Ballistic Calculator with with FT, HFT and BenchRest simulators

[windmaster]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to introduce "WindMaster", an Android app I originally started building for my own use and that I use to train between range sessions. I started it because wind was the thing I struggled with most, and it has grown over time with input from competitive shooters until it turned into something bigger.

I'm sharing it here in case you find it useful and, above all, to get feedback from people who actually use it.

Underneath everything is a ballistic calculator that has been cross-checked against Strelok Pro, so the Field Target, Hunting Field Target and BenchRest games apply the real calculations and corrections from your own ballistic profile. That makes it guided training that carries over to the corrections you make on the range.

I'd encourage you to give it a try. Here is what it does beyond the game-mode simulators:

• It currently includes over 27 real scopes (Sightron, Schmidt & Bender, Falcon, Element, Optisan, Delta, Nikko Stirling, Hawke, Valiant, Bushnell and more), each one calibrated with its reticle and accurate references at every magnification, including both second and first focal plane. This helps you compare different reticles and get to know your own scope's references for wind holds.
• The ballistic calculator automatically generates the ballistic table, wind table, angle table and an HFT cheat sheet you can tape to your scope. Easy to share and print. Since it's for airguns only (PCP and springer), the setup is simpler than in other calculators that also cover powder burners, but at the same time it explains every parameter and doesn't skip or round off any variable.
• Work out your scope height mathematically using field tests. Build a complete ballistic table from 4 or 5 groups on the range, with no chronograph needed.
• Bluetooth anemometer integration for guided wind practice.
• A training log to record your range sessions without having to type anything into your phone, which you can then use to identify what caused your misses and pull statistics on your weak points.
• Wind observation mode, to match the movement of your wind indicator to what the game is showing.
• A quiz with questions on wind, competition rules, and questions specific to the scope and ballistic profile you have set up.
• FT, HFT and BR games with multiplayer and practice modes.
• A news board where updates will be posted.

The app is under constant development, it has an educational focus, and it can be used for free, with no ads, no tracking, and all data stored on your phone. There is also an optional one-time payment that unlocks all the branded reticles and the advanced features, meant as a way to support the project and keep improving it.

Google Play: WindMaster - Airgun Ballistics - Apps on Google Play

Web: WindMaster — Field Target ballistics & wind-reading trainer

Any feedback is welcome: what's missing, a scope that isn't there, an error in a reticle's markings, or simply what you would do differently. A good part of what's in the app today came from shooters' suggestions, so everything gets read and taken into account.

If it gets a good reception I'll look into making an iPhone version, but right now it's Android only.

Thanks a lot and good shooting!

 

[windmaster]

IOS version for iphone/ipad is now available in America! (EU availability in few days):

WindMaster Airgun Ballistics App - App Store

 

[PapaT]

This looks really well laid out. I missed the android offering until the apple one was ready. I'll check it out and look forward to playing with it, those scopes are all for the real players, not budget Papa. Which makes sense. Anyway, I'm looking forward to playing with it and learning a thing or two along the way. Do you plan to expand pellet options?

 

[windmaster]

Thanks @PapaT, you find it useful!

App is done by competitors for competitors so those are the most requested scopes (Wallet killers I know..) , but it has many features that can be used by all type of airgun shooters. Wind Quiz will be updated regulary with more information and exercises and I'm sure there is plenty to learn for everyone there.

You can add your own pellet with its weight, head size, length and it is stored within your ballistic profiles(which can be exported for backup and sharing). This approach is more accurate than the generic pellet tables found on the internet.

Still, the real reason I am not chasing a longer catalogue of pellets is also that the BC is already including all information required for the ballistic calculations, so I focused my efforts in the app in providing different ways to accurately calculate the BC.

Pellet weight only pairs with muzzle velocity to give you the power, which is just informative. Pellet dimensions feed the Miller formula for stability, which in turn only feeds the Magnus effect, the small vertical a crosswind adds, and under 50 meters is not very relevant:

In other words, for airguns under 50 meters, as long as you have a good BC, the pellet database can be completly ignored in a ballistic calculator. Most add it only for fireguns and/or long distance with crosswind.

 

[PapaT]

I found the pellet add right after my response yesterday, and put the Baracuda 8 into it. Conveniently HAM has a very nice system of testing to help get that data for the table.

 

[Billm]

If you’re hoping to tackle the U.S. market, there a few needed changes. Not everyone, but a lot of U.S. airgunners are shooting PCPs at ranges a lot greater than 50m. Large calibers are also very popular. I purchased the IOS version as I said I would. As it stands right now I can’t use any of the ballistics with what I am currently shooting. I am shooting an FX Panthera MKII .30/7.62 mm, with a 1:40 twist barrel at 100yds. I tried to add my data, but the app only allows a pellet diameter of 7mm or less and a twist rate of 1:28 or less.

 

[windmaster]

If you’re hoping to tackle the U.S. market, there a few needed changes. Not everyone, but a lot of U.S. airgunners are shooting PCPs at ranges a lot greater than 50m. Large calibers are also very popular. I purchased the IOS version as I said I would. As it stands right now I can’t use any of the ballistics with what I am currently shooting. I am shooting an FX Panthera MKII .30/7.62 mm, with a 1:40 twist barrel at 100yds. I tried to add my data, but the app only allows a pellet diameter of 7mm or less and a twist rate of 1:28 or less.

Hello Billm,

That is a fair point I never had into account. Tuesday next week there will be a significant update where those values will be allowed to be selected.

Thanks for the very useful feedback and your patience!

 

[Billm]

Hello Billm,

That is a fair point I never had into account. Tuesday next week there will be a significant update where those values will be allowed to be selected.

Thanks for the very useful feedback and your patience!

No rush on my part. I’m glad I can help.

 

[FL22]

I’m interested enough to give it chance, I hope it will have more budget friendly scope options in the future to help make the experience more realistic for everyone.