1542 lines
80 KiB
Plaintext
1542 lines
80 KiB
Plaintext
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====================
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+----+ | | |
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| | +--+ --+ | |
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| -+| | | +--| | |
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| || | | | | | |
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+---|+ +--+ +--+ + +
|
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+- ver 2.09
|
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====================
|
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|
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SMALL ARMS
|
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EXTERIOR BALLISTICS
|
||
|
||
FOR
|
||
|
||
IBM PC's and COMPATIBLES
|
||
|
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----
|
||
|
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Benjamin W. Hartley
|
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Forest Park Estates #103
|
||
Jaffrey, NH 03452
|
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[Voice#: (603) 532-6248]
|
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|
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
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| _______ |
|
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| ____|__ | (R) |
|
||
| --| | |------------------- |
|
||
| | ____|__ | Association of |
|
||
| | | |_| Shareware |
|
||
| |__| o | Professionals |
|
||
| -----| | |--------------------- |
|
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| |___|___| MEMBER |
|
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| |
|
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| |
|
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| This program is produced by a member of the Association of |
|
||
| Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the |
|
||
| shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve |
|
||
| a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the |
|
||
| member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can |
|
||
| help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but |
|
||
| does not provide technical support for members' products. Please |
|
||
| write to the ASP Ombudsman, 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442, |
|
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| or send a CompuServe message to: ASP Ombudsman 72050,1433. |
|
||
| |
|
||
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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|
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(This is ASCII-formatted QBALL.DOC, the On-disk documentation.)
|
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|
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"QBALL" -- Source code, executable files, and documentation
|
||
are (c) 1992 by Benjamin W. Hartley. All rights reserved.
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[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- ii ]
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|
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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-----------------
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||
Dedication, Disclaimer, License, Copyright Information..........i
|
||
Table of Contents..............................................ii
|
||
Introduction..................................................iii
|
||
About Shareware................................................iv
|
||
|
||
Chapter page
|
||
------- ----
|
||
1. Getting started..............................................1
|
||
1.1 Files required......................................1
|
||
1.2 Will It Work ?......................................1
|
||
1.3 Copying the program.................................2
|
||
1.4 Printing the documentation..........................2
|
||
1.5 General Instructions................................3
|
||
1.6 Starting QBALL......................................4
|
||
2. Computing ballistic or gun data..............................7
|
||
2.1 Preliminary data entry..............................7
|
||
2.2 Computing and displaying a range table..............8
|
||
2.3 Displaying graphics................................11
|
||
2.4 Changing input data................................16
|
||
2.5 Other ballistic procedures.........................17
|
||
3. Inferring ballistic coefficients............................22
|
||
3.1 First Run: r1 = 0..................................23
|
||
3.2 Second Run: r1 = 25................................24
|
||
4. Printing tables.............................................25
|
||
4.1 Printer warnings...................................25
|
||
4.2 Screen dumps.......................................25
|
||
4.3 Printer setup......................................25
|
||
4.4 Print functions....................................25
|
||
4.5 Typical printed output.............................26
|
||
5. Configuring display and default starting values.............27
|
||
5.1 The Configuration Menu.............................27
|
||
5.2 Switch toggles (set defaults)......................27
|
||
5.3 Configuring display colors.........................28
|
||
5.4 Using the values you've set........................28
|
||
5.5 Some other considerations..........................28
|
||
|
||
Some Afterthoughts and Some Wrinkles...........................30
|
||
|
||
Appendices:--
|
||
A. Glossary....................................................33
|
||
B. Example of Ballistic Coefficient from Tabular Data..........39
|
||
C. Example QBALLSAV.* file.....................................41
|
||
D. Selected bibliography.......................................43
|
||
E. Error analysis..............................................44
|
||
F. Error Messages, Default Starting Values.....................47
|
||
G. Enhancement form............................................53
|
||
H. Registration form...........................................55
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- iv ]
|
||
|
||
About Shareware
|
||
---------------
|
||
|
||
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
|
||
buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you
|
||
are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details --
|
||
some request registration while others require it, some specify a
|
||
maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the
|
||
simple right to continue using the software to an updated program
|
||
with printed manual.
|
||
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and
|
||
the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific excep-
|
||
tions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers,
|
||
just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable
|
||
quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The
|
||
main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifi-
|
||
cally grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to
|
||
all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors
|
||
require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy
|
||
their Shareware.
|
||
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
|
||
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether
|
||
it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your
|
||
needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the
|
||
overhead is low, prices are low. Shareware also has the ultimate
|
||
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
|
||
for it.
|
||
QBALL is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the
|
||
user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but
|
||
please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The
|
||
essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer
|
||
users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide
|
||
incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you
|
||
find this program useful and find that you are using QBALL and con-
|
||
tinue to use QBALL after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
|
||
registration payment of $25.00 to the author. The $25.00 registration
|
||
fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.
|
||
You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that
|
||
this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely
|
||
moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no
|
||
possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at
|
||
another, just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the
|
||
same time.
|
||
Commercial users of QBALL must register and pay for their copies of
|
||
QBALL within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-
|
||
License arrangements may be made by contacting the author.
|
||
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 1 ]
|
||
|
||
Chapter 1
|
||
---------
|
||
|
||
Getting Started
|
||
"""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
1.1 Files Required.
|
||
--------------
|
||
|
||
QBALL is initially distributed with the following files:
|
||
|
||
QBALL EXE -- The QBALL executable file.
|
||
QBALL FON -- The QBALL graphics font file.
|
||
QBALLODD DOC -- Odd-numbered documentation pages.
|
||
QBALLEVN DOC -- Even-numbered documentation pages.
|
||
QBREADME BAT -- Prints short intro on screen.
|
||
QBALLENH DOC -- The QBALL enhancement form.
|
||
QBALLREG DOC -- The QBALL registration form.
|
||
WARRANTY DOC -- What's covered and for how long.
|
||
LICENSE DOC -- "Thou shalt and thou shalt not..."
|
||
USERPACK LST -- A files list like this one.
|
||
|
||
(Note: Registered copies of QBALL are distributed in
|
||
non-compressed format, with no *.DOC files)
|
||
|
||
The only absolutely, positively, gotta-have files are QBALL.EXE.
|
||
and QBALL.FON. The documentation is helpful, but you can get by
|
||
without it. The rest qualify as "nice to have."
|
||
|
||
1.2 Will It Work ?
|
||
--------------
|
||
|
||
In its present incarnation, QBALL is written in and compiled as a
|
||
stand-alone .EXE file using Microsoft Professional Development System,
|
||
version 7.1.
|
||
|
||
QBALL was written on a Gateway 2000 AT clone, with an 80286 process-
|
||
or, AMI BIOS, MS-DOS 5.0 with 4DOS 4.0 command processor, 5 1/4" (1.2
|
||
meg) and 3 1/2" (1.44 meg) floppy drives, 40 megabyte hard-disk, and
|
||
Samsung CM4531 EGA monitor. No coprocessor was used. QBALL Version
|
||
2.09 does not include any routines from third parties.
|
||
|
||
QBALL should function on any PC-DOS or MS-DOS compatible computer,
|
||
and will detect the presence of a CGA or EGA card/monitor. If no
|
||
graphic equipment is installed, QBALL internally disables its graphics
|
||
routines. The purely tabular routines, however, remain usable.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 3 ]
|
||
|
||
1.5 General instructions.
|
||
--------------------
|
||
|
||
Selecting menu options. Press the key corresponding to the letter
|
||
which is highlighted/bracketed in that option. For example, to choose
|
||
option <P>, press upper- or lower-case "P." QBALL's menus are not
|
||
case sensitive. If the option does not appear, or appears in low-
|
||
intensity color, QBALL will "beep", and do nothing further.
