HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 07 - MARKSMANSHIP
TRAJECTORY: YOUR BULLET'S PATH
Trajectory is the path that a bullet, slug or shot takes after being fired. Firearms are designed to fire a true, straight shot, but the following factors will affect the path your bullet takes:
Gravity
Gravity will pull your bullet towards the ground as it travels forward. This results in a downward curved path, which means your muzzle must be slightly raised when you fire to make up for the downward pull.
Air Resistance
Air resistance holds your bullet back and slows its flight. Think about the wind—is it blowing towards you or away from you?
Velocity & Mass
Velocity is the speed at which your bullet travels and it’s relative to the bullet’s mass. ‘Mass’ is the weight of the bullet, which will affect the speed at which the bullet travels, or it’s ‘velocity’.