Loophole Calculator

Calculators

Clearance

Range Estimation

Conversions

Enter your data to determine the bullet's path through the loophole.

Height Over Bore (cm)

Distance to Loophole (meters)

Dialed Elevation for Target (Mils)

Loophole Height (Mils)

Bullet Path vs LOS

Sight Picture

How To Use & Formula Confirmation

The Problem: Bullet Path vs. Line of Sight

When you dial elevation for a distant target, your barrel tilts up. At the same time, your barrel is physically below your scope (mechanical offset). This calculator determines the bullet's final path through a close obstacle by combining these two factors.

Why Is My Bullet Path Positive?

This is counter-intuitive but correct. At the short distance of the loophole, the bullet is still on the rising portion of its arc to the distant target. The upward angle from your dialed elevation is much greater than the downward mechanical offset, so the bullet passes through the loophole above your line of sight.

SCOPE -----> (Line of Sight)

BARREL Tilted Up ↑ ..... (Line of Departure / Bullet Path) ↑

How To Use

Measure Height Over Bore: Use calipers or a tape measure to find the distance from the center of your barrel to the center of your scope. Enter this value in centimeters (cm).
Measure Distance to Loophole: Measure the distance from your scope's turret to the loophole. Enter this value in meters (m).
Enter Dialed Elevation: Input the elevation you have dialed on your turret for your long-range target in Mils.
Measure Loophole Height: Use your reticle to measure the total height of the loophole opening. Enter this value in Mils.
Check Results: The calculator provides the final Bullet Path vs LOS and a GO / NO-GO decision based on the recommended aim point.

Practical Example:

You dial 5.2 Mils for a 600m target. Your loophole is 10m away and your Height Over Bore is 6.86cm. The calculator determines your mechanical offset is -6.86 Mils. It then calculates the final path: -6.86 + 5.2 = -1.66 Mils. This means your bullet will pass 1.66 Mils below your crosshair. The app will recommend you "Aim Top 1/3rd" to ensure clearance.

Formula Confirmation

Mechanical Offset Correction:

Offset (Mils) = -1 * (Height Over Bore_cm * 10) / Distance_m

This calculates the drop in Mils caused by your scope's height over the bore.

Final Bullet Path vs. Line of Sight (LOS):

Bullet Path (Mils) = Offset (Mils) + Dialed Elevation (Mils)

This combines the downward offset with the upward angle from your dialed elevation to find the bullet's true path relative to your crosshair.