|
||
|
||
Response to "Y or N". Press upper- or lower-case "Y" or "N". (The
|
||
default for "Y" is [Enter].) If any other character is pressed, QBALL
|
||
will "squeak" and do nothing further.
|
||
|
||
ESC key. "ESC" will "back out" of data entry, and will "back up"
|
||
from a displayed menu. Each menu specifies where "ESC" will take you.
|
||
There is one exception: "Quit to DOS" requires that you press "Q",
|
||
confirm with "Y," and respond to one further prompt.
|
||
|
||
Data entry and error trapping. Type the value or string to be used
|
||
and press [Enter]. If a value already appears, press [enter] to
|
||
accept it, or overtype to change. QBALL will not accept the wrong
|
||
data type; out-of-range values will produce an error message. Use the
|
||
[Backspace] key to edit your entries before entering them. If there
|
||
is a "standard value" for the data, that value is displayed on the
|
||
prompt line in [brackets].
|
||
|
||
Swap Units option. The unit of range measure may be swapped back
|
||
and forth between Yards and Meters using the "New Input Data" menu.
|
||
As distributed, QBALL defaults to "Yards"; this may be changed using
|
||
the configuration routines.
|
||
|
||
Noises. QBALL will "squeak" upon erroneous data value entry, and
|
||
"chirps" upon completion of a computation, or upon invocation of
|
||
<S>wap units. QBALL defaults to sounds "on"; sounds may be toggled
|
||
"off" for peace and quiet. A "flash" replaces noises in quiet mode.
|
||
|
||
Graphics. Given a CGA or an EGA card/monitor, graphics are always
|
||
enabled. You may suppress display of the graphics grid, but there is
|
||
no provision for toggling graphics completely "off."
|
||
|
||
Print options. ENSURE that your printer is on/on-line if you want
|
||
hard copy; QBALL will detect whether or not your printer is on, but not
|
||
"paper out"! You may disable the "print" function if desired.
|
||
|
||
Help. Press the [F1] key to display help in contrasting video. Help
|
||
displays are erased in ten seconds, or press any key to exit help.
|
||
|
||
Redirection of data output. QBALL does not support redirection of
|
||
data output, e.g., to a disk file, except as otherwise provided within
|
||
the graphics and computations routines.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 5 ]
|
||
|
||
Having pressed a key, the screen clears, and the following screen
|
||
is displayed:
|
||
|
||
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
|
||
> Ballistic Computations: Typical Firearm <
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
+=====================================+
|
||
| *** M A I N ME N U *** |
|
||
| --------------------------------- |
|
||
| <C>ompute Ballistic or Gun Data |
|
||
| Infer <B>allistic Coefficient |
|
||
| Use <U>tilities / Configure QBALL |
|
||
| <N>ew or Changed Input Data |
|
||
| --------------------------------- |
|
||
| <Q>uit -- Return to DOS |
|
||
+=====================================+
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
[ MV: ][ C1: ][ Wt: ][ Met: 59d 0' 29.53" 78% ]|
|
||
| | | | |
|
||
| | | | |
|
||
Muzzle Ballistic Bullet Metro -- |
|
||
Velocity Coefficient Weight, Temperature, degrees F. |
|
||
(FPS) (grains) Gun Altitude, feet |
|
||
Barometric Pressure, "Hg |
|
||
Relative Humidity, percent |
|
||
|
|
||
+---------------+
|
||
|
|
||
(Please make note of the information) +--------------
|
||
(contained in the "Information Line",) [ H: 1.00][Yds]
|
||
(here shown "folded". The "Informa-) | |
|
||
(tion" or "Info Line" is updated if) | |
|
||
(changes are made to any of the in-) Sight Range
|
||
(formation it shows. Note that some) Height Units
|
||
(of the items are blank; values will) (inches) (Inverse)
|
||
(be filled in presently. )
|
||
|
||
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
|
||
Go on to the next page...
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 7 ]
|
||
|
||
|
||
Chapter 2
|
||
---------
|
||
|
||
Computing Ballistics or Gun Data
|
||
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
2.1 Preliminary data entry.
|
||
----------------------
|
||
|
||
Before doing anything else, we're going to have to enter some in-
|
||
formation for QBALL to chew on. QBALL will ask you for data which it
|
||
does not already have. The items of information for which QBALL will
|
||
prompt you are, in order, (with suggested practice entries):
|
||
|
||
a. The ballistic coefficient (C1) for the
|
||
projectile in question . . . . . . . . . . . .250
|
||
|
||
(The leading decimal point is automatic.)
|
||
|
||
b. The bullet weight in grains . . . . . . . . . 125
|
||
|
||
c. Whether or not to use the displayed metro . . "Y"
|
||
|
||
(QBALL will default to "Standard Metro"; you)
|
||
(can use nonstandard metro, but, just to keep)
|
||
(things simple, stay with standard metro for)
|
||
(now. Press "Y" or [Enter]. )
|
||
|
||
d. The muzzle velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2300
|
||
|
||
Enter values at the appropriate places when prompted. (Try enter-
|
||
ing an impossible value or two, and see what happens.)
|
||
|
||
Here are some "impossible" values to try:
|
||
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000;
|
||
Bullet Weight: 0; Muzzle
|
||
Velocity: 4700 FPS.
|
||
|
||
A complete list of QBALL's error messages is in Appendix E, with
|
||
the most common causes for their display.
|
||
|
||
For purposes of this tutorial, the gun/bullet is identified as
|
||
"Typical Firearm." This may be changed using the "<N>ew or Changed"
|
||
menu option. Continue with "Typical Firearm" for the time being.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 9 ]
|
||
|
||
Take a close look at the menu: it is telling you that the range at
|
||
which you wish to be zeroed must be set. Press "<S>et Zero..." and
|
||
enter: "150" -- without the quotes, of course. (Until you set a zero
|
||
range, "Range <T>able..." won't do anything.)
|
||
|
||
Back where we started, eh? Take a closer look.
|
||
|
||
+=================================+
|
||
| *** Computations Menu *** |
|
||
| ------------------------------ |
|
||
| <S>et/Reset Current Zero Range |
|
||
| Range <T>able (0 = 150 Yards) |
|
||
| <O>ther Ballistics Procedures |
|
||
| <N>ew or Changed Input Data |
|
||
| ------------------------------ |
|
||
| <ESC> to M A I N M E N U |
|
||
+=================================+
|
||
|
||
The zero range for your range table is now set. In future, if QBALL
|
||
has been provided a zero range, it will be displayed in the computa-
|
||
tions menu. If no valid zero range exists, then the phrase
|
||
|
||
"Range <T>able (0 MUST BE SET)"
|
||
|
||
will be displayed in low intensity color instead.
