Ballistics

Ballistics is a field of physics that examines the movement of a projectile from the moment it is fired until impact. It describes how a projectile travels through the air, how it drops due to gravity, how air resistance slows it down, and how much energy it has when hitting a target. A projectile’s path is never perfectly straight – it always forms a ballistic curve (arc). The ballistic curve shows how a bullet (or airsoft BB) travels on a curved trajectory under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Snipers must study ballistics to accurately compensate for drop, wind, and other effects. In airsoft, BB ballistics are handled mainly through aiming above the target, proper hop-up adjustment, and choosing the correct BB weight.

What is a ballistic curve?

The ballistic curve is a graphic or physical representation of the projectile’s trajectory in the air. It shows how the bullet initially appears to “rise” (because the shooter aims above the target), then gradually drops due to gravity, and finally impacts the target. The curve is influenced by:

initial projectile velocity,
projectile weight and shape,
air resistance and atmospheric density,
ballistic coefficient (aerodynamic efficiency),
temperature, altitude, wind.

Why must snipers study ballistics?

Snipers shoot at distances where all ballistic factors become significant. To hit a target hundreds of meters away, they must understand how the projectile behaves in real conditions. They study:

gravity – the projectile begins to drop immediately after firing, so the shooter must aim above the target (elevation / holdover),
wind – crosswind shifts the projectile sideways; the sniper must assess wind direction and intensity to apply proper wind hold,
temperature and air density – these influence drag and therefore bullet drop,
elevation difference between shooter and target,
ballistic charts and calculators – converting elevation/windage adjustments into turret clicks or reticle holds.

Without ballistic knowledge, a sniper would not reliably hit anything at long distances – they must literally predict where the projectile will land and adjust their aim accordingly.

Ballistics in airsoft – how is BB trajectory handled?

An airsoft BB (BB / BBs) is extremely light (0.20–0.49 g) and travels relatively slowly. This results in a very pronounced ballistic curve and far greater air resistance than with real bullets. Key points:

Aiming above the target:
Because the BB loses speed quickly and drops, the shooter must aim above the target (holdover). The farther the distance, the higher the aim point.
Hop-up and BB backspin:
The hop-up system applies backspin. Thanks to the Magnus effect, this creates lift that keeps the BB in the air longer and flattens the trajectory. Proper hop-up tuning is the main ballistic tool for any airsoft player.
BB weight:
Heavier BBs (0.28–0.40 g and above) offer better stability, reduced wind influence, and often a more stable/consistent curve, even though they travel more slowly.
Gun power (Joules):
Higher energy = longer range, but also increased sensitivity to Joule creep in gas and HPA guns (heavier BBs may produce more energy than expected).

Airsoft ballistics in practice – how to aim?

Correctly adjust hop-up: the BB should fly as flat as possible, slightly rise, then drop smoothly.
Test different BB weights: find the BB weight that gives the straightest trajectory for your gun’s power and barrel.
Learn your distances: memorize how much holdover is needed at 40, 50, 60+ meters.
Consider the wind: wind has a huge effect in airsoft, especially on lighter BBs.