How To Capture Bullet Trace

[EL LOBO]

What is bullet trace, you ask?

Bullet Trace is caused by a disturbance in air density resulting from a bullet in flight. This is often apparent in the form of a vapor trail.

Observing the trace could help you better understand the external factors that affect the bullet during its flight.

Is there a wind direction downrange that you didn't consider? Maybe the air density changes over the course of flight and affects the trajectory.

Utilizing trace could help you better understand what adjustments to make on the follow-up shot. It also looks really cool!

 

[Annihilator]

Nice article, years ago, my dad and I was out in the evening shooting his .22lr rifle, it was very humid and getting foggy, when you stepped to the side as the other shot, you could see the bullets trail going down range, always thought that was cool.

 

[KillerFord1977]

Dad always told me while in the Marine Corps at Paris Island (‘59-‘62) that he would more often than not see the vapor trail of the .45 1911 with the slower bullet and high humidity

 

[adam sr]

I have seen it when someone else is shooting. Always something neat too see.