|
||
|
||
One of the useful tables that QBALL will generate is a range table
|
||
from zero to a designated range with a fixed range increment. Press
|
||
"T" and enter the following data when prompted:
|
||
|
||
Range for this procedure..........: 200
|
||
Range Increment...................: 25
|
||
|
||
QBALL will clear the screen and display the following table,
|
||
(here shown in somewhat compressed format):
|
||
|
||
Range Table, Zeroed at Highlighted Range
|
||
----------------------------------------
|
||
Range R e m a i n i n g Total Path/Sight Line Defl'n Time
|
||
Yards Velocity Energy Drop M.O.A. Inches 10 MPH Flght
|
||
----- ----------------- ----- --------------- ------ -----
|
||
0 2300 1468 0.0 0.0 -1.0 0.0 0.000
|
||
25 2218 1365 0.2 1.5 0.4 0.1 0.033
|
||
50 2138 1268 0.9 2.7 1.3 0.5 0.068
|
||
75 2059 1176 2.0 2.4 1.8 1.0 0.104
|
||
100 1982 1090 3.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 0.141
|
||
125 1906 1008 5.8 1.0 1.2 2.8 0.179
|
||
[ 150 1832 932 8.6 0.0 0.0 4.1 0.219 ]
|
||
175 1761 861 12.0 -1.1 -1.9 5.8 0.261
|
||
200 1693 795 16.2 -2.2 -4.5 7.7 0.305
|
||
-----------------------------------
|
||
===> Press any key <===
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 11 ]
|
||
|
||
2.3 Displaying Graphics. (Available in EGA and CGA flavors)
|
||
-------------------
|
||
|
||
You should at this time be looking at a graphic representation of
|
||
the projectile's trajectory as viewed from the side. Note the empha-
|
||
sized line indicating the line of sight, and the curved line which
|
||
delineates the bullet's path from the muzzle (0) to the maximum range
|
||
(200). (Use a pencil to draw a smooth curve through the five #-signs
|
||
to delineate the bullet's path on this schematic representation.)
|
||
|
||
+-------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+-------+
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
I| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| +5 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+---- +5|
|
||
N| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | # | | | | |
|
||
C| 0 --#+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------#-------+----- 0|
|
||
# | | | | | | | |
|
||
H| | | | | | | | #
|
||
| -5 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+---- -5|
|
||
E| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
S|-10 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+--- -10|
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | YARDS | | | |
|
||
|-15 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+--- -15|
|
||
| 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 |
|
||
+-------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+-------+
|
||
| [ "Fine Print" -- remaining velocity and energy, current round ] |
|
||
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| > Current < > Previous < +=========================+|
|
||
| Max Ht : 1.8" @ 86 | *** Graphics Menu *** ||
|
||
| Min Ht : -4.5" @ 200 | --------------------- ||
|
||
| MuzVel : 2300 FPS | <G>rid Toggle On/Off ||
|
||
| TermVel: 1693 FPS | <S>ave Current Data ||
|
||
| BCoeff : .250 | <R>ecall Saved Data ||
|
||
| ZeroRg : 150 Yards | --------------------- ||
|
||
| Metro : Standard | <ESC>ape to Choose Next ||
|
||
+---------------------------------------+-------------------------++
|
||
|
||
The information provided is pretty much self-explanatory. (The
|
||
"fine print" below the display indicates the velocity and energy of
|
||
the CURRENT round at the appropriate range.) the menu options, i.e.,
|
||
<G>rid, <S>ave, and <ESC>ape, allow you to toggle the background grid
|
||
on and off, save trajectory data to disk, and quit the graphics rou-
|
||
tine, respectively.
|
||
Press "G" to see what happens; the screen is redrawn without the
|
||
background grid lines. Press "G" again to re-display the grid lines.
|
||
(In its default configuration, QBALL will display the grid.)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 13 ]
|
||
|
||
Note that the range at which zeroed, 150 yards, is still set. Step
|
||
through the process of developing a range table by entering a maximum
|
||
range (200), and the range increment (25). Press "G" at the "Choose
|
||
Next Output" Menu. In addition to the graph, this should be displayed:
|
||
(Again, use a pencil to draw a smooth curve connecting the X's in this
|
||
schematic diagram.)
|
||
|
||
|
||
+-------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+-------+
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
I| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| +5 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+---- +5|
|
||
N| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | X | | | | |
|
||
C| 0 ---X-------+--------+-------+--------+--------X-------+----- 0|
|
||
X | | | | | | | X
|
||
H| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| -5 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+---- -5|
|
||
E| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
S|-10 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+--- -10|
|
||
| | | | | | | | |
|
||
| | | | YARDS | | | |
|
||
|-15 ---+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+--- -15|
|
||
| 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 |
|
||
+-------+-------+--------+-------+--------+--------+-------+-------+
|
||
| [ "Fine Print" -- remaining velocity and energy, current round ] |
|
||
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| > Current < > Previous < +=========================+|
|
||
| Max Ht : 1.5" @ 86 | *** Graphics Menu *** ||
|
||
| Min Ht : -3.5" @ 200 | --------------------- ||
|
||
| MuzVel : 2500 FPS | <G>rid Toggle On/Off ||
|
||
| TermVel: 1858 FPS | <S>ave Current Data ||
|
||
| BCoeff : .250 | <R>ecall Saved Data ||
|
||
| ZeroRg : 150 Yards | --------------------- ||
|
||
| Metro : Standard | <ESC>ape to Choose Next ||
|
||
+---------------------------------------+-------------------------++
|
||
|
||
Now press <R> and <0> (that's "zero") to retrieve the trajectory
|
||
data you saved previously. You should get a display as shown on the
|
||
next page. (Again use a pencil to connect the X's and the # signs
|
||
with smooth curves. Note that the "X" curve is flatter than the "#"
|
||
curve.)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 15 ]
|
||
|
||
+=========================+
|
||
> Current < > Previous < | Graphics Menu |
|
||
Max Ht : 1.5" @ 86 +-------------------------+
|
||
Min Ht : -3.5" @ 200 | <G>rid Toggle |
|
||
MuzVel : 2500 FPS | <S>ave Current Data |
|
||
TermVel: 1858 FPS | On Disk: <0> thru <1> |
|
||
BCoeff : .250 +-------------------------+
|
||
ZeroRg : 150 Yards | <ESC>ape to Choose Next |
|
||
Metro : Standard +=========================+
|
||
|
||
QBALL lets you save up to 16 "QBALLSAV" files, 0 through 15; the
|
||
Graphics Menu accesses the saved files using "0" through "9: and "A"
|
||
through "F". (Quick introduction to hexadecimal, anyone?) An example
|
||
of "QBALLSAV" is to be found in Appendix C., page 41.
|
||
|
||
Should the display become cluttered with too many trajectory plots,
|
||
you may erase all but the "Current" plot by toggling the grid.
|
||
|
||
"QBALLSAV.INI" now exists in the current directory, along with two
|
||
sets of saved trajectory data: "QBALLSAV.0" and "QBALLSAV.1." The
|
||
*.INI file keeps track of how many sets of trajectory data have been
|
||
saved.
|
||
|
||
When you decide to quit QBALL, you will be prompted to either retain
|
||
or delete the saved-trajectory data. It is recommended that you press
|
||
"N" at that point, at least until you have played with QBALL awhile.
|
||
(Answering "N" erases all the "QBALLSAV" -- that is, the trajectory
|
||
data -- files, including "*.INI.") You cannot erase saved Range Tables
|
||
from within QBALL, unless you invoke the "DOS shell."
|
||
|
||
NOTE: don't confuse "Save Current Data," which saves the data used
|
||
to plot a previous trajectory, and "Save Range Table," which makes a
|
||
disk file identical in content to the hardcopy output. QBALL starts
|
||
numbering Range Tables at "1" (one), and does not keep track of tables
|
||
saved during previous sessions. If not renamed or moved, saved range
|
||
tables are overwritten. All saved range tables are named "RGTABLE.n,"
|
||
where n is a number.
|
||
|
||
Now press "ESC" to return to the "Choose Next Option" menu.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 17 ]
|
||
|
||
Sight Height. Allows fine-tuning QBALL to a specific weapon. The
|
||
supplied sight height of 1.00 inches is a "generic" value, and should
|
||
be changed to reflect the actual sight height. Acceptable values are
|
||
-2 to +5 inches. QBALL rounds sight heights to 0.01 inches.
