Marine Corps selects its new Scout Sniper Ballistic Computer

[DocUSMCRetired]

This is exciting, at least for me, so bear with me. The Marine Corps System Command has chosen the Applied Ballistics Kestrel as its new Scout Sniper Ballistic Computer!



http://www.nvisti.com/marcorsyscom-...istics-to-support-united-states-marine-corps/

Kestrel® Weather & Environmental Meters has been selected by Marine Corps System Command to provide the material solution for the Scout Sniper Ballistic Computers (SSBC) program.

“Kestrel has proudly supported Marine Corps Scout Snipers with rugged environmental meters for more than 15 years, starting with the original Kestrel 4000 Weather Tracker, through to the Kestrel 4500 with Applied Ballistics selected on this contract,” said Nielsen-Kellerman (NK) CEO Alix James. “We are constantly working to develop solutions that make our warfighters more effective without weighing them down with unnecessary gear. We are honored that this selection confirms that we’re building what our soldiers need.” NK is the manufacturer of the Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meters.

The Kestrel 4500 with Applied Ballistics is a 4-ounce, hand-held meter that combines accurate wind, direction, temperature, pressure and humidity readings with a built-in advanced ballistics calculator and bullet performance database. The Kestrel outputs elevation and wind holds calculated for the precise weapon, round and target characteristics, allowing snipers to put first shots on target at 1000 yards and beyond. - Proudly made in the USA and BERRY compliant as well as BUY American Act compliant.

The 887 Kestrel meters purchased will be supplied in a complete field support kit containing the following:
Kestrel Shooter’s Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics ITAR Desert Tan Tactical
Kestrel 4000 Series Screen Protection Kit
Pelican 1015 Black Case
Mystery Ranch Molle Soft Case

 

[Coop45]

Carlos' brain housing group in electronic form. S/F

 

[Panzerschwein]

VERY cool! Looks good to go.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Thanks!

 

[suncoastarmory]

I would love to have this kit.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

You can build this kit yourself for around 900$.

 

[jlr1962]

I want one. I hope they develop a cheaper version.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

jlr1962 we did, its called the sportsman. It all just depends on your needs. Disclaimer here, it says 800, but that is a rough estimate. What we really mean is supersonic. This is ideal for shooters who do not shoot in to the transonic/subsonic range. For .22LR that can be a medium range, for 6.5C that can be 1200 yards, for .308 that can mean 850 and so on. Basically it is going to be specific to your application what transonic means.

http://www.nkhome.com/kestrel-products/kestrel-sportsman-ballistics-weather-meter

 

[jlr1962]

jlr1962 we did, its called the sportsman. It all just depends on your needs. Disclaimer here, it says 800, but that is a rough estimate. What we really mean is supersonic. This is ideal for shooters who do not shoot in to the transonic/subsonic range. For .22LR that can be a medium range, for 6.5C that can be 1200 yards, for .308 that can mean 850 and so on. Basically it is going to be specific to your application what transonic means.

http://www.nkhome.com/kestrel-products/kestrel-sportsman-ballistics-weather-meter

UH OH, new gadget. Gotta pick one now. ???
One of the instructors at a local 1K yard range said that I would stay supersonic to 1100 yards with a 26" barreled 308 shooting 168 GMMK. Is that something that you would agree with?

 

[taliv]

does it support litz' custom curves yet?

 

[Bart B.]

Sierra's software says their 30 caliber 168 HPMK goes subsonic at 1026 yards leaving at 2800 fps in 40 degree temperatures at sea level. It starts to change direction at about 50 yards sooner that where they go subsonic. At 3000 feet altitude, it goes subsonic at about 1150 yards.

At 90 degrees, it'll go subsonic at 1066 yards at sea level. At zero degrees, subsonic range is 990 yards.

If you want to shoot that bullet at 1100 yard targets, I'd put it out at least 2900 fps unless you'll do it at higher altitudes and warmer temperatures.

 

[unwise11]

UH OH, new gadget. Gotta pick one now. ???

One of the instructors at a local 1K yard range said that I would stay supersonic to 1100 yards with a 26" barreled 308 shooting 168 GMMK. Is that something that you would agree with?

Unless you're handloading, and loading them rather hot, I would not think so.. Factory GMM is accurate but factory loads aren't going to stay supersonic like a hotter handload would.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

@jlr1962 the Sportsman model has been out for 6 months now.

@taliv the Sportsman does not support custom curves, however a correct G7 BC will be spot on for short range shooting in a long range boat tail design. If your firing solution is off, at less than 500 yards (not including 22LR and other short range calibers), then its more than likely a problem in the inputs for the weapon or the bullet.

In regards to the 168, I would have to disagree. Without knowing exact specifics, I would assume you are encountering subsonic shooting at that range. In fact, at 2800 or 2900 fps you could still easily go subsonic at 850-900 yards given certain conditions.