Bullet trajectory question for military sniper?

Question

The spin imparted to a bullet by the rifling is used to create a gyroscopic effect which stabilizes the bullet so that it maintains an aerodynamic attitude as it moves to the target. In other words the bullet flies true and doesn't tumble.


So my question is does the spin on the bullet cause it to curve (like a curve ball ) ever so slightly to one side in its trajectory towards the target.    I would imagine such an effect if present would be consistent and easily zeroed out much like the effects of gravity are compensated for by elevation adjustment. I understand there are other factors to consider such as wind speed and direction.  But I am interested in the gryoscopic effect the rifling has on the round and the effects of that spin on the "flight' of the bullet as it makes its way down range.

To compensate for the effect of gravity the elevation adjustment of a sight is used resulting in a slight upward angle on the barrel which causes the bullet to travel in an upward arc in the vertical plane such that the bullet is at the proper height when it reaches the target.

  So does bullet spin result in a slight drift to the left or right in the horizontal plane? If such an effect is even present does it effect other factors such as a wind adjustment equally from either direction the wind may be blowing from?

billrussell42 · Accepted Answer

No, a curve (base)ball spins in a plane at an angle to the motion, a bullet does not. So the spin has zero effect on the trajectory.

Difficult to show without graphics.

The baseball, spinning the way it does, has more air friction on one side versus the other, which makes it spin.

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Joseph · Answer

the  answer that matt gave is closest to the actual flight dynamics involved with a bullet in flight. the spin on a vert. axis is what causes the ball to go to one side or the other, i.e., which way is it spinning. a bullets spin is on the horiz. plane, or axis, there fore the spin is not having the same effect. old target shooter is right with that. if you take a plus sign and spin it as if it had an axis at its crosspoint that would be a horizontal spin, which will in effect cut through the air with little effect. same plus sign, only this time it's spinning on it's vertical axis, in theory it too should not have any effect, yet it does affect . I think mass and surface also play a role in the  dynamics here, the bullet has a smooth surface in comparison to the ball, the ball also has stitching,which will effect the way it goes through the air.

yes the horizontal spin does have an effect but for that effect to be noticed it would take a mile and only have about 1/2 a degree off of center.

? · Answer

Hathcock's tale can't be collaborated because he worked on my own so no individual become round to work out what he did. He become an excellent Marine, a larger sniper and a real hero. there is not any way that some stupid t.v. instruct ought to even initiate to forged a doubt on something Hathcock has suggested. If he suggested he did it then he did it. supply up searching for loopholes and in basic terms settle for information. Hathcock become a fabulous shot and thus if all he had a good look at become the mirrored image of the different scope then he geared in direction of that a right away fired. If both were aiming at one yet another then the attitude may were precise.

Matt · Answer

It's rotating on the horizontal axis, not the vertical axis.
I do not think it would fly to one side or the other.

killer lama · Answer

its in a horizontal plane the bullet does not swurve it just goes down

Irv S · Answer

Theoretically, yes, but not enough to notice.

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Bullet trajectory question for military sniper?

6 Answers