|
||
|
||
Swap Units. This option toggles QBALL between yards and meters, and
|
||
will cause QBALL to make all range calculations in the chosen unit of
|
||
measure. Note well, however, that while computations using meters are
|
||
accurate, they may produce some rather strange looking displays;
|
||
specifically, the range increment may not appear as expected. This is
|
||
unavoidable, as meters and yards do not take kindly to being convert-
|
||
ed, one to the other. You may return to "yards" by swapping units
|
||
again. Note that only ranges are affected; heights and deflections
|
||
will still be displayed or printed in inches, and velocities will
|
||
continue to be shown in feet per second (FPS).
|
||
|
||
(A rough approximation to convert inches)
|
||
(to centimeters is to multiply all inches)
|
||
(dimensions by 2 1/2. (A more accurate)
|
||
(multiplier = 2.54.) Now, If you're a real)
|
||
(glutton for punishment, you can divide)
|
||
(velocities in FPS by 3.28083 to obtain)
|
||
(velocities in Meters per second. QBALL,)
|
||
(however, will not perform either of these)
|
||
(conversions for you. )
|
||
|
||
2.5 Other Ballistic Procedures.
|
||
--------------------------
|
||
|
||
Five "other ballistic procedures" are described in this section.
|
||
The first two, point-blank range and wind vector corrections, directly
|
||
interface with the range table/graphics procedures; slant angle of
|
||
fire, sectional density, and free recoil may be invoked for the infor-
|
||
mation they produce. From the computations menu, press "O" to access
|
||
the "Other Procedures Menu:"
|
||
|
||
+===============================+
|
||
| * Other Procedures Menu * |
|
||
| --------------------------- |
|
||
| <P>oint-blank Range |
|
||
| <W>ind Vector Corrections |
|
||
| Slant <A>ngle of fire |
|
||
| <S>ectional Density |
|
||
| <F>ree Recoil of Gun |
|
||
| --------------------------- |
|
||
| <ESC> to Computations Menu |
|
||
+===============================+
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
NOTE: All the examples in section 2.5 assume that you're still using
|
||
the input data as shown on page 7.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 19 ]
|
||
|
||
Wind Vector Corrections.
|
||
-----------------------
|
||
One of the columns in the range table gives the wind deflection, in
|
||
inches, for a 10 MPH "pure" crosswind. To compute the deflection for
|
||
other windspeeds and directions, press "W", and enter the wind speed
|
||
(in MPH), and the direction from which the wind is blowing, relative
|
||
to the line of sight, from 0 to 360 degrees. (O degrees is considered
|
||
as pure headwind, 180 degrees as pure tailwind.) QBALL will compute
|
||
the vector effects of the wind values entered, and will display them
|
||
as shown:
|
||
|
||
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
------------------------------
|
||
Wind velocity [ 10 MPH ] 20
|
||
Wind direction [ 270d ] 135
|
||
------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Range wind = 21 feet per second
|
||
Cross wind = 14 miles per hour
|
||
|
||
Crosswind correction = -1.40
|
||
|
||
Use crosswind correction factor in tables ? ([Y] or N)
|
||
|
||
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
|
||
A "Y" response will cause the deflection values in the range table to
|
||
be displayed for the computed crosswind; in this case, 14 MPH. QBALL
|
||
takes crosswinds from left to right as positive; from right to left,
|
||
as negative. No correction is applied for the range wind, as that
|
||
effect becomes significant only at very long range, with a low muzzle
|
||
velocity, and small ballistic coefficient. (Try entering a new muzzle
|
||
velocity using the range wind correction and see.) Should you wish to
|
||
return to the default wind values, enter the values appearing on the
|
||
prompt line in [brackets].
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 21 ]
|
||
|
||
Free Recoil Energy.
|
||
------------------
|
||
We all know that a firearm "kicks." Simple Newtonian physics,
|
||
right? But how hard does it kick? One way to compare absolute num-
|
||
bers, and without getting into the mare's nest of "actual" versus
|
||
"perceived" recoil, is to compare the recoil velocity and energy im-
|
||
parted to the weapon upon firing. Press "F," and enter the powder
|
||
weight in grains. The example uses 38 grains powder weight, which
|
||
seems to be a fair "average" powder weight from several random exam-
|
||
ples taken from the SPEER Reloading Manual. You must also enter the
|
||
weapon's weight, in either pounds and decimal fractions of a pound or
|
||
in pounds and ounces. For an 8 1/2 pound rifle, for example, enter
|
||
either "8.5" or "8 <space> 8". The result is displayed:
|
||
|
||
------------------------------
|
||
Gun Recoil Velocity: 7.83 FPS
|
||
Free Recoil Energy : 8.11 Ft#
|
||
|
||
|
||
===> press any key <===
|
||
|
||
Unfortunately, these figures are relatively meaningless without some
|
||
basis for comparison. Here are three for starters, all data computed
|
||
using QBALL:
|
||
--------- G U N --------
|
||
Velocity Energy
|
||
FPS Ft-Lbs
|
||
-------- ------
|
||
1. Ruger M77R (6.75 pounds)
|
||
.22-250 Remington 7.86 6.49
|
||
Muz Vel = 3680
|
||
Bul Wt = 55
|
||
Pow Wt = 36
|
||
|
||
2. Marlin 336CS (7 pounds)
|
||
.30-30 Winchester 10.67 12.39
|
||
Muz Vel = 2390
|
||
Bul Wt = 150
|
||
Pow Wt = 35
|
||
|
||
3. M1 Garand (9.5 pounds)
|
||
.30-'06 Springfield 10.88 17.47
|
||
Muz Vel = 2700
|
||
Bul Wt = 180
|
||
Pow Wt = 50.5
|
||
|
||
The ammunition specified is a "best estimate" using published
|
||
Winchester data for velocities and bullet weights, and powder weights
|
||
from the HORNADY HANDBOOK. The weapon weights were taken from the
|
||
1991 edition of GUN DIGEST.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 23 ]
|
||
|
||
3.1 First Run: r1 = 0
|
||
-----------------
|
||
|
||
When prompted for the "first range," press "enter;" for "second
|
||
range," enter "100." The following screen will be displayed. Enter
|
||
the appropriate velocity values as shown. QBALL will quickly return
|
||
the value of the ballistic coefficient, and ask if you wish to calcu-
|
||
late another round. Responding "Y" clears the velocity inputs, and
|
||
you'll be prompted for another velocity pair. In this case, press
|
||
"N." (In all probability, you're working from published tables, and
|
||
using the same numbers twice would be superfluous.)
|
||
|
||
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
|
||
*** Inferring a Ballistic Coefficient ***
|
||
-----------------------------------------
|
||
Metro: as displayed
|
||
Relative Air Density = 1.000; Sonic Velocity = 1.000
|
||
-----------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
For Round Number 1
|
||
First Velocity (Ft/Sec) 2300
|
||
Second Velocity (Ft/Sec) 1982
|
||
|
||
For Standard Atmosphere, C1 = .250
|
||
|
||
Calculate another Round? ([Y] or N)
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
[ Lower & Upper Ranges (yards) [0] & 100 ]
|
||
|
||
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
||
|
||
The center of the screen will clear, and the following information
|
||
is displayed:
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------
|
||
Average C1 for 1 round = .250
|
||
Between Mean Velocities 2300 and 1982
|
||
Calculated Muzzle Velocity = 2300
|
||
-----------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
QBALL will ask if you wish to print the table. For now, press "N"
|
||
to return to the main menu. Note that the muzzle velocity and the
|
||
computed ballistic coefficient are now shown in the information line.
|
||
If you so desired, you could go on to compute ballistic or gun data,
|
||
but let's try the infer ballistic coefficient routine again, with r1
|
||
set to something other than zero. (You should be at the main menu;
|
||
press "B.")
