Update 2-27

I have recently checked out the book "Understanding Firearm Ballistics" by Robert Rinker from the local library. Even though this book is hard to read, i have still used it to figure out more about the forces that effect a projectile while in flight.

The main factors that effect a projectile in flight are gravity, drag, and wind. Gravity is always acting on a projectile, pulling it down to earth and altering it from its original line of sight, this drop may not seem present in close range shots, but can be huge during longer range shooting. Drag or air resistance also decelerates the projectile while in flight. Wind effects the projectile by changing the path of trajectory. All these factors need to be accounted for when firing a rifle at long distances and corrections must be made.

The first thing that needs to be done before attempting any shooting at a target is to "zero" the weapon system you are using. This means to sight the gun in, or to see where the bullet is penetrating and line that up with the scope or sights that are used so that you know where you are going to hit when you pull the trigger. Most high-powered rifles are sighted in at 100 meters. When zeroing a weapon system, an initial shot is taken at a target then (if using a scoped sight) make the necessary corrections to move the crosshairs. Most scopes use a "click" system to sight in, one click moving crosshairs 1/4 of an inch at 100 yards. Two knobs are "clicked" when sighting in, a vertical knob and a horizontal knob. The shooter must D.O.P.E. ( data on previous engagements, or using previous shots to help predict where the next shot will impact) his scope and play with the clicks until the projectile hits where the crosshairs cross. Once a zero is made at a known distance, a shooter can remember that zero and adjust it to compensate for different ranges and other determining factors such as gravity, drag, and wind.

I am still learning more about how shooters can effectively make these corrections in their head on the fly while shooting at various targets, i have found some mathematical equations used for calculating the drop of the bullet, but I must research more before i fully understand what they mean and how they are used.

Update for 2-18-11

 In this entry you should list any new materials you've found, new research you've done, tweaks made to to your product, etc.  In short, what have you been doing with your time?  And what do you see as your biggest challenges going forward?
I have found multiple sources that will be helpful with information about bullet trajectory. I am writing an email to them asking for information in return. I have gotten a library card from the public library and I am getting ready to check out Understanding Firearm Ballistics by Robert A. Rinker. I am thinking about using a blog as my main product, this will let me look back and really view how much i have learned throughout my research. My biggest challenges so far are being able to find information specific to my topic. It is very easy to find to find books and internet sources on ballistics, but not external ballistics. We will see soon if this causes any big problems affecting my research.

Experts

Stephan Wolfram – physicist and businessman

• Wolfram became in 1981 the youngest recipient of a MacArthur Prize Fellowship.
• He published his first scientific paper at the age of 15
• Wolfram was educated at Eton, Oxford, and Caltech
• Stephan Wolfram can possibly help me with my research because he is a physicist and my topic has a lot to do with physics and how outside forces affect bullet trajectory

Mr. Seiple – Physics teacher at sycamore high school

• Mr. Seiple could help me with my research by helping me understand how the physics aspect of trajectory may effect how the bullet travels through the air

Brigadier General Bryan R. Owens

Assistant Commandant at Fort Benning in Georgia

·       He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry through the ROTC Program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1983 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and with a Bachelor of Science Degree

·       Master of Science Degree from Central Michigan University in 1995

• Bryan Owens could help me with my research by sending/describing me information about bullet trajectory and how they teach snipers in the army to make successful long range shots

Mr. Shrimpton – Teacher at sycamore high school

• Teaches military history
• Mr. Shrimpton could help me with my research by giving me different books or sites where I could study my topic more. He could also provide me with the information necessary to fully understand my topic

Major Allen Boothby USMC Ret. S/SA president

• Recipient, Navy Achievement Medal for superior performance and exemplary service in Northern Iraq
•       Awarded Commendation Medal for meritorious service in Italy in support of operations in the Balkans
• Former OIC Scout Sniper Instructor School Quantico, VA
• Assistant Professor of Naval Science and Naval ROTC, Duke University 
• Finalist, National Instructor of the Year 2002

• Current President for S/SA (Scout Sniping Association)
• Major Allen Boothby could help me research my topic by sharing his expertise on scout sniping and showing me where to get the information I will need to conduct my research. 

Capstone #1

1.  My subject is external ballistics, or how the conditions of the earth can effect how a bullet travels through the air (trajectory) over long distances. I want to study external ballistics to learn more about how US Scout Snipers Spotters can make effective corrections according to the conditions and relay that information to his sniper. I will use this information to create a website so everyone who is interested in my subject can view it and appreciate all the amazing split-second decision making and on the spot trigonometry that is required to make a successful shot.
2.  Gun and rifle specialists know a lot about my subject, as well as US Army or Marines veterans. I am thinking about interviewing Mr. Shrimpton as well as a knowledgeable member of the NRA about my topic.
3. My role to help my peer group is to give my honest opinion about my members subjects and to help make sure everyone stays on track. It is also my role to be skeptical towards all my members and ask them certain questions to make sure they have all they have all the information covered that might be asked about their subject.
4.  I am thinking about making a website for my topic. On this website I could provide data charts for certain corrections that someone shooting at long distances could use. I also want to provide certain information which is interesting and amazing. I am also thinking about making a video of myself shooting a rifle at a long distance to show all the factors that contribute to the trajectory of the bullet which will be featured on the website.
5.  I thought capstone was going to be a pain and i was going to hate it, but it turns out it is not that bad.  I am gaining more interest about my subject every day which allows me to have a more positive outlook on the project. I also think that this project will better prepare me for the long papers that i will have to do in college.