Ballistix Reloading

BALLISTIX / TARGET PHOTO MEASUREMENTS

Measure shot groups from target photos with Ballistix

A target photo tells a better story when the measurements stay with the ammunition and setup behind it. Ballistix measures group size, MOA, and mean radius from the shot centers you mark, then saves the group with your ballistic record.

How to measure a shot group in Ballistix

  1. Open a saved ballistic record and upload a target photo. For a ladder record, use the target photo controls on the step you shot.
  2. Open the photo's measurement editor. Use Calibrate to mark two points with a known separation, then enter the reference length in inches or millimeters.
  3. Enter the target distance in yards. Ballistix uses this distance for angular measurements such as MOA and mils.
  4. Use Mark shots to place a marker at the center of each shot hole. Check your markers and calibration before saving.
  5. Name and save the group. Add another group when the same target photo contains more than one string.

Photograph the target square-on with the reference and shot holes clearly visible. Photo perspective, reference length, and marker placement affect the results. Shot centers are marked manually; the app does not automatically detect bullet holes.

Group size, MOA, and mean radius describe different things

Group size: center-to-center extreme spread

Group size is the greatest distance between any two marked shot centers. It describes the widest separation in the group. The editor reports enclosing circle diameter separately.

MOA: group size relative to target distance

MOA expresses the group's angular size. The same physical spread at a longer distance has a smaller MOA value, so the target distance must be correct. The editor also offers inches, millimeters, and mils.

Mean radius: the spread of all marked shots

Mean radius is the average distance from each shot to the group's mean center. It uses every marked shot rather than only the two farthest apart. Keep shot counts and distances alongside both measurements when comparing sessions.

Keep measurements linked to the load and range session

Save multiple groups on one photo and return to their names, dates, shot counts, distances, and statistics. Ladder target photos and groups stay with their assigned charge step. A regular range record keeps the measurements with its load or purchased ammunition, weapon, optic setup, and notes.

Manual target measurements do not require premium access. Garmin chronograph imports require premium; they add velocity data to the same record so you can review the target and chronograph results together.

Try the Ballistix homepage's sample shot groups without an account. The demonstration uses illustrative data; sign in to save measurements from your own targets.