Nikon BDC recticle accuray with 270 WSM

The accuracy of the BDC does not depend at all on the caliber. It depends on you and the information you enter into the calculator to find out where the different circles will be "on" with regard to distance.

Find the Nikon "Spot On" program on Nikon's site.
Nikon Spot On&#153 Ballistic Match Technology Program

Follow the directions -
Step 1, pick the scope
Step 2, pick the caliber, ammo brand and then weight.
Step 3, add the target distance and zero distance (probably 100 or 200 yards).

Note that you can change atmospheric conditions as well as customize your load if you wish.

Now hit Fire! and look at the image of the BDC on the right.
Note that you can change the scope's "magnification" on the upper right and change the yardages for the circles. Having the correct power is key.

I printed out a "picture" of the BDC reticle using the print in the upper right of the reticle photo, and laminated them for Dad's rifles. He now has them for field use and per his antelope hunt this year they're right on.

I hope that helps explain it. The 7mm Wby Mag we use is ballistically very similar to the 270WSM, so your results should be very much the same.
 
I have one that I swap between my 30-06, 25-06 and 223. But, I invariably dial the turrets if time permits. Otherwise, I have a cheat sheet taped to my rifle just in case I roll up on a pack of wild hogs and have to act quickly.

How "accurate?"

For starters, the BDC reticle has thick lines and the circles are large. So, it's really difficult to do precision work which goes against the grain of "aim small, miss small."

However, there are a number of good reference points that you can use for quick shots and that's what it's basically intended for. But, only you can determine how well that works based on practice.

Like Vette says, you can use their website tool to help figure out your drops relative to the reticle. But, you ultimately have to go shoot it.

I'm thinking that the 270WSM is pretty flat out past 300 for coyote. (hold hair, or just over) After that, you may be somewhere in the first circle at 350-400 and then around the second circle at 500yds.

So, back to my earlier point. The circles are large and don't provide for fine aiming points at longer distances which is when your target really begins to shrink.

Ultimately, I'd much rather shoot the rifle and make note of the reference points and yardages than dial my power down in order to have the reticle subtend more closely to my trajectory curve as suggested by the mfg.

JMHO
--richard
 
I think the ret is rated for 3,000PFS. In a perfect world that would be good. The one I have I had to tweek the load to get close to the ret and still be able to hit out to 600 with it. I have a 225yrd zero but the top of first circle is my 300 to 350 aiming point. from there on out it falls pretty close to center of the circle. Best thing to do it get out and play with it. Try different zeros and work out. The worst can happen is you spend a day shooting.
 
BigDaddy,

That's the beauty of Nikon's SpotOn program. Enter you load data and you're 95% of the way there. You should still confirm it with shooting, of course.
 
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