What Exactly Is Wind Drift?

by
posted on August 1, 2018
2018_palma_atterbury-12_targets.jpg (1)
Wind drift is a popular term for wind deflection, defined as the lateral deviation of a bullet's trajectory from the original line of departure, caused by crosswind. The bullet trajectory is only changed slightly in the direction of the drag forces caused by the crosswind, producing an angular deviation in the bullet's path from its original line of departure. The longer a bullet travels, the further it deviates from its original path depending on when the drag forces are introduced. Therefore, if a bullet is hit by crosswind as soon as it leaves the barrel, the deviation is greater than if it were to be hit by a crosswind closer to the target.

What Exactly Is Wind Drift?

The angle of the crosswind can also determine the deviation of a bullet's path. Perpendicular winds—90 degrees to a bullet's path—will have the greatest effect, with smaller angles having less of an effect. Winds blowing parallel to a bullet's trajectory path will have such a small effect on the bullet that the wind drift can often be ignored.

To find the exact effects of wind drift in question, we recommend reading this article: "Expert Forum: Wind Shooting"

Latest

Robleatham GB 2025 1
Robleatham GB 2025 1

Springfield Armory’s Rob Leatham Receives Inaugural NRA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award At NRA Annual Meeting

Rob Leatham, one of the most decorated competition shooters in history, has been awarded the first-ever NRA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award by Shooting Sports USA.

Simonton Secures Women’s Skeet Silver Medal At ISSF Cyprus World Cup

Team USA’s Sam Simonton earns silver in Women’s Skeet at 2025 ISSF World Cup in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Competition Shooting Notables: Louis F. Lucas

Explore the impact and career highlights of competition shooting pioneer Louis F. Lucas.

New: Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States 2025 Edition

Whether you’re planning for concealed carry on a cross-country road trip or a hunter traveling to a different state, this detailed guide is designed to keep you informed.

Dead Air, Ruger Join Forces For New RXD Suppressor Series

RXD suppressors feature Dead Air’s Triskelion single-piece, PVD-coated mono-core.

AMU Trio Sweeps Podium At 2025 Dixie Match

2025 Dixie Match Results – NRA Bullseye Pistol Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla.

Interests



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