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

LEDE Randy Brooks
LEDE Randy Brooks

In Memoriam: Randy Brooks: 1949-2026

Randy Brooks, creator of the famous Barnes X Bullet and the 2016 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award winner, passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 27, 2026. The Brooks family believes Randy may have suffered a stroke. He had suffered mini-strokes in the past, and he was recently diagnosed with vascular dementia. He was 76.

Focus on the Conservation’s Future—Groundbreaking Lessons in Arkansas

True outdoor curriculum is being offered to thousands of students in Arkansas, thanks to rededicated efforts under the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) outdoor education partnership with the Arkansas Governor’s Office and Arkansas Department of Education.

How To: So You Want to Shoot a Moose!

Looking to DIY a moose hunt? It's a rewarding experience, but there are quite a few things you should know before you go. Here is a primer from someone who's been there.

New for 2026: ScentLok Women's Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib

Female hunters looking for extra-warm, late-season whitetail protection no longer must settle for oversized men's cuts. The ScentLok Women's Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib are officially shipping and available at retail, delivering a specialized fit for the dedicated late-season outdoorswoman.

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Releases 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading 7mm BC and its patented Peak Alloy cartridge case.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.