Ballistician Bryan Litz Explains Long Range Shooting

This guide details how to test propellant temperature sensitivity, a crucial factor for consistent long-range accuracy. It emphasizes using a reliable chronograph and testing ammunition across a wide temperature range, from cold to hot conditions. The process involves calculating the muzzle velocity change per degree Fahrenheit to understand how temperature fluctuations affect performance, enabling shooters to account for these variations in their ballistic solutions.

This guide details the process of zeroing a handgun optic, emphasizing the reduction of shooter error by using a stable rest. It covers firing initial groups, calculating adjustments based on optic specifications, and making incremental changes to achieve a precise point of impact at a recommended 25-yard distance, while acknowledging the impact of environmental factors like wind.

This video from Brownells, featuring Caleb, explores the optimal zero distances for an AR-15, primarily for competition use. It analyzes four common zero distances: 25, 36, 50, and 100 yards, detailing their impact zones on an IPSC A-zone target at various ranges. The instructor emphasizes that the 'best' zero is dependent on the intended use of the firearm and the optic employed, recommending the 100-yard zero as a versatile option for experienced shooters, while suggesting 36 or 50 yards for those using red dots or LPVOs respectively, especially for closer engagements.

This video from GBRS Group explains the ballistic principles of deviation and deflection. Deviation is defined as a projectile passing through an object, while deflection is a contact that disrupts or changes trajectory. The demonstration uses 5.56x45mm rounds impacting pillars to illustrate these concepts, showing how fragments can cause minor disruption without lethal effect.

This video explains the fundamental differences between Minute of Angle (MOA) and Milliradian (MIL) as units of angular measurement used in rifle scopes. It clarifies that MOA is 1/60th of a degree, equating to approximately 1 inch at 100 yards, while MIL is 1/6400th of a circle, equating to 10 cm at 100 meters. The instructor notes that most precision scopes use quarter MOA adjustments, allowing for fine-tuning.

This guide details how to estimate muzzle velocity without a chronograph, a crucial step for accurate long-range shooting. It leverages factory ammo data and barrel length adjustments as a starting point, then refines the estimate through 'truing your dope' with a ballistics app and live fire. The Precision Rifle Network hosts provide practical, expert advice for shooters seeking to optimize their ballistic solutions.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.