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How to Shoot Uphill and Downhill, Simplified
When it comes to long-range shooting, most marksmen focus on distance, wind and ballistics. But there’s another factor that can throw off your shot — shooting at an angle.
Shooting at an angle — whether uphill or downhill — can throw off your shot more than you think. It's an important concept to understand, whether you're out hunting, shooting in competition or just practicing at the range. Former special operations sniper and best-selling author Ryan Cleckner explains why your bullet will almost always hit high and how to adjust for precision in the field.
In this video, Ryan Cleckner from Gun University, former special operations sniper and sniper instructor, and bestselling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook, gives us a detailed explanation of what happens when you're shooting at angles.
The Basics of Shooting Uphill or Downhill
Gravity only acts on your bullet over the horizontal distance to the target — not the full line-of-sight distance. When you shoot at an angle, that horizontal distance is shorter, meaning gravity has less time to pull the bullet down. The result? Your shot impacts higher than it would on flat ground.
- Rule of thumb: Uphill or downhill, your bullet will hit high.
- Why: The “angle distance” is shorter than the true distance.
- Quick fix: Adjust your elevation for the angle distance, not the line-of-sight distance.
In a hunting scenario, you often don’t have time to pull out a calculator or consult a ballistic app. If a trophy bull elk steps into view at a steep angle, you need a fast mental shortcut:
- Mild angle, short range: Aim just a little low.
- Steep angle, long range: Aim noticeably low.
This won’t be perfect, but it will get you close enough for most hunting distances. For precision shooting, however, we can do much better.
Simple Math for Shooting at Angles
Although it sounds confusing, the math can be broken down fairly simply with only two measurements: the true distance and the angle.
- Angle Distance = True Distance x cos(Angle)
Finding the angle can be done in a number of different ways. Most modern rangefinders often calculate angle distance automatically. If yours doesn't:
- Measure the true distance with a rangefinder.
- Measure the shooting angle with an inclinometer.
- Apply the cosine formula.
In a pinch, you can use a digital "level" app on your smartphone and line up the edge of your device with the intended target to get a close measurement.
Real World Angles
Let's say you're going to engage a target at 1,000 yards away. You're going to shoot at a downhill angle of 30 degrees. Combining the sample data with the above formula, you get:
- 1,000 (True Distance) x 0.866 (cos(angle)) = 866 yards.
At short ranges and small angles, the difference is negligible. At long ranges or steep angles, failing to make the proper adjustment can cause significant misses.
The “Angle of Repose” and Real-World Slopes
In nature, slopes tend to max out around 30° because of the angle of repose — the steepest angle at which loose material like dirt or gravel will naturally settle. This means that in most real-world shooting situations, you’ll rarely encounter angles steeper than this unless you’re shooting from or at a cliff face.
The following is a sample chart to help you visualize the difference between true distance and angle distance at various angles.
| 5° | 0.999 | 99.9% |
| 10° | 0.984 | 98.4% |
| 30° | 0.866 | 86.6% |
| 45° | 0.707 | 70.7% |
What About Wind?
Even though gravity acts over the shorter horizontal distance, the bullet still travels the full line-of-sight distance through the air, meaning it’s exposed to wind for the entire time it’s in flight.
- Elevation -> Use angle distance
- Wind -> Use true distance
Final Thoughts
Shooting at angles is one of those topics that sounds complicated until you see the math — and then it’s surprisingly simple. The key is understanding that gravity only cares about horizontal distance.
By adjusting for angle distance instead of true distance, you can make precise shots in mountainous terrain, from elevated blinds or across canyons. And when you don’t have time for math, the “aim low” rule will still keep you in the game.
Additional Resources
Want to sharpen your long-range shooting skills even further? Ryan Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook is a trusted guide for marksmen of all levels, breaking down complex concepts into practical, field-ready advice. For even more expert insights, gear reviews and training tips, check out Gun University, where Ryan and other seasoned shooters share their knowledge to help you shoot smarter and more confidently.
Ready to put your skills to the test? Whether you're planning a weekend shoot or looking for a local range to practice, use the NSSF Range Finder to locate nearby ranges and download the Where To Shoot mobile app — all available through LetsGoShooting.org. It’s a practical tool for hunters, competitors and recreational shooters alike.
Interested in applying these skills in the field? For tips on real-world hunting scenarios — from elk and deer to upland birds — visit LetsGoHunting.org, a resource hub for both new and experienced hunters.
