? Check out this comprehensive list.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.