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Predicting High Velocity 5.56 Bullet Drop with Air Drag Resistance in Rust [v2.4 Technical Discussion]

matrix_math_guy
Math Specialist
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1 months ago ยท Jul 3, 2026 9:32 AM
#1

Rust projectile ballistics include both gravity acceleration and aerodynamic drag:

$$V_{t+1} = V_t \times (1.0 - \text{drag} \cdot dt) + (0, -9.81 \cdot \text{gravityModifier}, 0) \cdot dt$$

For L96 / Bolt Action with High Velocity Ammo:

  • InitialVelocity = 750.0f
  • gravityModifier = 0.75f
  • drag = 0.005f

Applying numerical Euler integration over 30 simulation steps predicts exact sniper headshots at 400m+ distances!

rust_il2cpp_dev
IL2CPP Master
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1 months ago ยท Jul 3, 2026 3:10 PM
#2

Accounting for the drag decay factor is why simple parabolic gravity math missed at >250m. Outstanding math.

raycast_ryan
Ballistics Dev
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1 months ago ยท Jul 3, 2026 9:21 PM
#3

Tested on roof camp targets at 350m: landed 5 headshots in a row.