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 25 ]
|
||
|
||
|
||
Chapter 4
|
||
---------
|
||
|
||
Printing Tables
|
||
"""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
4.1 Printer warnings.
|
||
----------------
|
||
|
||
QBALL will detect "device fault" if your printer is off or off-line.
|
||
You must, however, ensure that paper is installed and the necessary
|
||
printer setup has been accomplished BEFORE you try to print ANY QBALL
|
||
output! (QBALL does not detect "paper out.")
|
||
|
||
4.2 Screen dumps.
|
||
------------
|
||
|
||
You may print a screen's worth of information using the Shift-PrtScr
|
||
key combination. This is NOT recommended, however, as you will lose
|
||
any information which has scrolled past on the screen.
|
||
|
||
4.3 Printer setup.
|
||
-------------
|
||
|
||
You need not set up your printer to skip perforations in fanfold
|
||
paper; QBALL keeps track of the number of lines printed and issues a
|
||
formfeed when appropriate. Continuation pages are sequentially num-
|
||
bered, and the appropriate column headers are printed on them.
|
||
Nor need you set your printer to indent from the left margin. At
|
||
first, it is best to use a printer setup of "left margin = 0," as
|
||
QBALL is set up to indent each table it prints. (The indents may be
|
||
changed using your own printer utilities, if desired.)
|
||
You may also toggle the print option "off," in which case, the
|
||
<P>rint menu options are disabled. This feature is useful if you are
|
||
sure that you won't want printouts, or if you have no printer. QBALL
|
||
defaults to printer "on," and enables the print option.
|
||
|
||
4.4 Print functions.
|
||
---------------
|
||
|
||
You may obtain hard copy from the "Choose Next Output" menu, if
|
||
enabled, or from this prompt:
|
||
|
||
Print this table? (Y or N).
|
||
|
||
Press "Y" to print the table. The prompt will be replaced with then
|
||
statement "Printing table" in highlighted text. If you have a printer
|
||
with a sizable buffer, QBALL will return you to the previous menu
|
||
quite quickly. If not, QBALL will finish printing out the table, then
|
||
return you to the previous menu.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 27 ]
|
||
|
||
|
||
Chapter 5
|
||
---------
|
||
|
||
Configuring display and default starting values
|
||
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
5.1 The Configuration Menu.
|
||
----------------------
|
||
|
||
You may wish to change some or all of QBALL's start-up data.
|
||
Press "U" at the main menu, to display this "Utilities Menu:"
|
||
|
||
+=============================+
|
||
| *** Utilities Menu *** |
|
||
| ------------------------- |
|
||
| Toggle <S>witches |
|
||
| Change Display <C>olors |
|
||
| <W>rite QBALL.INI Data |
|
||
| Invoke a <D>OS Shell |
|
||
| ------------------------- |
|
||
| <ESC> to M A I N M E N U |
|
||
+=============================+
|
||
|
||
5.2 Toggle Switches.
|
||
---------------
|
||
|
||
Press "S" to display this "Switch Toggle Menu." Pressing the
|
||
appropriate key toggles that particular item; the current setting is
|
||
reflected immediately; QBALL uses that setting until again changed.
|
||
|
||
+================================+
|
||
| *** Switch Toggle Menu *** |
|
||
| ---------------------------- |
|
||
| Yds/Mets <S>wap (Now Yards) |
|
||
| Graphics <G>rid (Now ON) |
|
||
| <P>rinter on/off (Now ON) |
|
||
| <N>oises on/off (Now ON) |
|
||
| ---------------------------- |
|
||
| <ESC> to Utilities Menu |
|
||
+================================+
|
||
|
||
You may also toggle the unit of range measure between yards and
|
||
meters from the "New/changed Input Data" menu, which is accessed from
|
||
the main menu and the computations menu.
|
||
If you toggle the printer off, all "Print This Table" prompts are
|
||
suppressed, and "====> Press any key <====" is displayed instead. If
|
||
noises are toggled off, they are replaced with a short-duration "flash"
|
||
in the lower right corner of your screen.
|
||
Toggling the graphics grid merely changes the appearance of the
|
||
first display of "pictures;" you will retain the option of changing
|
||
that appearance with the Graphics Menu's "<G>rid..." option.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 29 ]
|
||
|
||
Upon invocation of the "Write QBALL.INI Data," the new .INI data will
|
||
also include the values of these items which are currently in effect.
|
||
This allows you to "tailor" your copy of QBALL to match your own con-
|
||
ditions: your weapon, and the actual (or anticipated) metro which is
|
||
encountered at your own firing range.
|
||
|
||
QBALL no longer uses a separate *.INI file, but writes the initial-
|
||
zation data in binary format to the very end of QBALL.EXE. (This
|
||
means that the file date on your copy of QBALL.EXE will change every
|
||
time you invoke "<W>rite QBALL.INI Data." It's supposed to.)
|
||
|
||
Specific times you might very well want to use metro values other
|
||
than standard are, for example, if your range is not at sea level, or
|
||
if you're shooting during the summer, when the temperature might very
|
||
well exceed 59 deg.F. You can configure QBALL to start with the alti-
|
||
tude of your range, or an expected temperature, without the hassle of
|
||
changing the values after start-up.
|
||
|
||
In similar fashion, you may configure QBALL to start with the name
|
||
of your own weapon, say, "Ruger M77 .270" and the actual measured
|
||
height of that weapon's sight, say, 1.25 inches.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 31 ]
|
||
|
||
Now, if you are going to save a lot of range tables, all bets on
|
||
disk space are off! For example, the range table for a maximum range
|
||
of 500 yards with a range increment of 1 yard is over 43,000 bytes
|
||
long. For that reason, you might want to hold off on writing too
|
||
many of 'em.
|
||
|
||
One other wrinkle -- previously mentioned, but it bears repeating --
|
||
is that QBALL starts numbering RANGE TABLES from #1 in each session.
|
||
Between sessions, either rename the RGTABLE files, or move 'em some-
|
||
where else where they won't get overwritten. You could, of course,
|
||
write a batch file to take care of this; something like the following:
|
||
|
||
REN RGTABLE.* KEEPTBL.*
|
||
|
||
(or, for the brave:)
|
||
|
||
COPY RGTABLE.* [d:\]*.*
|
||
DEL RGTABLE.*
|
||
|
||
Call this RTNAME.BAT or some such, and run it from the DOS prompt, or
|
||
from within QBALL using the "Shell to DOS" feature. Just make sure
|
||
that the *.BAT file is in the same directory with the Range Table
|
||
files, or where it will be picked up by your computer's PATH.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 33 ]
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Appendix A
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
|
||
Glossary
|
||
""""""""
|
||
|
||
|
||
ABSOLUTE ZERO - Properly, that temperature at which all molecular mo-
|
||
tion ceases. For practical purposes, -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0
|
||
degrees Rankine.
|
||
|
||
AIR DENSITY - The mass (weight) of a unit volume of air.
|
||
|
||
AIR RESISTANCE - The retardation of a bullet's forward flight due to
|
||
the atmosphere.
|
||
|
||
ALTITUDE - The vertical distance above or below sea level. Altitudes
|
||
above sea level are taken as positive; those below, as negative.
|
||
|
||
BALLISTICS - The study of moving projectiles. Commonly, what is meant
|
||
is "exterior" ballistics: that portion of the bullet's flight between
|
||
the muzzle and the target.
