What does "lead" refer to in marksmanship?

In marksmanship, "lead" refers to the distance ahead of a moving target where a shooter must aim their weapon to effectively hit the target. This concept is crucial when shooting at moving objects, as bullets travel at a finite speed, while the target moves at a different speed. By aiming at the point where the target will be when the bullet arrives, rather than where the target is at the moment of firing, marksmen can enhance their accuracy.

Understanding lead is particularly important in dynamic shooting scenarios, such as hunting or tactical situations, where targets are frequently in motion. Knowing the proper amount of lead required—taking into account factors such as distance, speed of the target, and bullet velocity—allows a shooter to adjust their aim accordingly. This skill is developed through practice and experience in varying shooting conditions.