Ballistic calculator
Software in the scope that moves the aiming point for distance, using your bullet's data and the range to the animal.
What it means
A bullet drops as it travels. A ballistic calculator works out how far, using details you enter about your load, and shifts the reticle or adds a holdover mark so you can aim dead on at the measured distance. In most thermal scopes that have one, it takes the distance from a built-in laser rangefinder.
The inputs usually include muzzle velocity, the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (a number for how well it holds speed), bullet weight, how high the scope sits above the bore, and your zero distance. Some scopes take them in the menu; others through a phone app.
What it changes in the field
With a coyote standing at 310 yards in the dark, you range it, and the scope moves the aim point. No holdover chart, no counting reticle marks. It saves time on a call when the animal may only stop for a few seconds.
What to look for
- Good inputs. The calculator is only as right as the numbers you give it. Use a measured muzzle velocity from your rifle if you can, not the box figure.
- Confirm at distance. Shoot at known ranges, say 200 and 300 yards, and check that the impacts match before trusting it on an animal.
- One profile per load. If you change ammunition, update the profile. See zero profiles.
- Wind. Many built-in calculators handle drop only. Check whether yours accounts for wind, and how you enter it.
How we use it on this site
We show whether the maker lists a ballistic calculator on riflescopes, as yes, no or not published. It is not scored.