|
||
|
||
BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT - The ratio of the sectional density of a pro-
|
||
jectile to its coefficient of form. A measure of how well a bullet re-
|
||
tains its velocity. Commonly supplied by reloading manufacturers, or
|
||
it may be derived from their ballistic tables. In QBALL, the ballis-
|
||
tic coefficient is always taken at standard metro. The program cor-
|
||
rects for nonstandard conditions, but does not display the corrected
|
||
ballistic coefficient(s). See STANDARD METRO
|
||
|
||
BALLISTIC EFFICIENCY - The relative ability of a bullet in flight to
|
||
overcome air resistance.
|
||
|
||
BORE - The inside of a firearm's barrel. In rifled firearms, the bore
|
||
diameter is the original dimension of the barrel before the rifling
|
||
grooves are cut or swaged in it. Bore diameter may also be taken as
|
||
the transverse dimension between the lands of the rifling. See LANDS
|
||
|
||
BRASS - Alloy of copper and zinc commonly used in the fabrication of
|
||
cartridge cases. Also, one or more cartridge cases containing neither
|
||
powder, nor primer, nor bullet.
|
||
|
||
BULLET - The actual projectile in small arms ammunition. Commonly
|
||
corrupted to mean the entire cartridge.
|
||
|
||
BULLET WEIGHT - Weight of the actual projectile, usually stated in
|
||
grains. See GRAIN
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 35 ]
|
||
|
||
GRAIN - A unit of weight equal to 1/7000 of a pound. 437.5 grains
|
||
equal one ounce. May also refer to an individual particle, or ker-
|
||
nel, of powder. In cartridge specifications, always refers to the
|
||
weight, never to individual particles.
|
||
|
||
GROOVES - Spiral impressions cut or swaged lengthwise through a bore
|
||
to impart spin to projectiles. See LANDS.
|
||
|
||
GROUP - The pattern made, at the target, by a number of shots fired at
|
||
a single point of aim and (usually) a common sight setting. Usually
|
||
measured from center-to-center of the two most widely spaced holes.
|
||
|
||
GUN - In popular usage, refers to firearms, generally.
|
||
|
||
HANDGUN - A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
|
||
|
||
HOLD OFF - The distance a shooter must shift his point of aim to the
|
||
left or right to compensate for wind deflection.
|
||
|
||
HOLD OVER - The distance a shooter must raise his point of aim to be
|
||
on target when his firearm is zeroed at a lesser range.
|
||
|
||
HORIZONTAL FIRE - That type of fire occurring when the barrel of the
|
||
firearm is not elevated significantly above the horizontal. Generally
|
||
may be taken as 1 degree of arc or less.
|
||
|
||
INGALLS' TABLES - A set of ballistic tables first calculated by Col.
|
||
J. M. Ingalls in 1918. Probably the most widely used tables for small
|
||
arms ballistics calculations.
|
||
|
||
IRON SIGHTS - Colloquial term for metallic sights.
|
||
|
||
LANDS - Those portions of a rifled bore not cut away by rifling
|
||
grooves. See GROOVES
|
||
|
||
LEAD - (leed) How far ahead of a moving target a shooter must aim to
|
||
be assured of hitting it.
|
||
|
||
LEAD - (led) Soft, dense, silvery-gray metal with relatively low melt-
|
||
ing point which forms the basis for many bullets.
|
||
|
||
LINE OF DEPARTURE - An imaginary line formed by extending the axis of
|
||
a firearm's bore in a downrange direction.
|
||
|
||
LINE OF SIGHT - An imaginary line from the center of the sights to
|
||
the point of aim. The bullet typically crosses this line only twice;
|
||
once, a few yards from the muzzle, and again at the targeted distance.
|
||
|
||
MASS - Properly, the weight of an object divided by the acceleration
|
||
due to gravity. Commonly taken to mean "weight."
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 37 ]
|
||
|
||
POINT OF IMPACT - That point which a bullet actually strikes. In most
|
||
cases, considered in relation to point of aim.
|
||
|
||
POWDER - The propellant material used in firearms. Usually not in
|
||
powder form, but as small rods, spheres, or flakes.
|
||
|
||
PRIMER - Impact-sensitive component of a cartridge which ignites the
|
||
powder charge upon being struck by the firing pin or the striker of a
|
||
firearm.
|
||
|
||
PROJECTILE - A bullet, shell, golfball or other object shot, hit,
|
||
thrown, or hurled in space; a projectile receives a single impetus,
|
||
and continues in motion by its own inertia. A bullet is not properly
|
||
a projectile until it is in motion.
|
||
|
||
RELATIVE AIR DENSITY - The density of air at the measured metro divid-
|
||
ed by the density of air at standard metro, expressed as a dimension-
|
||
less decimal fraction, e.g., 1.000.
|
||
|
||
RELATIVE SONIC VELOCITY - The velocity of sound at the measured metro
|
||
divided by the velocity of sound at standard metro, expressed as a di-
|
||
mensionless decimal fraction, e.g., 1.000.
|
||
|
||
REMAINING ENERGY - A projectile's energy in foot-pounds at a given
|
||
range.
|
||
|
||
REMAINING VELOCITY - A projectile's velocity in FPS at a given range.
|
||
|
||
ROUND - One complete cartridge. Also used to refer to the sequential
|
||
number of a shot in a number of shots, as "Round #3."
|
||
|
||
SCOPE - optical, as opposed to metallic, sights. Generally compounded
|
||
as in "scope sight", "scope equipped", "scoped."
|
||
|
||
SIGHT HEIGHT - The measured vertical distance between the horizontal
|
||
centerline of the sights and the axis of the bore.
|
||
|
||
SIGHTING IN - The process of firing to determine point of impact at a
|
||
given range and adjusting the sights so that the point of impact has
|
||
the desired relationship to the point of aim. See also ZERO.
|
||
|
||
SIGHT RADIUS - The distance between the rear and the front sight, on
|
||
those weapons equipped with metallic sights.
|
||
|
||
SONIC VELOCITY - The speed of sound through air.
|
||
|
||
STANDARD MET - Atmospheric conditions as follows: Temperature is 59
|
||
degrees Fahrenheit, barometric pressure is 29.53 inches mercury, gun
|
||
altitude is zero (sea level), and relative humidity is 78 percent.
|
||
Firing tables are usually corrected to standard met conditions.
|
||
|
||
STP - Standard Temperature and Pressure. See STANDARD MET.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 39 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix B
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Example of Ballistic Coefficient from Tabular Data
|
||
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
The following table summarizes the determination of a ballistic
|
||
coefficient using tabular values. The table data is as published in
|
||
the 1990 GUN DIGEST, page 229.
|
||
|
||
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| From Gun Digest Table for 30-06 Spfd, 180 gr bullet:|
|
||
| |
|
||
| Range in Yards |
|
||
| ------------------------------------ |
|
||
| Muz 100 200 300 400 |
|
||
| ------------------------------------ |
|
||
| Velocity 2700 2469 2250 2042 1846 |
|
||
| Energy 2913 2436 2023 1666 1362 |
|
||
| Trajectory -1.5 2.5 0.0 -9.3 -27.0 |
|
||
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|
||
Table B1. Data Taken From Published Table.
|
||
|
||
Using the routines to infer a ballistic coefficient, plugging in
|
||
100 and 200 yards for the required ranges, and using the associated
|
||
velocities, QBALL reports that C1 (the ballistic coefficient) is equal
|
||
to 0.384.
|
||
Returning to the main menu, selecting the ballistic computations
|
||
option, and entering the appropriate values for muzzle velocity and
|
||
bullet weight and zero range, QBALL produces the data shown in Table
|
||
B2.
