I could probably come up with something close to true, but for the smartys out there... Can anyone explain why a bullets spin adds accuracy? In good words and not mathmatics please.

First and formost, it prevents the bullet from tumbling end over end. Tumbling causes the point of impact to be more randomized. Kind of like a falling leaf fluttering to and frow as it falls.

Also, the axial spin along the line of travel evens out the effect of any surface imperfections, further reducing the 'falling leaf' effect.

you can see the effect for yourself at lower speeds. Throw a football with and without spin and see which throw is more accurate and farther.

you can see the effect for yourself at lower speeds. Throw a football with and without spin and see which throw is more accurate and farther.

 

Well, this shows that it does happen. But why? Is it really only the prevention of tumbling that kevinalm suggested?

pretty much, bullets preferentially fall on their sides but if they are spin stabilised they will go point first. this decreases drag and stops it swerving off to the side.

...And I thought it was related to gyroscopic effect, as to keep the axis aligned:-(

...And I thought it was related to gyroscopic effect, as to keep the axis aligned:-(

 

It is. Conservation of angular momentum.

It is. Conservation of angular momentum.

 

Ok, this makes sense.

It also prevents imperfections in the bullet from pulling the bullet off course. With a spinning bullet, any imperfections will instead pull it in a nearly straight helix, rather than to one side like a curveball.

So to summerize: It evens out structual imperfections of the bullet and minimizes atmospheric variables?

 

P.S. does anyone recall some member having evil Spock as there avatar? (bearded devilish looking spock) If so i think ill have to go with socrates.

And it gyroscopically stabilizes the bullet, keeping it from tumbling.

 

Mr. Spock would be ajb, I think. He's around here somewhere.

And it gyroscopically stabilizes the bullet, keeping it from tumbling.

 

Mr. Spock would be ajb, I think. He's around here somewhere.

 

Is that evil spock? bearded?

 

oh wait i wish i could delete, i can search.

 

SWEET! evil spock it is.