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

Lead Photo 35 Rem V 360 BH
Lead Photo 35 Rem V 360 BH

Head to Head: The .35 Remington vs. the 360 Buckhammer

The .35 Remington, or the 360 Buckhammer? Which will take the edge in this latest Head to Head matchup.

Says Me: A Familiar Scene

What defines a trophy? It’s a question every hunter asks and answers throughout his or her career. In the beginning it may be any deer or any buck; the first wallhanger; the first head of Western game; a kid’s first deer; a limit of … whatever. Curious about an answer? Read on.

Elk Hunt Redemption: A Tale of Two Elkies

Struggle makes success sweeter, but it’s also a royal pain in the hindquarters.

Free, First Annual Mentored Pheasant Hunt on Long Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a free mentored pheasant hunt in Suffolk County. It provides a hunting opportunity for individuals interested in pheasant hunting for the first time—or those returning to the pursuit—in December.

#SundayGunday: MDT HNT26

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at a unique chassis system from MDT, the HNT26. Designed for hunters looking for the ultimate lightweight setup, the HNT26 is just as perfect for packing on the miles as it is for making a precision shot at last light.

Hunting Elk with the 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

Jay Grazio takes Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak round into the woods … for elk.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.