Sighting in?

Wind? Here is the situation. I am leaving for CO on wed and just put my 30-06 rifle barrel back on my TC. Because of my lack of preparation the only time I can shoot it will be tomorrow in forecasted 15mph winds. We are set up with a lead sled and nice bench so the weapon will be steady. How much does wind actually affect a bullets trajectory at a distance of 200 yards? Would it be smartest to shoot into, with or across the wind? I do not know the numbers to actually calculate this, just looking for some experienced guesses . Thanks for any input!

At 200 yards, a 15 MPH wind will be a significant factor. The problem is that accuracy = consistency. Wind, of course, is never blowing at a constant rate, so therein lies the problem.

But since it’s down to crunch time, you really don’t have a choice, so here’s what I’d do.

– Shoot early if you can. Get out there as soon as possible to take advantage of any morning calm.

– Bring plenty of ammo. You want to be shooting 5 shot groups OR MORE because only by firing a number of shots will you be able to determine what is/is not a wind-induced issue and then adjust accordingly.

– I’d prefer to shoot straight up or down wind, but that’s not easy to arrange because wind direction varies 20 degrees or more. IMO, the key is to know the direction of the wind while you’re shooting so you don’t overcompensate and add too much windage into your adjustments.

– Finally, if at all possible, I’d try to arrange a session in CO when you arrive to check your zero once you get there. You might have to just go onto some public land and find a good spot, so go prepared with extra ammo, targets, and some kind of rest for your rifle. Again, make sure you have plenty of ammo just in case you find you need to make a significant adjustment.

Good luck.

Grouse

Check out Winchester’s ballistic calculator. Even if not shooting Winchester ammo you still can see what a cross wind will do to a bullet. Its free to just go to their website

Quote:

---

Check out Winchester’s ballistic calculator. Even if not shooting Winchester ammo you still can see what a cross wind will do to a bullet. Its free to just go to their website

---

Winchester Calculator

Neat!

I would find the time Sun-Tue.

Thanks for the help, looks like I will settle for 100 yards shooting into the wind and try to set myself up 2″ high. Then I will check 150 and 200 but mainly for reference. Thanks again!

Epic fail on my part , tall grass, short target stand, wind in the face drying out my eyes… Whoops . Next question, any good (preferably indoor) ranges in the north metro with at least 100 yard lanes? Should have just burnt a $20 bill and taken a cold shower instead

Todd, I have a 300 Ultra mag all set up and ready to go.I have the Leopold Boone and crocket scope good from 100 – 500 yards. just give me the word and i’ll bring it with to bc tomorrow