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 Rrealtree Edge Pajama Top
LEDE Rrealtree Edge Pajama Top

Flint and Tinder Launches Realtree Edge Camo Pajama Collection for the Holidays

Flint and Tinder, the American-made apparel brand owned by Huckberry, has unveiled a highlight of its holiday collection—the Flint and Tinder x Realtree Edge Camo Pajama Collection. A limited release for this holiday season, this line delivers cozy comfort with an outdoors edge for those who love to blend in and unwind.

Recipe: Air Fryer Spice-Crusted Venison Roast

Venison is ideally suited for air frying, especially tender cuts such as the loin, inside or center round or top sirloin.

Florida’s First Bear Hunt in a Decade Opens Dec. 6

A Florida court denied a temporary injunction last month that would have stopped the state’s first black bear hunt since 2015. One hundred and seventy-two hunters, who paid for the opportunity to help manage the black bear population, can head afield in search of a Sunshine State bruin beginning Saturday. 

10mm Matchup: Semi-Automatic Pistol vs. Revolver

We pit the modern M&P 2.0 against the classic Model 610 to see how they affect 10 mm Auto ammunition performance.

First Look: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta has unveiled its new AX800 Suprema, a ground-up engineered waterfowl shotgun that pushes the company’s performance, durability and ergonomics into a new class.

Reviewed: Allen Tejon and Bruiser Whitetail 2.0 Gun Cases

Have a big rifle or slug gun that none of your soft cases seem to fit? Don’t let your firearms get banged up. Take a look at Allen’s Tejon or Bruiser Whitetail 2.0 cases!               

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.