Dynamic targeting system with projectile-specific aiming indicia in a reticle and method for estimating ballistic effects of changing environment and ammunition

A ballistic effect aim compensation method for use when firing a selected projectile having pre-defined ballistic characteristics from a selected rifle or projectile weapon and developing a field expedient firing solution, comprising:

• (a) providing a ballistic effect compensating reticle comprising a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field including a primary aiming mark intersecting a nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks spaced along a curving, nearly vertical axis, the secondary aiming marks positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected regular incremental ranges beyond a first selected range for the selected projectile having pre-defined ballistic characteristics;
• and said aim point field also including a first array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a secondary non-horizontal axis intersecting a first selected secondary aiming mark;
• wherein said first array of windage aiming marks define a sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of said projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for said projectile's crosswind jump;
• (b) based on at least the selected projectile, identifying said projectile's associated nominal Air Density ballistic characteristics;
• (c) determining a range to a target, based on the range to the target and the nominal air density ballistic characteristics of the selected projectile, determining a yardage equivalent aiming adjustment for the projectile weapon;
• (d) determining a windage hold point, based on any crosswind sensed or perceived, and
• (e) aiming the rifle or projectile weapon using said yardage equivalent aiming adjustment for elevation hold-off and said windage hold point.