IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator

Ballistic Calculator: Powder Charge & Elevation

Enter the target range from your tactical map and get the correct powder charge and gun elevation instantly. Every charge step covers 5 map units; elevation is linear within each charge band, maxing at 60 degrees.

6 charge bands Max 30 units 60° max elevation Live calculation

Firing solution

Range to charge & elevation

Target range
units
Shell type (optional, does not affect charge)
Powder charge
4/6
covers 0 - 20 units
Elevation
54.0°
959 mils
Dial charge 4 (covers 0-20). Set elevation to 54.0°.

Reference

Full charge band table

ChargeMax rangeElevation multiplierExample at max
1 / 60 - 5range × 1260.0°
2 / 60 - 10range × 660.0°
3 / 60 - 15range × 460.0°
4 / 60 - 20range × 360.0°
5 / 60 - 25range × 2.460.0°
6 / 60 - 30range × 260.0°
Charge is independent of shell type. The same charge fires HE, AP, APHE, smoke, star, and chemical shells to the same range band - shell choice only changes the effect on impact.

How to use it

The firing solution workflow

1Measure the target range on the tactical map. Use the red pencil from your Nest spike to the target token. The range in units is automatically copied to your clipboard.
2Type or paste the range into the calculator above. The charge and elevation update instantly. Use the slider for quick scrubbing between targets.
3Read the powder charge and elevation. The charge card shows which band you need (e.g. 4/6 covers 0-20 units). The elevation card shows the exact barrel angle in degrees and mils.
4Optionally pick a shell type. Shell choice does not change the charge - it only confirms which shell to load for the desired effect on impact.
5Dial the settings in the cab. Load the indicated powder charge, traverse to the bearing from your map measurement, set the elevation on the gun instrument, then fire.
6If the shot lands short or long, adjust the range slightly and recalculate. A small range correction produces a small elevation correction within the same charge band. Step the charge up or down only if you are clearly outside the band.
Elevation maxes at 60 degrees. If a calculation hits the cap, step up to the next charge band - the same range will then require a lower, more comfortable elevation.