Methods: Calculation, Extrapolation & D.O.P.E.

Manual Ballistics: Introduction Manual Ballistics can quickly paint itself as a complicated topic when presented with all components of a ballistic solution and all options to achieve them. Care should be taken to remember that marksmanship is a goal-oriented practice - in other words; effects on target are the metric by which our task is measured, not the method used to achieve them. Whatever method is used, it is critical, however, that it provides thorough, reliable and repeatable effects. Throughout this field manual group, we will be offering three methods to achieve the same goal, each with advantages, and each more attractive to a different audience. Method Accuracy Speed Preparation Time Calculation High Slow Low Extrapolation Moderate - Low Moderate Moderate D.O.P.E. Very High Very Fast Very High Calculation Almost all variables in a bullets' flight path can indeed be accounted for with the use of formulas and calculations, many of which are far more simple than one would anticipate. Using calculations to assemble a ballistics solution is without comparison the most universal method available - there will never be a situation in which a ballistics solution can't be assembled with great reliability. This method is also the most repeatable, with no uncertainty in any component. With great advantages in hand, it should be noted that calculation is frequently the slowest option available to spotters, most components of a flight path requiring an individual calculation. Although many of the formulas are surprisingly simple, some also turn away from the method before exploring the topic. Extrapolation Where sniper teams have existing data available to work off of (such as with a range card), this information can be used to make inferences about data between provided points, or beyond the limits of the information provided. This method saves the need for more involved calculations, making for a more accessible option, and cutting down on a great deal of time spent in the process. Although extrapolation is more accessible and faster, it becomes less accurate the further data is pulled beyond its end points. Because this method relies on some existing information to work from, it also cannot be used where previous data doesn't exist. As a final note, although such scenarios aren't common, it should also be noted that any factors that would invalidate the referenced data also invalidate any extrapolations - such as the in-game range card on maps with extremely high elevation. D.O.P.E. Data On Previous Engagements, or D.O.P.E., provides the most hands-on option for individuals not inclined towards calculations. Gathering and recording targeted information on bullet impact provides a tremendously accurate picture of how a bullet will behave under different conditions and at varying distances. This method eliminates the need to account for (most) individual variables in a flight path, allowing spotters to record end products and repeat them with the greatest speed possible… under identical conditions. D.O.P.E. as a method offers the most strength in precision and speed, however this method also comes with considerable preparation time, requiring spotters to shoot and record a complete set of information under the same atmospheric conditions anticipated in operation. Should these atmospheric parameters change, such as with another operation in a colder climate, the assembled D.O.P.E. can no longer be called upon for reliable and repeatable effects.