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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
Range finding or BDC?
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<blockquote data-quote="bruce_ventura" data-source="post: 865521" data-attributes="member: 34084"><p>I'm not sure if you're referring to simple BDC reticles, or to range finding reticles that rely on matching a game animal's height or width to a scale on the reticle. If it's the latter, accuracy is not quite good enough for 500 yds, IMHO. Variations in animal torso height will limit accuracy out to about 300 yds for your caliber. That may be good enough for most shots. If the scale is for antler width, however, accuracy will be even worse. </p><p></p><p>In my experience, BDC reticles can be accurate out to 500 yds or more when used with a rangefinder. The linear reticles that are based on mils, like Horus and Swarovski BRH, are very accurate when used with a ballistic computer. Just range the target, calculate the drop and read it off the reticle. Some people calculate drop tables and attach them to their rifles. You have to know your round's BC, and interpolate between reticle lines (for most shots), which takes a little practice. </p><p></p><p>For BDC reticles with nonlinear line spacing, like the Zeiss Rapid Z, Burris E1, Nightforce Velocity, etc., you need to calibrate the reticle too your load. I do that by first zeroing the rifle at 100 or 200 yds. Then I reduce the magnification slightly to get the 500 yd reticle line to coincide with the point of impact at 500 yds. Once that is done the intermediate ranges are usually accurate. Again, you have to interpolate between lines for shots at odd range values. </p><p></p><p>Beyond 500 yds, I recommend that you dial elevation. That also requires range time to determine your round's BC and calibrate your elevation turret. </p><p></p><p>Each system takes practice to use accurately and reliably.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="bruce_ventura, post: 865521, member: 34084"] I'm not sure if you're referring to simple BDC reticles, or to range finding reticles that rely on matching a game animal's height or width to a scale on the reticle. If it's the latter, accuracy is not quite good enough for 500 yds, IMHO. Variations in animal torso height will limit accuracy out to about 300 yds for your caliber. That may be good enough for most shots. If the scale is for antler width, however, accuracy will be even worse. In my experience, BDC reticles can be accurate out to 500 yds or more when used with a rangefinder. The linear reticles that are based on mils, like Horus and Swarovski BRH, are very accurate when used with a ballistic computer. Just range the target, calculate the drop and read it off the reticle. Some people calculate drop tables and attach them to their rifles. You have to know your round's BC, and interpolate between reticle lines (for most shots), which takes a little practice. For BDC reticles with nonlinear line spacing, like the Zeiss Rapid Z, Burris E1, Nightforce Velocity, etc., you need to calibrate the reticle too your load. I do that by first zeroing the rifle at 100 or 200 yds. Then I reduce the magnification slightly to get the 500 yd reticle line to coincide with the point of impact at 500 yds. Once that is done the intermediate ranges are usually accurate. Again, you have to interpolate between lines for shots at odd range values. Beyond 500 yds, I recommend that you dial elevation. That also requires range time to determine your round's BC and calibrate your elevation turret. Each system takes practice to use accurately and reliably. [/QUOTE]
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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
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Range finding or BDC?
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