Author Topic: Ballistic Software?? Any suggestions? (Read 579 times)

drdougrx · « **on:** April 15, 2006, 12:32:02 PM »

Hi All,

Looking to purchase some ballistic software. Thinking about Oelher, any suggestions??

rambo1937 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2006, 12:53:13 PM »

Try the Sierra web...........

ricciardelli · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2006, 05:29:19 PM »

I enjoy playing with them all...however...I don't use any of them to determine what I should be loading.

After finding the right load for a firearm at the shooting bench I plug the data into the different programs to see what they say...and seldom do they agree on anything!

Of all of them I like the QuickLoad suite of programs the best.

PaulS · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2006, 05:29:26 PM »

If you want really excellent software for no money at all try here:

www.huntingnut.com

and download the Point Blank freeware. The ballistics are flawless and it will keep your records so that you can have them later. You can also print them out for hardcopies. IT does have a few quirks but then its free - try it before you spend a lot of money for something that may or may not work as well. Version 2.0 will be out soon but there are a lot of folks who rave about Point Blank as it is now.

ricciardelli · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2006, 06:54:08 PM »

If he is looking for something for free...

http://stevespages.com/page8b.htm

I have around 70 different "freebies"...all downloadable.

PaulS · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2006, 08:46:55 PM »

Quote from: ricciardelli

If he is looking for something for free...

http://stevespages.com/page8b.htm

I have around 70 different "freebies"...all downloadable.

I'll bet you do.
How many are ballistics programs?
How many are windows based?
How many of those are fully functional programs that don't quit working after 30 days?
How many are left that are free without nag screens that slow down their use?
Of those that are still on the list how many besides PointBlank (I assume that you have it too) are really user friendly enough to use?
how many of them are freeware and licensed as such?

bud340 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2006, 03:51:24 AM »

Quote

If you want really excellent software for no money at all try here:

Thankyou, PaulS :-)

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2006, 04:00:22 AM »

Thanks everyone!

Steve, I've checked out your site and what a wonderful reference for us all....thank-you!

Paul....I will have a look at Point Blank.

I should say that money isn't the issue, I just want something that is flexible and current or at least updateable.

Happy Easter for those who celebrate and a good weekend to everyone else!

PaulS · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2006, 11:28:20 PM »

drdougrx,

Remember that there will be a new version of PointBlank out soon
The new version is going to have some major additions and improvements!

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2006, 03:44:45 AM »

I have been using Point Blak for a while and am very satisfied. I am waiting for the latest version and know it will be worth it. :wink:

Questor · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2006, 03:51:48 AM »

I like PointBlank. I've had my copy of it for at least five years and it does what I want. It was free at the time, and don't know if he's charging for it now. I use it almost solely to estimate bullet trajectory at various distances. This helps me plan loads before doing a lot of load development. My process is:
1) Look at various load data and bullet Ballistic Coefficients
2) Look at PointBlank to see what kind of trajectory I can expect and about where I should sight-in to get the best point blank trajectory.
3) Really get into some research on bullets and powders, and pick a small sample that is likely the best for that cartridge.
3) Do some load development with the help of the chronograph. This lets me verify accuracy, and to compare the nominal velocity of the load with the actual velocity of the load. Adjust as needed to get the best load.
4) Do some shooting knowing I've done my homework
5) If it's a hunting cartridge, check the effectiveness on the bullet on animals. Replace the bullet if I'm not satisfied with its performance.

Siskiyou · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2006, 04:57:25 AM »

I started out using Barnes Ballistics v 3.0 I was rather happy with it but it did have a few problems. I called them up for assistance and was told that they had just released a new version and that for full retail price I could correct the problems with v. 3.0. The person I talked had an attitude which was not helpful.

I ordered the then current version of Serria's Ballistic software. Serria has released a couple of downloadable updates for it. But more important is by phone or e-mail Serria has answered my questions. I rate Serria high in customer service. When I have run into questions with the Serria program the Help Menu normally answers my questions.

The display of attitude from Barnes was such that when my brother offered me an unopened box of 130 grain Barnes bullets for my .270 I passed them up. I felt it was not worth the time and effort to develop loads for bullets that I would not buy in the future. When it comes to customer support "Honey will get you further then Vinegar."

One of these days I will upgrade my ballistics software again. I am kind of holding fire and seeing what will operate on the next generation of operating systems. Most likely my new program will be the most current version of Serria Ballistics.

ricciardelli · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2006, 06:25:15 AM »

It sure is nice to see that someone else has had such a wonderful experience with Barnes' "customer service" over their software!

I had the same problem. I bought a copy of their software, and noticed some problems with it. When I called and asked for a corrected copy I was told they had released a new version.

Thinking they were going to send me a copy of the corrected version I was almost excited about their co-operation. then the gal on the other end asked for my credit card number.

I asked why she needed the number and she told me that they had to charge me for the new software...full price!

I told her that I had had the current copy less than 30 days and that a corrected copy or an upgrade should be available for a reduced price, if not for free, since the copy I bought was defective. She told me that if I wanted their software I would pay full price for it, and that is all there was to it!

That was the last time I ever bought anything with "Barnes" on the packaging!