22lr in the Wind?

[Nebowictz]

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to rifle shooting. Past couple times I've went to the range, it was fairly steady breezes at home and then at the range the wind was considerably more and gusty. According to the nearby weather station it was 10-15mph winds and 24mph gusts. (I have now found a weather station close by that I can look at real-time weather prior to going to the range)

I don't have any flags but there were some other targets partially stapled/blowing in the wind with which I could try and judge the gusts coming or shoot when it calmed down. When I mistimed a gust, in the lighting I could see the shots being blown severely off course.



Question - At what point do you say screw it and there too much or too variable wind to shoot or practice in?
Or maybe a better question is, when there is high/variable wind - what do you work on and what do you consider acceptable accuracy?

 

[mostly22lately]

50 yards is not too far ... maybe not a huge deal?
The longer the distance the more chance the wind has to alter the POI.

Assuming a 16" barrel and that the CCI SV is making rated speed... ;-)

Use the calculator at this URL:

https://shooterscalculator.com/ballistic-trajectory-chart.php?t=4e72518c

To learn the windspeed where YOU are, either get an anemometer ....

Or simply use an 8" piece of flagging tape and staple it to the side of your target.
If it deflects more than the 4: or 8: o'clock position, maybe don't fire just at that moment.

 

[REELDOC]

All you really need is a stick, a coat hanger bent to 90 degrees taped to the stick and a piece of ribbon.

If I'm working on hundred yard hard zero's I don't want any noticeable wind. Hard to find that condition but it is worth it. After the zero's are found I don't care what the wind is doing cause I'm going for dope at that point.

 

[LTC Don]

https://www.windy.com Apps available for Android and iPhone.

Zoom in, click the desired point, instant wind info. I use this site a lot for drone go/no go desicisions.

Winds at the target are the best though, especially since wind is so dynamic as it moves around objects, constantly speeding up and slowing down, so that makes ReelDoc's suggestion great.

 

[tod0987]

I think that is just SSV. I bought 2 5000 cases before covid and mine will do that. I'll have nice groups going on dead calm days with the rifle fixed in a clamp and then fliers 1 in every 10 shots. Cleaning hasn't changed much. I'm really leaning towards the lube they are applying to the bullets. Some of it has pure drops hardened onto the tips or sides of tips. Just my $0.02

 

[Nebowictz]

Is that accurate?? a 15mph wind right to left can push a 22lr 2" at 50 yards and a 25mph wind can push it 3.2"?

Either way, I need to get out and practice more both with and without wind.

 

[Schattenreiter]

Question - At what point do you say screw it and there too much or too variable wind to shoot or practice in?
Or maybe a better question is, when there is high/variable wind - what do you work on and what do you consider acceptable accuracy?

Depends on what you want from your shooting. Do you want to just punch holes in the middle of the target and claim to be a good shooter or do you actually want to be a good shooter. If the latter then keep practicing in the wind because you cannot control it. You may find yourself in a situation where you can't wait to shoot till there is no wind so you need to know how to shoot in the wind.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Question - At what point do you say screw it and there too much or too variable wind to shoot or practice in?
Or maybe a better question is, when there is high/variable wind - what do you work on and what do you consider acceptable accuracy?

I leave when it's not fun to shoot any more.

With respect to wind, it has nothing to do with the ballistics and everything to do with aggravation and comfort. If I have to fight the wind to put my targets up or keep them from blowing over, it's time to go. If I'm getting cold or there's also blowing rain involved, I'm packing up. If my supplies are getting out of control in the winds, I'm headed home.

Effects on accuracy itself is just part on the fun and games for me, because I get to try anticipating the winds and compensating the their effects.

Shooting is fun, and should always be so.