⚠️
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING ⚠️
BALLISTICS CALCULATIONS ARE MATHEMATICAL ESTIMATES ONLY.
The calculations provided by ballistics.foo are for educational and informational purposes only. They are NOT a substitute for:
- Professional ballistics analysis
- Proper firearms training and certification
- Independent verification and real-world testing
- Following manufacturer specifications and safety guidelines
BY USING THIS SERVICE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ASSUME ALL RISK.
1. Accuracy Limitations
Calculations Are Estimates
All ballistics calculations are based on mathematical models and idealized conditions. Real-world results will vary due to numerous factors:
Manufacturing Variations:
- Ammunition: Bullet weight, powder charge, and velocity vary between lots
- Firearms: Barrel length, twist rate, and chamber dimensions affect performance
- Quality Control: Manufacturing tolerances create shot-to-shot variations
- Age and Storage: Ammunition degrades over time, affecting performance
Environmental Factors:
- Temperature: Affects powder burn rate and air density
- Humidity: Changes air density and bullet stability
- Altitude: Lower air density at higher elevations
- Wind: Speed and direction change constantly and are difficult to measure accurately
- Barometric Pressure: Varies with weather and location
User and Equipment Factors:
- Shooting Technique: Consistency in hold, trigger control, and follow-through
- Scope Mounting: Scope height, cant, and alignment errors
- Firearm Condition: Bore fouling, wear, and maintenance
- Measurement Errors: Chronograph accuracy, range estimation
YOU MUST VERIFY ALL CALCULATIONS
Never rely on calculated ballistics data without verification through actual shooting in safe, controlled conditions. Start with conservative loads and work up carefully while watching for pressure signs.
2. Fundamental Firearms Safety Rules
Before using any ballistics data, you MUST follow basic firearms safety rules:
- 1Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded - Never assume a firearm is unloaded without personally verifying
- 2Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy - Maintain muzzle awareness at all times
- 3Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot - Index finger should be outside the trigger guard until sights are on target
- 4Be sure of your target and what is beyond it - Bullets can travel for miles; know your backstop
- 5Wear appropriate eye and ear protection - Protect yourself from noise and debris
- 6Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm - Check manufacturer specifications
- 7Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting - Maintain clear judgment and coordination
- 8Store firearms securely and separately from ammunition - Prevent unauthorized access
3. Legal Compliance
Know and Follow ALL Applicable Laws
Firearms and ballistics are subject to extensive regulation. You are responsible for:
Federal Laws (United States):
- National Firearms Act (NFA) - Regulates certain firearms and accessories
- Gun Control Act (GCA) - Licensing and commerce regulations
- Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Background checks
- Export control laws - ITAR and EAR restrictions
State and Local Laws:
- Vary significantly by jurisdiction - What's legal in one state may be illegal in another
- Firearm ownership and possession restrictions
- Ammunition regulations (California, others)
- Concealed carry permits and reciprocity
- Hunting seasons, bag limits, and caliber restrictions
- Transport and storage requirements
International Users:
- Firearms laws vary dramatically by country
- Many countries have strict or total bans on civilian firearms
- Consult local authorities before possessing firearms or ammunition
- Export/import of firearms data may be restricted
YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Ballistics.foo does not provide legal advice. Consult with qualified legal counsel or law enforcement regarding firearms laws in your jurisdiction. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.
4. Prohibited and Illegal Uses
This Service Must NOT Be Used For:
- Illegal activities - Any unlawful purpose whatsoever
- Harm to persons or property - Planning or committing violence
- Manufacturing illegal weapons - Unregistered NFA items, destructive devices
- Poaching or illegal hunting - Violations of game laws
- Terrorism or threats - Planning attacks or making threats
- Bypassing legal restrictions - Circumventing laws or regulations
- Prohibited persons - Use by felons or others legally barred from firearms
Age Restriction: You must be at least 18 years old to use this Service. Minors should only access ballistics information under direct adult supervision and in compliance with all applicable laws.
5. Not Professional Advice
This Service Does NOT Provide:
- Professional ballistics consulting - Seek qualified experts for critical applications
- Firearms training - Get proper instruction from certified instructors
- Legal advice - Consult attorneys regarding firearms laws
- Medical advice - Seek medical help for injuries immediately
- Hunting guidance - Consult game wardens and hunting regulations
- Load development recommendations - Follow published reloading manuals
Consult Qualified Professionals:
- Ballisticians - For precision long-range shooting or critical applications
- Certified Firearms Instructors - For training and safety education
- Gunsmiths - For firearm modifications and repairs
- Ammunition Manufacturers - For load data and specifications
- Attorneys - For legal questions about firearms
6. Reloading and Handloading Warning
⚠️ RELOADING IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ⚠️
IMPROPER HANDLOADS CAN CAUSE:
- Catastrophic firearm failure (blown barrel, destroyed action)
- Serious injury or death to shooter and bystanders
- Overpressure, case rupture, and primer blowouts
- Permanent damage to firearms
If You Reload Ammunition:
- Always use published load data from reputable sources (Hodgdon, Alliant, IMR, manufacturer manuals)
- Never exceed maximum loads listed in reloading manuals
- Start 10% below maximum and work up slowly, watching for pressure signs
- Use proper equipment - Quality press, scale, calipers, and tools
- Double-check every charge - Weigh powder charges; never estimate
- Watch for pressure signs - Flattened primers, sticky extraction, ejector marks
- Keep detailed records - Document all loads and results
This Service does NOT provide reloading data. Consult published reloading manuals from powder and bullet manufacturers.
7. Assumption of Risk
By Using This Service, You Acknowledge:
- You understand that ballistics calculations are estimates and may contain errors
- You will independently verify all calculations before any practical application
- You assume all risks associated with firearms, ammunition, and ballistics
- You have proper training and certification for your intended use
- You will follow all applicable laws, regulations, and safety procedures
- You release ballistics.foo from all liability for any injuries, damages, or losses
FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS
Misuse of firearms or ammunition can result in serious injury or death. You are solely responsible for:
- Safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition
- Proper training and competence with firearms
- Compliance with all applicable laws
- Verification of all ballistics data
- Consequences of your actions
8. In Case of Emergency
Firearm Accident or Injury:
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
- Secure the scene and make it safe
- Provide first aid if trained
- Do not move seriously injured persons unless necessary
- Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding
- Wait for professional medical help
Firearm Malfunction:
- STOP SHOOTING IMMEDIATELY
- Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction
- Wait 30-60 seconds in case of hangfire
- Unload carefully and inspect firearm
- Consult a qualified gunsmith if unsure
- Never attempt to fire a damaged or malfunctioning firearm
9. Safety Resources
Training and Education:
Legal Information:
Technical Resources:
- SAAMI: www.saami.org (ammunition standards)
- Reloading Manuals: Hodgdon, Lyman, Sierra, Nosler, Hornady
- Ballistics Software: Applied Ballistics, Hornady 4DOF, Strelok
⚠️ FINAL WARNING ⚠️
IF YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THESE SAFETY WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMERS, DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE.
Ballistics.foo is an educational tool for learning about ballistics physics and programming. It is NOT a substitute for proper training, professional analysis, or safe practices.
SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
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