How Applied Ballistics Is Advancing Extreme Long Range Technology

by
posted on July 13, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
applied-ballistics-1a.jpg

Recent winners of a Department of Defense Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office contract for the Extreme Sniper Strike Operations (ESSO) project phase one, Applied Ballistics has just released a series of videos to shed some light on the magic behind designing a better balanced bullet. Over the course of three videos, the team walks us through their lab, follows along with the progress of a 194-grain .308 Win. going through the lab’s stations, and demonstrates the utility of their Doppler radar system.

Applied Ballistics Lab Radar
Watching the aforementioned bullet be put through its paces is really quite fascinating, and provides an excellent look at the behind-the-scenes research and development process of designing a well-flying bullet. After turning the projectile on a lathe, the team tries it out at their rail-gun test range, which is complete with a radar detailed enough to actually see bore evacuation and bullet rotation, determine muzzle velocity, and calculate the ballistic coefficient (BC). Upon discovering that the BC was high but inconsistent, indicative of a stability problem, it was either go back to the drawing board to make a shorter bullet, or try a higher twist barrel. The team, of course, elected to start with the latter solution.

Applied Ballistics Radar
This radar system, which was itself responsible for so many steps in the process, was interesting enough to merit a video all its own. The system uses two antennas: one high-frequency short range antenna, which can track the bullet to about 100 yards (primarily used for determining muzzle velocity), and a larger antenna which can track a .30 caliber bullet to 1500 meters, and larger bullets to longer distances. Where to switch from using one antenna to the other, as well as at what points to check velocity, can all be controlled manually from the range laptop.

Applied Ballistics Bullet Science
Such an extensive system is extremely important to have, as according to Applied Ballistics’ Doc Beech, the company tests “countless design changes in different calibers and weights to look for the smallest variance which will provide improvements in future designs. When bullets are tested at ELR distances, every little flaw is revealed.” Beech continues, “It isn’t just about pushing the boundaries further and further, it is about exposing the limitations we have in today’s technology and advancing the state of technology through improvement. What we do in ELR shooting, has a huge trickle-down effect, not to mention how it will help the ESSO project and the advancements for the military as we work to extend the capabilities of current systems.”

Applied Ballistics CNC lathe
Detailed enough to capture the interest of a ballistics junkie, while still well explained enough to hold the attention of an amateur, these videos are a must see for anyone interested in the science of ballistics, or ELR shooting.

Latest

Eley Trialpacks 1
Eley Trialpacks 1

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

What’s In Your Range Bag, Colton Bagnoli?

Colton Bagnoli: From SWAT Sniper to Precision Rifle Mentor

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.