What happens to the trajectory of a round as it travels towards its target?

As a round travels toward its target, it typically does not follow a perfectly straight path due to the influence of gravity and other external factors. The trajectory often begins with a slight rise immediately after being fired, especially when considering the initial angle of elevation set by the shooter. This initial rise occurs because the projectile is launched at an angle above the horizontal, allowing it to ascend momentarily before gravity pulls it back down.

As the projectile continues on its journey, it eventually starts to fall due to the continuous force of gravity acting upon it. This results in a parabolic flight path rather than a straight line. Thus, the correct understanding is that the round may indeed rise initially before succumbing to gravity and falling toward the target. This understanding is crucial for accurate targeting and range estimation in real-world shooting scenarios.