Ballistic drop charts are a critical tool for hunters and long-range shooters. They translate bullet drop into actionable data so you can dial or hold accurately at distance.
Traditionally, shooters have had two options:
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Manually build charts using spreadsheets or apps
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Pay for a custom ballistic chart from a third-party provider
At Ballistix, we take a different approach. We believe shooters should be able to build accurate ballistic compensation drop charts for free, using the same high-fidelity data that drives our custom turrets.
This article explains how to create a free ballistic drop chart using the Ballistix simulator, how it compares to paid charts sold elsewhere, and why we offer this capability at no cost.
What Is a Ballistic Compensation Drop Chart?
A ballistic compensation drop chart shows how much a bullet drops at various distances based on:
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Rifle setup
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Ammunition characteristics
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Environmental conditions
Shooters use drop charts to:
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Dial elevation in MOA or MIL
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Confirm turret settings
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Validate ballistic data at the range
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Create backups for electronic devices
Drop charts are especially useful for hunting, where conditions can change and quick decisions matter.
The Traditional Industry Model: Paid Ballistic Charts
Many companies sell printed or custom ballistic charts as standalone products. These charts are often generated using basic ballistic software and delivered as static outputs.
The limitations of paid charts include:
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They assume fixed conditions
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They cannot be easily updated
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They may not reflect real-world variables
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They separate the chart from the system that generated it
While these charts can be useful, the shooter is paying for access to data that already exists digitally.
The Ballistix Approach: Free Drop Charts Built on the Same Engine as Our Custom Turrets
At Ballistix, our ballistic compensation drop charts are generated using the same simulator and ballistic engine that powers our custom laser-engraved turrets.
That means:
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The chart you generate for free
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And the turret you might later order
Are based on identical ballistic logic and calculations.
We do this intentionally. We believe shooters should be able to:
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Validate their data
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See how their rifle performs
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Confirm confidence in the system
Before ever buying anything.
How to Create a Free Ballistic Drop Chart Using the Ballistix Calculator
The process is straightforward and requires no purchase; that's how confident we are in our product.
Step 1: Enter Your Rifle and Ammunition Data
Input your:
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Caliber
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Muzzle velocity
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Bullet weight and ballistic coefficient
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Zero distance
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Sight height
Step 2: Add Environmental Conditions
Environmental factors significantly affect bullet flight. The Ballistix simulator accounts for:
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Altitude
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Temperature
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Pressure
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Humidity
This ensures your drop chart reflects real shooting conditions, not generic assumptions.
Step 3: Generate Your Ballistic Output
Once calculated, the simulator produces:
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Drop values by distance
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Elevation adjustments
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A ballistic compensation table you can reference in the field
This output functions as a fully usable drop chart at no cost.
Why Ballistix Ballistic Charts Are More Than Just "Free"
The value is not simply that the chart costs nothing. It is how the data is produced.
High-Fidelity Ballistic Simulation
The Ballistix simulator models bullet flight using continuously calculated drag curves rather than coarse distance blocks. This produces smoother, more accurate drop data, especially at extended ranges.
Designed for Real-World Shooting
The simulator was built specifically for:
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Hunting scenarios
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Dial-based shooting
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Real environmental variation
Not just theoretical ballistic tables.
One System, Not Disconnected Tools
Because the chart and the turret come from the same engine, shooters can:
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Verify drop data before ordering
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Compare chart results to range data
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Transition seamlessly to a custom turret later if they choose
Try Before You Buy: Why We Give It Away
We give ballistic drop charts away for free because:
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Confidence comes from validation
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Shooters trust systems they can test
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Accuracy should be proven, not promised
If the data does not match your rifle in the real world, a paid chart or custom turret would not fix that.
By starting with a free chart, shooters can:
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Confirm ballistic accuracy
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Understand their rifle’s behavior
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Decide if a custom turret makes sense for their shooting style
When a Custom Turret Becomes the Next Step
Many shooters continue using drop charts indefinitely. Others eventually decide they want to simplify the process further.
A custom turret takes the same ballistic data and:
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Removes conversion steps
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Reduces mental math
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Allows direct dialing by distance
But it should never be a blind purchase.
That is why Ballistix starts with free, transparent ballistic outputs first. You can check out our custom turrets when you feel like you're ready to make a purchase here. Ballistix purchases our turret blanks from the manufactures themselves where possible, we've also gone to great lengths to manufacture our own turret blanks when a manufacturer will not supply turrets and for virtually all other scenarios we offer our weather proof, adhesive, laser engraved turret labels.
Final Takeaway
Ballistic compensation drop charts are essential for accurate shooting at distance. While much of the industry charges for static charts, Ballistix provides free, high-accuracy ballistic charts generated by the same simulator used for our custom turrets.
The goal is simple:
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Let shooters validate the data
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Build trust through accuracy
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Offer an upgrade only when it genuinely adds value
You can create your free ballistic drop chart using the Ballistix calculator or you can check out our wide selection of custom turrets and turret labels.
