Optics crashing error
Collapse is a phenomenon in which the crosshairs of the aiming reticle are not located strictly horizontally.
Many shooters know that the collapse of the weapon system affects the displacement of the point of impact, but not everyone understands how much.
The topics we raise in this article relate to both the importance of correct installation of optics (discussed in the previous article), and the alignment of the aiming reticle “with the horizon” when inserting it immediately before the shot.
To understand the effect of tilt in specific numbers, it is enough to apply a simple formula from the book by B. Litz.
Tilt Error:
σ (tilt) = (U+1 Mrad) x sin(α)
U = (your vertical correction in Mrad for the required distance)
1 Mrad – (if using moa, then +3 MOA to your vertical correction value)
α = tilt angle in °
Example:
Caliber = .338 LM
Bullet: 250 grains
Weather conditions: standard
Distance: 1050 m
U (Vertical correction): 8.9 Mrad (89 clicks)
α (tilt angle): 5°
σ (tilt) = (U+1 Mrad) x sin(α) = (8.9+ 1) × sin 5⁰ = 0.86 Mrad (90 cm)
Therefore, if the weapon system is tilted by 5⁰, the impact point will move to the side by 90 cm, taking into account the distance of 1050 m.
Tilt 1⁰=0.17 Mrad (18 cm)
Tilt 2⁰=0.34 Mrad (36 cm)
Tilt 3⁰=0.52 Mrad (54 cm)
Tilt 4⁰=0.69 Mrad (72 cm)
Let’s summarize:
Now we clearly understand what effect tilt has, and it remains to discuss how to avoid mistakes and misses as a consequence:
1. Your optics must be correctly installed, checked for possible manufacturing defects and aligned with the natural horizon.
2. During training, it is important to develop a sense of horizon, which will help with the level for weapons installed on the optics.
Note:
The level is set as follows:
1. Fix the weapon system in front of the stand with a slope.
2. Align the vertical thread of the reticle with the slope.
3. Mount the weapon level ON THE TUBE of the optics, checking it with the slope.
Don’t be a hostage to the “level on the optics”, we CHECK the level, developing a sense of the horizon, and DO NOT SHOOT BY THE LEVEL.
Happy hunting, Gentlemen!