OK I'm going to learn how to use MOA instead of a custom dial. Scenario Questions

In that scenario, I probably don't take the shot. If i don't have time to get it all figured out the first time, I don't shoot.

I used the Sig BDX3000 Binoculars this past season for my elk hunt.
I had a Kestrel 5700AB but didn't really use it to link up as I could download local weather from weather station 20 miles away that was close to what Kestrel said and it eliminates having to be linked.
As the day would warm I would update data which takes 5 seconds from my phone.
Worked perfectly on a 515 yard shot on a cow elk.
Only problem using BDX mode without the Kestrel limits the dope to only 800 yards. The Binoculars RF themselves were pretty good and I ranged stuff out to 3200 yards and one elk at 1121 yards.

I set up my turrets with both yardage and MOA so it's ready for either scenario.

Where im hunting in north idaho its thick. Shots present themselves and usually its a short time period atleast for me. When im sneaking into my sweet spots i have a hard copy of my drops. I have missed out on a few opportunity s because im too slow. It just takes time.

I actually have packed around a low budget scope (weaver ballistic x) because its so fast. It was on the kids gun but after i realise how good i was repeatedly hitting everytime i practiced i decided to carry it. 100-230-330-430-630 yards and i can hold adjust in between ranges. No dialing. I killed a cow @515 for instance and had no problem holding between. I have speedily killed quit a few critters with that set up and now realize dialing isnt always best for all my needs. Im actually going to 2moa increment FFP scope to use a reticle more because i need to hasten the process and can still use my chart.

At ranges beyond 650 i use the shooter app and input kestrel data (in another gun with better scope). I just hope the elk are feeding and not boogie ing as usual....i guess what im saying is yes...it takes more time for longer range on game.

I like the kestrel drop btw....it updates my shoot apps as i hunt. I just need a range and wind call.

Bill Cauley Jr said:

I would range the elk with my gun works G7BR2 rangefinder it will give me my ballistic calculation I already know the wind in 5 mile an hour increments and I can either dial or hold the reticle in my scope

Click to expand...

I second this one, the G7 rangefinder is a god send. Punch in your ballistic profile, range, dial and shoot. Its a pretty small price to pay, IMO, for what you get. I have shot many animals over the last few years since acquiring the G7 and it has never let me down.

We have taken several elk in the past couple of years having a dope sheet with range finders. Person #1 ranges and shooter dials. Fast and haven't needed a 2nd shoot. This year I'm going to get one of those wrist band for the chart similar to what you see the quarterbacks in the NFL use. We are in an area where temperature doesn't change 40 degrees from morning to evening.

That could be a bit trick shot. If possible - follow the old adage: GET CLOSER !!!

I have learned to use my BDC Mil Dot Scope as well as a bullet drop chart hand made from shooting at different distances specifically for my rifle and load. It only takes a few seconds to look at the chart and hold over for drop and wind age using the mil dot scope. It aint perfect but if you only have 30 seconds to take the shot it will do.

I just print a drop chart with an average density altitude for where I will be hunting and a 10mph crosswind. I tape it to the bell of my scope. Has worked well out to 1000 yds.

excaliber said:

As the title says I'm going to try to learn how to use MOA instead of a custom dial to shoot out to 1000 yards. I have this scenario and was hoping some of you experienced hunters can walk me through the steps and where I should go to learn them.
Here's the scenario:

I'm glassing this basin and I see a nice bull and he's out there a ways. I use my rangefinder and he's at 650 yards. The Elk is on the edge of cover and slowly feeding into the trees and you have about 30 seconds to take this shot or lose the opportunity.
The wind is 15 mph from the right at 60 deg quartering to me. The temp is 30 degrees and the elevation is 6000'.
My ballistic chart for the 200 Gr ELD-X says I need to come up 10.8 moa.

What tool(s) are you using to get the dope for this shot and how long would it take you to get it? Can it be done this quickly in different conditions?

Click to expand...

Gunwerks G7 either first generation which you can find used for under a $1000 or the new G7 2500 for $1500. It does it all. And is super dependable. It takes into account altitude and has a wind solution as well. All of which use moa measurements. Just my 2 cents.

After all that calculating you take the shot and missed or wounded the elk because you did account for the angle!

I personally worked out a drop and wind chart for the area that I hunt. I use wind hold offs by using the reticle left or right. I shoot often when the wind is blowing at different angles or hard in one direction or the other, while training / practicing.
All of the expensive range finders and expensive gadgets will not give you a quick on the spot elevation or wind hold in 30 seconds unless you are already set up expecting a shot in that exact location.
I agree with most of the people on here about making a confirmed drop chart in 25 yard increments. Find your hold offs for 5, 10, 15, 20 mph winds, quarter value, half value, full value winds.
I personally do not take shots at game in very high winds but that is a personal choice.
Best of luck.

excaliber said:

As the title says I'm going to try to learn how to use MOA instead of a custom dial to shoot out to 1000 yards. I have this scenario and was hoping some of you experienced hunters can walk me through the steps and where I should go to learn them.
Here's the scenario:

I'm glassing this basin and I see a nice bull and he's out there a ways. I use my rangefinder and he's at 650 yards. The Elk is on the edge of cover and slowly feeding into the trees and you have about 30 seconds to take this shot or lose the opportunity.
The wind is 15 mph from the right at 60 deg quartering to me. The temp is 30 degrees and the elevation is 6000'.
My ballistic chart for the 200 Gr ELD-X says I need to come up 10.8 moa.

What tool(s) are you using to get the dope for this shot and how long would it take you to get it? Can it be done this quickly in different conditions?

Click to expand...

well if you have only 30 sec to take that shot then pass on it and keep hunting. and as far as charts go they are ok but get a kestrel 5700 with link to range finder true the kestrel for your round and do a lot of shooting and lean how to use your gear shoot steel at 1000-1200 yards of season it it is easy then start hunting long after you master what you have

Experience with the gun and tracking skills have never failed me. 650 yards with my 3006 with at 150btsp is around shoulder height above the target. 15mph is unlikely the same across that distance so it's a good guess at best. I've never ran into a situation where you have time to get out the phone, open a app and make a bunch of calcs. Take the shot, fling as many as you can until it's down or out of sight and get to tracking.