Methods: Range Card, Calculation & 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 Range Card Moderate Moderate Moderate Calculation High Slow Low D.O.P.E. Very High Very Fast Very High Range Card 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 quick adjustments within the limits bounds of the information provided. data provided.. This method saves the need for more involved calculations, calculations and the time required for assembling custom D.O.P.E. - making for a more an easily accessible option, and cutting down on a great deal option. It should be noted that although use of time spent in the process. Although extrapolation provided range card is more accessible and faster, an attractive option, it becomes less accurate cannot by itself accommodate for all aspects of a flight path, requiring use of D.O.P.E. or calculations to compliment the further provided 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 necessary. More critically, the data doesn't exist. provided on the base range card is not accurate in all scenarios - maps with very high base invalidating all information provided entirely. 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 use as a primary means where practical will avoid long commitments with extremely high elevation. preparation time or in-game calculation, it comes in no lead of its own - being neither the fastest option in operation, or the least cumbersome in preparation. 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. 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.