|
||
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| QBALL Data Table for 30-06 Spfd, 180 gr bullet: |
|
||
| |
|
||
| Range in Yards |
|
||
| ------------------------------------ |
|
||
| Muz 100 200 300 400 |
|
||
| ------------------------------------ |
|
||
| Velocity 2700 2470 2251 2043 1846 |
|
||
| Energy 2913 2437 2024 1668 1362 |
|
||
| Trajectory -1.5 2.1 0.0 -9.0 -26.2 |
|
||
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|
||
Table B2. Data Calculated Using QBALL.
|
||
|
||
The maximum variations are: Velocity, 1 FPS; Energy, 2 FtLbs; and
|
||
Trajectory 0.8 inches. QBALL, therefore, can produce results in sub-
|
||
stantial agreement with published data.
|
||
It may be found that QBALL's computation of ballistic coefficient
|
||
from tabular data does not exactly agree with the value known to be
|
||
correct. A series of successive approximations can compensate for
|
||
QBALL's built-in roundoff characteristics, and the small errors re-
|
||
sulting from them.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 41 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix C
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
|
||
Example QBALLSAV.* File
|
||
"""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
|
||
The following table represents, in part and in somewhat compress-
|
||
ed form, one of the QBALLSAV files produced using the data entered in
|
||
Chapter 2. The first column is the range; the second, the trajectory
|
||
height relative to the sight line. Note that the range increment is
|
||
1/100 of the maximum range. (This is for EGA; CGA uses 1/50.)
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
Yards
|
||
0.0 -1.00
|
||
2.0 -0.89
|
||
4.0 -0.78
|
||
////////////////////////////////////////////////
|
||
... major portion of data omitted
|
||
////////////////////////////////////////////////
|
||
196.0 -3.17
|
||
198.0 -3.36
|
||
200.0 -3.55
|
||
2500 .25 150 1.49034 -3.548949 86
|
||
200 166.53 01-09-1992 / 12:00:00 / Typical Firearm
|
||
Misc Info: Wt Tmp Alt BPr Hum SHt
|
||
125 59 0 29.53 78 1
|
||
[ end QBALLSAV.0 ]
|
||
|
||
-------------------------------------
|
||
Key to values listed at end of table:
|
||
-------------------------------------
|
||
First line:
|
||
[Muzzle velocity] [Ballistic Coefficient] [Zero Range]
|
||
[Max Height] [Min Height] [Range at Max Height]
|
||
Second line:
|
||
[Max Range] [Metro constant] [Date/Time/Identifier]
|
||
Third and fourth lines:
|
||
[Bullet weight] [Temperature] [Gun altitude] [Barometric Pressure]
|
||
[Relative humidity] [Sight height]
|
||
Fifth line:
|
||
End of file indicator with Filename and number
|
||
=====================================
|
||
|
||
The metro constant in line 2 keeps track of whether this trajec-
|
||
tory data was computed using standard or nonstandard met. It is the
|
||
sum of the four metro values: temperature, altitude, barometric pres-
|
||
sure, and relative humidity.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 43 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix D
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
|
||
Selected bibliography
|
||
"""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Davis, William C., Jr. "Ballistics on the Home Computer,"
|
||
American Rifleman, CXXXI, 6 (June, 1983), p. 36.
|
||
|
||
Davis, William C., Jr. "Ballistics on A Pocket Calculator,"
|
||
American Rifleman, CXXXV, 6 (June, 1987), p. 42.
|
||
|
||
Davis, William C., Jr. "Calculate Ballistic Coefficients,"
|
||
American Rifleman, CXXXVII, 3 (March, 1989), p. 44.
|
||
|
||
Davis, William C., Jr. "What Is The Ballistic Coefficient?,"
|
||
American Rifleman, CXXXVII, 3 (March, 1989), p. 12.
|
||
|
||
HODGDON BASIC DATA MANUAL, Shawnee Mission: Hodgdon Power
|
||
Company, Incorporated, 1987
|
||
|
||
Ramage, C. Kenneth (ed.). LYMAN RELOADING HANDBOOK. 46th ed.
|
||
Middlefield: Lyman Products Corporation, 1982.
|
||
|
||
Reiber, Ron L., and Heers, Edward A. (eds.). HORNADY HANDBOOK
|
||
OF CARTRIDGE RELOADING, RIFLE-PISTOL. 3d ed. Grand Island:
|
||
Hornady Manufacturing Company, 1980.
|
||
|
||
SPEER RELOADING MANUAL #11, Lewiston: Omark Industries, Incorp-
|
||
orated, 1987
|
||
|
||
Warner, Ken (ed.). GUN DIGEST, 1990. Northbrook: DBI Books,
|
||
1989.
|
||
|
||
Warner, Ken (ed.). GUN DIGEST, 1991. Northbrook: DBI Books,
|
||
1989.
|
||
|
||
WINCHESTER PRODUCT INFORMATION AND BALLISTICS GUIDE, East
|
||
Alton: Winchester/Olin Corporation, 1989
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 45 ]
|
||
|
||
An examination of the data in Table D1 indicates that computa-
|
||
tion of remaining velocities using QBALL will be, on average, 0.47%
|
||
high relative to the Speer data, and 0.42% low relative to the Hornady
|
||
data. The Hornady data, however, must be considered suspect, as the
|
||
actual ballistic coefficients available in the Hornady table do not
|
||
exactly match those specified. Even so, it would appear that QBALL's
|
||
velocity results are certainly within one or two percent of published
|
||
data. In practical terms, there is probably one or two percent vari-
|
||
ation in velocity between successive rounds in a string, if not more.
|
||
QBALL, it would appear, can produce velocity figures which are accu-
|
||
rate enough for practical purposes.
|
||
Trajectory comparisons are presented in the following table.
|
||
|
||
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Trajectory Comparisons - Conditions as Shown |
|
||
| ============================================== |
|
||
| [ All at Standard Met ] |
|
||
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Range = 250 yards, zeroed at 50 yards; C1 =.12, MuzVel = 2100 |
|
||
| |
|
||
| Inches above/below line of sight at...(yards) |
|
||
| --------------------------------------------- |
|
||
| Muzzle 50 100 150 200 250 |
|
||
| ------ --- ---- ---- ---- ---- |
|
||
| QBALL -1.5 0.0 -1.3 -6.4 -16.9 -34.3 |
|
||
| SPEER -1.5 0.0 -1.3 -6.4 -17.0 -34.7 |
|
||
| HORNADY -1.5 0.0 -1.2 -6.3 -16.7 -33.2 |
|
||
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Range = 400 yards, zeroed at 200 yards; C1 =.26, MuzVel = 2500 |
|
||
| |
|
||
| Inches above/below line of sight at...(yards) |
|
||
| --------------------------------------------- |
|
||
| Muzzle 100 200 300 400 |
|
||
| ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- |
|
||
| QBALL -1.5 2.9 0.0 -13.0 -39.5 |
|
||
| SPEER -1.5 3.0 0.0 -13.0 -39.6 |
|
||
| HORNADY -1.5 3.0 0.0 -13.1 -39.7 |
|
||
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Range = 400 yards, zeroed at 200 yards; C1 =.50, MuzVel = 3300 |
|
||
| |
|
||
| Inches above/below line of sight at...(yards) |
|
||
| --------------------------------------------- |
|
||
| Muzzle 100 200 300 400 |
|
||
| ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- |
|
||
| QBALL -1.5 1.1 0.0 -5.2 -15.2 |
|
||
| SPEER -1.5 1.1 0.0 -5.2 -15.2 |
|
||
| HORNADY -1.5 1.1 0.0 -5.3 -15.7 |
|
||
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|
||
(Key: MuzVel = Muzzle Velocity C1 = Ballistic Coefficient)
|
||
|
||
Table D2. Trajectory Comparisons Under Specified Conditions.
