Using tree/plant leaves' wiggling to estimate cross winds at target range was mentioned in another thread. It is a waste of time. Cross winds have their greatest effect on bullet drift nearer to the rifle. For example,
The wind above the line of sight's faster than in the line of sight. Here's some examples:
Best way to "read the wind" is with a scope focused about 2/3rds the way to the target, then watch the heat waves wrinkling across the field of view a ways above the target. That's where the bullet spends most of its time. The best learning process is to coach a really good marksman in making sight changes to correct for wind. That way, you'll see the effect of the corrections given the shooter. Many great wind coaches were not so good marksmen, but they sure read those heat waves wrinkling across the field of view good enough to keep the shooter's bullets all in the 20" ten-ring on the NRA 1000 yard target.
The wind above the line of sight's faster than in the line of sight. Here's some examples:
Best way to "read the wind" is with a scope focused about 2/3rds the way to the target, then watch the heat waves wrinkling across the field of view a ways above the target. That's where the bullet spends most of its time. The best learning process is to coach a really good marksman in making sight changes to correct for wind. That way, you'll see the effect of the corrections given the shooter. Many great wind coaches were not so good marksmen, but they sure read those heat waves wrinkling across the field of view good enough to keep the shooter's bullets all in the 20" ten-ring on the NRA 1000 yard target.