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 47 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix F
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Error messages and default starting values
|
||
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
|
||
Error Messages
|
||
--------------
|
||
|
||
Following are all the QBALL error messages, with a description
|
||
of the circumstances under which they will be encountered.
|
||
|
||
+----------------------+
|
||
| .INI File Not Found |
|
||
+----------------------+
|
||
QBALLSAV.INI not found. Either it doesn't exist, or QBALL.EXE
|
||
and *.INI are not in the same directory/on the same disk.
|
||
(On a fast enough machine, you probably won't see this one.)
|
||
|
||
+------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Not Enough Velocity Remains - Input Greater MV |
|
||
+------------------------------------------------+
|
||
QBALL is unable to complete a computation because the remaining
|
||
velocity is less than 300 FPS.
|
||
|
||
+--------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter Range greater than zero |
|
||
+--------------------------------+
|
||
QBALL will not accept a range of "zero."
|
||
|
||
+-------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter 0 < Range Increment <= Range |
|
||
+-------------------------------------+
|
||
You're trying to enter a range increment of zero, or to enter
|
||
a range increment greater than the maximum range chosen.
|
||
|
||
+------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter 300 <= Velocity <= 4500 FPS |
|
||
+------------------------------------+
|
||
You're trying to enter a velocity less than 300 or greater than
|
||
4500 FPS.
|
||
|
||
+-----------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter -50 <= Temperature <= +125 |
|
||
+-----------------------------------+
|
||
You're trying to enter a temperature value which is out of
|
||
range. (If you really need this program to operate at
|
||
Arctic/Saharan temperatures, let me know! I'll customize
|
||
one for you.)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 49 ]
|
||
|
||
Error Messages (continued)
|
||
--------------
|
||
|
||
+-----------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter Second Range > First Range |
|
||
+-----------------------------------+
|
||
In inferring ballistic coefficients, you're attempting to enter
|
||
a second range which is smaller than the first range you have
|
||
entered.
|
||
|
||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||
| Inferred C1 exceeds 1.00 - check data |
|
||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||
Input data is probably incorrect; ballistic coefficients cannot,
|
||
by definition, exceed unity.
|
||
|
||
+------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter 1 <= Powder Weight < 200 gr |
|
||
+------------------------------------+
|
||
You're attempting to enter a zero propellant weight in the
|
||
determination of recoil.
|
||
|
||
+-------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter 1 oz <= Gun Weight <= 30 lbs |
|
||
+-------------------------------------+
|
||
You're attempting to enter a value which is out of range.
|
||
|
||
+-----------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter Lbs + [space] + 0 <= Ounces < 16 |
|
||
+-----------------------------------------+
|
||
QBALL can't figure out how much your weapon weighs in the
|
||
determination of recoil.
|
||
|
||
+------------------------------------------------+
|
||
| Enter Sight Height <= Maximum Deviation <= 40 |
|
||
+------------------------------------------------+
|
||
In determining point blank range, the maximum deviation
|
||
must exceed the sight height, and may not exceed 40 inches.
|
||
|
||
+----------------------------+
|
||
| Enter Bullet Diameter > 0 |
|
||
+----------------------------+
|
||
In determining a sectional density, the bullet must have
|
||
a diameter.
|
||
|
||
+-----------------------------------------+
|
||
| Maximum Deviation Reset to Sight Height |
|
||
+-----------------------------------------+
|
||
In determining point blank range, the maximum deviation
|
||
cannot be less than the sight height. (Sorry.)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 51 ]
|
||
|
||
Default Starting Values
|
||
-----------------------
|
||
|
||
QBALL uses information stored at the tail end of QBALL.EXE to
|
||
set its display colors and several of the values with which it
|
||
starts. As supplied, that data is as follows:
|
||
|
||
"Typical Firearm",15,10,7,1,7,"Yards ","Meters",1,
|
||
-1,59,0,29.53,78,1,-1,-1
|
||
|
||
Taking these in order, the individual entries result in the
|
||
following:
|
||
|
||
"Typical
|
||
Firearm" ... Cartridge/bullet identifier
|
||
15 ... Foreground (text) color ( = HI white)
|
||
10 ... Highlighted text color ( = HI green)
|
||
7 ... Title/Info line color ( = white )
|
||
1 ... Background color ( = blue )
|
||
7 ... Help display background ( = white )
|
||
"Yards " ... Unit of range measure (trailing space necessary)
|
||
"Meters" ... Alternate unit of range measure
|
||
1 ... Sight height in inches
|
||
-1 ... Noises on or off ( = on )
|
||
59 ... Air temperature, degrees Fahrenheit
|
||
0 ... Gun altitude in feet
|
||
29.53 ... Barometric pressure in inches of mercury
|
||
78 ... Relative humidity, in percent
|
||
1! ... Relative air density at given metro
|
||
-1 ... Graphics grid on or off ( = on )
|
||
-1 ... Print prompt on or off ( = on )
|
||
|
||
(The metro values are for the STANDARD atmosphere)
|
||
|
||
Should you be VERY brave, you can modify this data with any
|
||
disk file editor; DEBUG, for example. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED!
|
||
(Better by far to use the QBALL configuration routines!)
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
(There are those who would say that)
|
||
(manually modifying a program's .INI)
|
||
(data isn't brave; it's foolhardy!)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 53 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix G
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Suggested Enhancements
|
||
""""""""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
Version of QBALL you are using?
|
||
(appears in the box on screen one)______________
|
||
|
||
What should QBALL do that it doesn't do now? _____________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
What does QBALL do now, but could do better? _____________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
Other comments, requests, gripes? ________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
__________________________________________________________________
|
||
(continue on reverse)
|
||
|
||
If you are the first to suggest an improvement which is subse-
|
||
quently implemented, you'll receive a free copy of the first release
|
||
incorporating your suggestion. It will take awhile, so please be
|
||
patient.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Your name ___________________________________________
|
||
|
||
Street ___________________________________________
|
||
|
||
City/State/Zip ______________________________________
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Remove this page, fold, tape it shut, stamp, and mail. (Make sure
|
||
that the address block is plainly visible!)
|
||
|
||
[ QBALL -- Exterior Ballistics -- 55 ]
|
||
|
||
Appendix H
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Registration Form
|
||
"""""""""""""""""
|
||
|
||
User Questionnaire (optional)
|
||
-----------------------------
|
||
|
||
Version and Registration number of QBALL you have now?
|
||
|
||
(appears in the box on screen one) V:________Reg#:__________
|
||
|
||
Where did you initially obtain QBALL?
|
||
(Bulletin Board, CompuServe, etc.)__________________________
|
||
|
||
Do you use other ballistics programs?_____ Which one(s)?________
|
||
|
||
_________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
||
Order Form
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Please send the following (check appropriate box):
|
||
+--+
|
||
| | Register QBALL (most recent release) with
|
||
| | source code and manual @$60.00: $____.___
|
||
+--+
|
||
+--+
|
||
| | Register QBALL (most recent release) with
|
||
| | manual @25.00: $____.___
|
||
+--+
|
||
|
||
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $____.___
|
||
|
||
+--+ +--+
|
||
Format: 5 1/4" 360k | | 3 1/2" 720k | |
|
||
+--+ +--+
|
||
|
||
Your name ___________________________________________
|
||
|
||
Street ___________________________________________
|
||
|
||
City/State/Zip ______________________________________
|
||
|
||
Please make checks payable in US funds drawn upon a US bank, or use
|
||
USPS money orders payable to Benjamin W. Hartley, and mail to:
|
||
|
||
Benjamin W. Hartley
|
||
Forest Park Estates #103
|
||
Jaffrey, NH 03452
|
||
|